Lower Saxony, Niedersachsen, Basse-Saxe

1648 a peace treaty was signed in this town hall, a second one was signed in neighboring Muenster. Both forming the "Peace of Westphalia", that ended the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) in the Holy Roman Empire, and the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) between Spain and the Netherlands. The treaties ended as well diplomatic conference, that lasted five years. Muenster housed the catholic parties, Osnabrueck the protestant parties. This "pax universalis" gave orientation to european history upto the french revolution. The building on the right was the public weigh house, built 1532. In the sky on the very right is a gargoyle of the lutherian St. Mary church (used be the swedish delegation during the peace-conference). Like the town hall, the weigh house and most other houses around the market it was bombed and burnt down during WWII. The whole area was rebuilt in the 1950s.

The bishop´s see was founded by Charlemagne around 780. The first church here, was destroyed by the Normans. After a great fire, that burnt down most of the town around 1100, the cathedral was built over a long period, so it is a mix of late romanesque and gothic style. Clearly romanesque are the left tower of the westwork, the left wall and the crossing tower. The right tower was similar to the left upto 1502, when it had to be enlarged, as the new ordered bells where just too heavy for the old tower. During WWII Osnabrueck got heavily bombed and the cathedral burnt down, It was rebuilt in the 1950s. In the foreground is the statue of a lion. This is the copy of the original (today in a museum), given to the town by Henry the Lion (1129–1195). It is dubbed "Loewenpudel" (Lion-Poodle), as it really looks like a mixture of these two creatures.

The bishop´s see was founded by Charlemagne around 780. The first church here, was destroyed by the Normans about 100 years later. After a great fire, that burnt down most of the town around 1100, the cathedral was built over a long period, so it is a mix of late- romanesque and gothic style. The old cloister, next to the cathedral St. Peter, houses the graveyard today.

The westwork (façade) of the former collegiate church St. Johann (Baptist). The foundation stone was layed 1256. Though consecrated 1292, it is doubted, that the church was finished at that time, it took probably a decade or two longer than that. St. Johann is one of the oldest large gothic hall churches in Germany - and so may be connected to the cathedral and the Bartholomew Chapel in Paderborn, only 100kms southeast. The westwork is still clearly romanesque. It had no portal originally, the rosewindow was added wthin the first half of the 20th century.

The choir of St. Johann (Baptist). Consecrated in 1292 this is one of the oldest large gothic hall churches in Germany. Only a few choir stalls have "survived" the centuries. The altar was carved in 1512. Hinges on the sides show, that originally this was winged altar, but the wings got lost. All the windows are new. The life-size figures of the apostles on the walls were carved from sandstone around 1400.

The nave and the two aisles of the former collegiat church St. Johann (Baptist). High, wide, clear. Consecrated in 1292 St. Johann is one of the oldest large gothic hall churches in Germany - and so may be connected to the cathedral and the Bartholomew Chapel in Paderborn. St. Johann may have influenced the masters who built the (smaller) St. Marien church in Lemgo, only a few decades younger. Paderborn and Lemgo are about 100km southeast. Here is the nave of St. Marien, Lemgo. www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4337778515/

To the south St. Marien church faces the market and is an architectural neighbour of the town hall and the weigh house. St. Marien church is a gothic hall church, that was used as a meeting place for the protestant parties during the years of negotiating before the "Peace of Westpahlia" treaties were signed in 1648. Osnabrueck was hit by more than 180.000 bombs during WWII. St. Marien burnt out - and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The northern wall (not facing the market) is covered by carved grafittis. Obviously this wall survived the bombings and kept pretty untouched during the rebuilding. I read "SCHRODER" in the middle. A pretty common german name. One of the last german chancellors was Mr. Schröder.

To the south St. Marien church faces the market and is an architectural neighbour of the town hall and the weigh house. St. Marien church is a gothic hall church, that was used as a meeting place for the protestant parties during the years of negotiating before the "Peace of Westpahlia" treaties were signed in 1648. Osnabrueck was hit by more than 180.000 bombs during WWII. St. Marien burnt out - and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The northern wall (not facing the market) is covered by carved grafittis. Obviously this wall survived the bombings and kept pretty untouched during the rebuilding. Only the year is clear in the black brick: 1807.

To the south St. Marien church faces the market and is an architectural neighbour of the town hall and the weigh house. St. Marien church is a gothic hall church, that was used as a meeting place for the protestant parties during the years of negotiating before the "Peace of Westpahlia" treaties were signed in 1648. Osnabrueck was hit by more than 180.000 bombs during WWII. St. Marien burnt out - and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The northern wall (not facing the market) is covered by carved grafittis. Obviously this wall survived the bombings and kept pretty untouched during the rebuilding. "MB CH" or "MB CR"

The abbey in Gandersheim was founded by Liudolf of Saxony, progenitor of the Ottonian dynasty in 852. the abbey was founded as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the high nobility, and the first three abesses were daughters of Liudolf and his wife Oda. The first church on this place got consecrated here before 900. The abbey existed upto 1810, though since 1568 the canonesses were lutherian. During the 10th century the "first female german poet" has lived here as a canoness: Hrosvita of Gandersheim. Hrosvita, who called herself the "clamor validus Gandeshemensis" ("The loud voice from Gandersheim") wrote a poem titled "Passio sancti Gongolfi matyris", about Saint Gangolph, whom I had met in Lautenbach: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/5502529863/ Even after more than 1000 years, Hrosvita is still very well remembered. Even by Amazon: www.amazon.de/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hrotsvit+von+gander... Gandersheim received the market and tax rights in 990 from Theophanu, wife of late Otto II, mother of Otto III, another very important woman of the time. The immense westwork, constructed between 1100 and 1169, when the church got consecrated. There was a narthex in front of the westwork, that was dismanteled within the 19th century.

