Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Quedlinburg Unesco-Welterbe (in German)
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
UNESCO Commission of Germany
Altstadt von Quedlinburg (Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission)(german only)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1994
Size of heritage: 90 ha
- Buffer zone: 270 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 11,150°
Latitude: 51,783°

Summary

Quedlinburg, in the Land of Sachsen-Anhalt, was a capital of the East Franconian German Empire at the time of the Saxonian-Ottonian ruling dynasty. It has been a prosperous trading town since the Middle Ages. The number and high quality of the timber-framed buildings make Quedlinburg an exceptional example of a medieval European town. The Collegiate Church of St Servatius is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque architecture.

Location on Map

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Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg

The Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. This historic town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its significant role in German history. The site encompasses the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius, the Quedlinburg Castle, and the charming Old Town, which together create a unique and captivating cultural landscape.

History

The history of Quedlinburg dates back over a thousand years. It was founded in the 10th century as a royal palace complex by King Henry I, the first ruler of the Saxon dynasty. The town quickly grew in importance and became a center of political and cultural influence in the region. In the 12th century, a Romanesque collegiate church was constructed, dedicated to St. Servatius, which became the spiritual heart of the town.

During the Middle Ages, Quedlinburg prospered as a trading hub and was granted numerous privileges, including the right to hold markets and mint coins. The town's wealth attracted wealthy noble families, who built magnificent timber-framed houses that still line the streets of the Old Town today.

In the 17th century, Quedlinburg experienced a period of decline due to the devastating effects of the Thirty Years' War. However, it was during this time that the town's medieval character was preserved, as economic stagnation prevented significant modernization. This fortunate circumstance has allowed Quedlinburg to retain its original architectural charm.

Current State

The Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg are exceptionally well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich history. The Collegiate Church of St. Servatius is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, with its impressive towers and intricate stone carvings. Inside, visitors can admire the medieval crypt and the treasury, which houses a collection of precious religious artifacts.

The Quedlinburg Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town, is a striking example of medieval fortification. Although it suffered damage over the centuries, extensive restoration work has ensured its survival. Today, the castle houses a museum that showcases the history of Quedlinburg and its surrounding region.

The Old Town of Quedlinburg is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with over 1,200 half-timbered houses. These beautifully preserved buildings span several centuries and feature intricate carvings and colorful facades. The Market Square, with its Renaissance-style town hall, is the heart of the Old Town and a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Breite Str. 52
06484 Quedlinburg
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 10:30 - Checkin: 11:00
Reception
Weekday: 9:00 - 17:00
Weekend: 9:00 - 14:00

Videos from the area

Selketalbahn Alexisbad - Gernrode - Quedlinburg -5- Harz (26 april 2009)

Published: May 15, 2009
Length: 21:33 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: tramways1435

Harz Alexisbad-Gernrode-Quedlinburg Selketalbahn Germany HSB 99 6001-4 Dampf Steam Stoom Vapeur Meterspur Metregauge Meterspoor Voie metrique (Nokia 5800)

Quedlinburg, world heritage city

Published: November 03, 2009
Length: 21:20 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: screenshot

Quedlinburg is a town located north of the Harz mountains, in the district of Harz in the west of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. In 1994 the medieval old town was set on the UNESCO world heritage...

Dampflok 35 1097 nach Quedlinburg (+DR V180)

Published: December 19, 2010
Length: 49:23 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: TheGondorian

Zum Advent in den Höfen fuhr am 12. Dezember 2010 ein Sonderzug von Berlin über Magdeburg nach Quedlinburg, der von 35 1097, einer Neubaulok der Deutschen Reichsbahn, und von einer DR ...

Thüringer Nostalgiezug in Quedlinburg

Published: November 29, 2014
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: seidi81

Ankunft des Nostalgiezuges aus Thüringen in Quedlinburg.

Dampflok 01 509 mit Weihnachtszug in Quedlinburg und Thale (+ 246 001)

Published: December 09, 2011
Length: 04:59 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: TheGondorian

[ English description below] Zum berühmten Weihnachtsmarkt in Quedlinburg fuhr Anfang Dezember 2011 die Dampflok 01 509 zusammen mit Diesellok 246 001. Zum Abstellen ging es danach nach ...