Brandenburg an der Havel - the City by the River

Any visitor can see straight away, that Brandenburg an der Havel is the city by the river, no matter by which means he chooses to discover the oldest city in the State of Brandenburg. If travelling by car, he will be amazed at all the small bridges which cross the numerous canals and branched arms of the river. They are not only used as a connection between the three historical settlement centres Dominsel, Altstadt and Neustadt. Standing on these, the hikers can wave to leisure time captains who, coming from Berlin or Magdeburg, are in search of an anchorage in the city centre. No matter if from land or sea; the prominent silhouettes of the large brick churches can bee seen all around and also the numerous smaller sights. Wandering through the narrow alleys the visitor will come across many an impressive location that witnesses past eras of architecture. Needless to say, that the city by the river - in which there has been lots of changes in recent years - has a rich cultural offer on show throughout the seasons. The city by the Havel River, which was previously only known as an "insider tip" is, in the meantime, one of the top destinations for visitors who would like to combine a trip into the history and the culture of the Mark with the qualities of the surroundings full of water and wooded areas.

 

The place where the St. Peter und Paul zu Brandenburg Cathedral, which is well known beyond the boundaries of the city, can be found is often referred to as the "Cradle of the Mark Brandenburg". The laying of the foundation stone for the present day Cathedral was in 1165. The oldest document in which the name Brandenburg is mentioned goes as far back as 948 and can be seen in the Dommuseum alongside other valuable exhibits. Four towers and large parts of the medieval city wall have been preserved. Besides the Plauer Torturm, Rathenower Torturm and Mühlentorturm, the Steintorturm is to be mentioned, as this is the most prominent and is home of the branch of the museum. On its different floors, it shows a documentation of the medieval fortification and judiciary. The actual Museum im Frey-Haus, located in the Ritterstrasse 96, presents the historic city exhibition and also a special show about the mechanical tin toys of Brandenburg companies in the years between 1881 and 1992. The oldest parish church of the city is the St. Gotthardtkirche, which is presumed to have started being built between 1138 and 1150. The Roman St. Nicolaikirche (constr. approx. 1170 - 1230) is a witness of the 12th century.

 

In the centre of the new part of the city stands the St. Katharinenkirche, erected as from 1395. It is one of the major constructions of the north German Gothic brick architecture. In the meantime the reconstruction and restoration of the Dominican Abbey St. Pauli have been concluded and it will be opened as a State Museum for Archaeology in late 2007. The Altstädtische Rathaus (City Hall), which was erected between 1470 and 1480, stands in the centre of the old city market place. This building, which is also undergoing major reconstruction, is one of the best known buildings of the city and will subsequently be filled with life once more in a few months. The 5.34 metre high Brandenburg Roland has been standing guard above the pointed arch portal since 1474. It is one of the most important medieval statues and was situated at the Neustädtisches Rathaus up until the Second World War. Unfortunately the building was destroyed in the last days of war. Standing beside the Altstädtisches Rathaus, the Fouqué-Library has its central office in the renovated former syndicate house. A main attraction for technology fans and also an extraordinary location for events is the Museum of Industry, situated on the sites of the former steel and roller plant. Whoever is interested in the history of steel production must be sure to pay a visit, because this is where the last Siemens-Martin furnace in Western Europe stands and is being preserved as a technical monument.

 

One of the first new theatres in the new states after German reunion is the CulturCongressCentrum. With its large building and a studio stage, it serves as a modern venue for the self-productions and guest performances of the Brandenburg Theatre. This is also the home of the well known Brandenburg Symphonic Orchestra, who are also successful on international concert tours. The especially natural location of the city, with its numerous branches of the Havel River, its canals and lakes, offers ideal opportunities for passenger shipping and customised boat tourism. In the summer season the areas around the Jahrtausendbrücke are full of ships of different sizes taking a break or are ready to take their guest on a tour. The beauty and the extraordinary attraction of the "historical health resort and capital of Mark Brandenburg" can best be discovered by the visitor if he climbs the steps of the "Friedenswarte" in summer and lets his sights stray across the city and the surrounding Havel area from the observation platform.

 

You can find out more about this and other sights and also the current opening and visiting hours at the tourist information office located in the Steinstrasse 66/67. Information can be obtained from the staff, who are always prepared to help you find a room, can give you advice on city tours and subject-related city guides or can supply you with souvenirs and tickets for the various events.

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