The abbey in Gandersheim was founded by Liudolf of Saxony, progenitor of the Ottonian dynasty in 852. the abbey was founded as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the high nobility, and the first three abesses were daughters of Liudolf and his wife Oda. The first church on this place got consecrated here before 900. The abbey existed upto 1810, though since 1568 the canonesses were lutherian. During the 10th century the "first female german poet", better "the first female artist using german language to create poetry" has lived here as a canoness: Hrosvita of Gandersheim. Even after more than 1000 years, Hrosvita is still very well remembered by Amazon: www.amazon.de/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hrotsvit+von+gander... Gandersheim received the market and tax rights in 990 from Empress Theophanu, wife of late Otto II, mother of Otto III, another very important woman of the time. Theophanu´s daughter Adelheid I was abbess here 1039. Luidolf brought relics from a pilgrimage to Rome to Gandersheim, so the church is still "St.Anastasius and St. Innocent". Meanwhile it is used by the by the Evangelical-Lutheran parish of Gandersheim. Standing in the nave, facing east to the choir. Now the "blueprint" of the romanesque basilica is clearly visible. The restauration of the church, during the 19th and the 20th century has been sensible. Even the new wooden benches fit perfectly. The nave still has a flat wooden roof. The vaults in the back are under the crossing.

The abbey in Gandersheim was founded by Liudolf of Saxony, progenitor of the Ottonian dynasty in 852. the abbey was founded as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the high nobility, and the first three abesses were daughters of Liudolf and his wife Oda. The first church on this place got consecrated here before 900. The abbey existed upto 1810, though since 1568 the canonesses were lutherian. During the 10th century the "first female german poet", better "the first female artist using german language to create poetry" has lived here as a canoness: Hrosvita of Gandersheim. Even after more than 1000 years, Hrosvita is still very well remembered by Amazon: www.amazon.de/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hrotsvit+von+gander... Gandersheim received the market and tax rights in 990 from Empress Theophanu, wife of late Otto II, mother of Otto III, another very important woman of the time. Theophanu´s daughter Adelheid I and two of her granddaughters were abbesses here. Luidolf brought relics from a pilgrimage to Rome to Gandersheim, so the church is still "St.Anastasius and St. Innocent". Meanwhile it is used by the by the Evangelical-Lutheran parish of Gandersheim. The rib of a whale is displayed in a gothic side chapel on the left side. As a whale (or at least a "great fish") plays an important role in the "Book of Jonah", whalebones were often shown in medieval churches. Here are some other churches, where you can see whalebones. Magdeburg (Germany): www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4795593117/ Cologne (Germany): www.flickr.com/photos/roland-rossner/2786317321/ Herford (Germany): www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4765219389/ Rieupeyroux (France): www.flickr.com/photos/lionfranc37/5340136898/in/contacts/ I have learned that these bones are called "hierozoika" a Greek word designating items from the animal world hallowed by being mentioned in the bible. Hundreds of such bones still hang in european churches. Mr. Nicholas Redman has published several books about. Here is his website: www.whalebones.co.uk/index.html I am sure, there must even be a story about the old chain, connected to the huge rib, but - sofar - I have no clue about.

The abbey in Gandersheim was founded by Liudolf of Saxony, progenitor of the Ottonian dynasty in 852. the abbey was founded as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the high nobility, and the first three abesses were daughters of Liudolf and his wife Oda. The first church on this place got consecrated here before 900. The abbey existed upto 1810, though since 1568 the canonesses were lutherian. During the 10th century the "first female german poet", better "the first female artist using german language to create poetry" has lived here as a canoness: Hrosvita of Gandersheim. Even after more than 1000 years, Hrosvita is still very well remembered by Amazon: www.amazon.de/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hrotsvit+von+gander... Gandersheim received the market and tax rights in 990 from Empress Theophanu, wife of late Otto II, mother of Otto III, another very important woman of the time. Theophanu´s daughter Adelheid I and two of her granddaughters were abbesses here. Luidolf brought relics from a pilgrimage to Rome to Gandersheim, so the church is still "St.Anastasius and St. Innocent". Meanwhile it is used by the by the Evangelical-Lutheran parish of Gandersheim. The hall-crypt under the elevated choir is for sure the oldest part of the church. This crypt may date back to one of the earlier architectural structures here. The first church here, that was funded by Liudolf of Saxony, got consecrated already in 881. Facing east. You´ll see the table in the nave again - on the next photo. This part of "St. Anastasius and St. Innocent" is not only the oldest, but during winter time as well the coldest.

