Welcome to Magdeburg
The “Otto City” Magdeburg with more than 1,200 years of history introduces itself: The first German-Roman Emperor Otto I and the natural scientist Otto von Guericke are its famous namesakes. The city's imposing landmark is the Gothic Magdeburg Cathedral, whose foundation stone was laid in 1209. Originally, Emperor Otto I initiated the construction of the imperial cathedral in 955, but it was destroyed by a city fire. It is worth visiting the oldest Gothic sacred building on German soil for its enormous dimensions alone. Its sculpture cycles are of art-historical importance.
Only a few meters from the cathedral square stands the Green Citadel of Magdeburg, an architectural work of art by the great Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Visible from afar, it glows in the colors gold, pink, white and green. Balconies are set into the predominantly pink-painted house facades, with green trees growing undisturbed into the sky everywhere. The architecture reflects the living concept of the Green Citadel. The artist wanted to create a paradisiacal oasis in the city and a living environment that leaves room for creativity. In addition to apartments, the fantasy building houses small stores, a theater and an art hotel with artistically designed rooms. Magdeburg is thus a medieval journey through time and a modern cultural city at the same time. With its numerous parks, Magdeburg is one of the greenest cities in Germany.
