Old Town of Goslar - Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System
Goslar, Germany
21.06.2018
The Old Town of Goslar, nestled at the northern edge of the Harz mountains in Lower Saxony, Germany, stands as a remarkable testament to centuries of rich history and economic prosperity. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, together with the Rammelsberg Mine and the Upper Harz Water Management System, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the imperial past and the profound impact of mining on urban development.
A Seat of Emperors
Goslar's significance peaked in the Middle Ages, particularly between the 10th and 12th centuries, when it became a favored residence for Holy Roman Emperors. The magnificent Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz), initiated by Emperor Henry III in the 11th century, served as the heart of imperial power and a gathering place for royal assemblies and synods. Though parts of the complex are now ruins, the Domvorhalle, or Cathedral Porch, provides a glimpse of its former grandeur, once part of a larger cathedral attached to the palace.
Wealth from the Earth
The extraordinary wealth that fueled Goslar's rise came primarily from the Rammelsberg Mine, operating for over a thousand years. This mine, just south of the city, yielded vast quantities of silver, copper, and lead, making Goslar one of the richest cities in the Holy Roman Empire. The city’s unique urban layout, with its well-preserved medieval street plan and hundreds of charming half-timbered houses, reflects this enduring prosperity, built upon the hard work of miners and the ingenuity of its citizens.
Architectural Treasures
Wandering through Goslar's historic streets reveals a treasure trove of architectural styles. The vibrant Market Square is the city’s lively heart, dominated by the majestic Market Church St. Cosmas and Damian with its twin towers and the ornate Kaiserringhaus, which features a captivating carillon. The Market Fountain, a bronze masterpiece, further enhances the square's charm. These structures, alongside numerous other churches and guild houses, paint a vivid picture of a bustling medieval city that has largely retained its historic character. The inscription as a World Heritage site in 1992 recognizes this outstanding universal value, preserving Goslar as a tangible link to Europe's imperial and industrial heritage.
Weiterführende Links
The Upper Harz mining water management system, which lies south of the Rammelsberg mines and the town of Goslar, has been developed over a period of some 800 years to assist in the process of extracting ore for the production of non-ferrous metals. Its construction was first undertaken in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, and it was then developed on a vast scale from the end of the 16th century until the 19th century. It is made up of an extremely complex but perfectly coherent system of artificial ponds, small channels, tunnels and underground drains. It enabled the development of water power for use in mining and metallurgical processes. It is a major site for mining innovation in the western world.
