Magdeburg

About

Though it was founded by Charlemagne in 805, it’s Otto the Great, Holy Roman Emperor from 962 who locals revere. Otto, who presented his favourite residence as a gift to his wife Edith, is still beloved by locals today, and is buried within the city's most significant landmark, the Cathedral of St. Mauritius and St. Catherine. Perched on a hilltop and crowned with ornate spires, Germany’s first Gothic cathedral can be seen for miles. Right behind the cathedral is the city’s oldest building, the Monastery of Our Lady, which now houses an art museum. Nearby, amongst the the contemporary Green Citadel, by Friedensreich Hundertwasser replaced one of the first prefabricated slab buildings in Germany. It’s vibrant facade celebrates the beauty and cultural history of the surrounding landmarks while contrasting with the bank and modern austerity.