The abbey in Gandersheim was founded by Liudolf of Saxony, progenitor of the Ottonian dynasty in 852. the abbey was founded as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the high nobility, and the first three abesses were daughters of Liudolf and his wife Oda. The first church on this place got consecrated here before 900. The abbey existed upto 1810, though since 1568 the canonesses were lutherian. During the 10th century the "first female german poet", better "the first female artist using german language to create poetry" has lived here as a canoness: Hrosvita of Gandersheim. Even after more than 1000 years, Hrosvita is still very well remembered by Amazon: www.amazon.de/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hrotsvit+von+gander... Gandersheim received the market and tax rights in 990 from Empress Theophanu, wife of late Otto II, mother of Otto III, another very important woman of the time. Theophanu´s daughter Adelheid I and two of her granddaughters were abbesses here. Luidolf brought relics from a pilgrimage to Rome to Gandersheim, so the church is still "St.Anastasius and St. Innocent". Meanwhile it is used by the by the Evangelical-Lutheran parish of Gandersheim. As the abbey here was a former house of secular canonesses, of whom at least most came out of the high nobility, it is no wonder - that the boss depicts a lady. A very friendly lady wearing a crown over a veil. Blue eyes wide open she faces the visitor below her. The vaults of the side chapel are gothic, so her name may be - Ermegardis of Schwalenberg, abess here 1357/58. Or Lutgard III of Hammerstein, abess 1359/1402. Or Sophia III, Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg , abess 1402/12. Or.... The list of noble abesses is really long.

The town of Goslar on the northern slopes of the Harz mountains once was a center of political power in Europe. In 1009 the first imperial synod was held here under Henry II. In 1024 Conrad II celebrated Christmas in Goslar and in 1025 he ordered the construction of a new imperial palace ("Kaiserpfalz"). For Henry III Goslar was the centre of his empire, during 17 years he hold court in Goslar 18 times (and often for months). Henry IV was born in Goslar 1050. Henry V held six imperial diets here and for Frederick I (Barbarossa), Goslar was a preferred "Kaiserpfalz". So Goslar was in the center of european politics for about 250 years. Goslar, being wealthy through mining, had 7 churches in the 12th century and the imperial palace, so some historians call it the "Rome of the North" - for that time. A view through the naves of St. Jakobi. Only the arcade at the crossing (where you see the coat of arms) is romanesque. The strcuture itself no is a gothic hall-church. St. Jakobi was the church of the guilds in Goslar and they actually started the reformation here, by writing a letter to Martin Luther, a letter he answered in 1529. Under Prussia the church was given to the few catholics, that had settled in Goslar early 19th century. The baroque altars and benches (in the foreground) came from two nearby abbeys, that got secularized in 1803. The gothic tracery was dismanteled - so the interior now is light flooded. Here is the website of the parish (in German): www.st-jakobi.de/chronic/index_ch.htm

The town of Goslar on the northern slopes of the Harz mountains once was a center of political power in Europe. In 1009 the first imperial synod was held here under Henry II. In 1024 Conrad II celebrated Christmas in Goslar and in 1025 he ordered the construction of a new imperial palace ("Kaiserpfalz"). For Henry III Goslar was the centre of his empire, during 17 years he hold court in Goslar 18 times (and often for months). Henry IV was born in Goslar 1050. Henry V held six imperial diets here and for Frederick I (Barbarossa), Goslar was a preferred "Kaiserpfalz". So Goslar was in the center of european politics for about 250 years. Goslar, being wealthy through mining, had 7 churches in the 12th century and the imperial palace, so some historians call it the "Rome of the North" - for that time. Mining on the nearby Rammelsberg was first mentioned in 968 by Widukind of Corvey and after more than 1000 years, the mines were closed in 1988. Meanwhile the mines in Rammelsberg are a world heritage site. The first mining boom took place around 1200 and at that time St. Cosmas and Damian was the church of the patrician families, connected to that industry. They financed the enlargement of the church and donated altars dedicated to the saints, connected to mining. Here the impressing westwork of St. Cosmas and Damian. The northern (left) tower housed a little flat of the nightwatchman since the 16th century. This tower was used as a reference point during the early days of geodesy, The tower is exactly 718kms east of Greewich and 5253kms north of the equator.

The town of Goslar on the northern slopes of the Harz mountains once was a center of political power in Europe. In 1009 the first imperial synod was held here under Henry II. In 1024 Conrad II celebrated Christmas in Goslar and in 1025 he ordered the construction of a new imperial palace ("Kaiserpfalz"). For Henry III Goslar was the centre of his empire, during 17 years he hold court in Goslar 18 times (and often for months). Henry IV was born in Goslar 1050. Henry V held six imperial diets here and for Frederick I (Barbarossa), Goslar was a preferred "Kaiserpfalz". So Goslar was in the center of european politics for about 250 years. Goslar, being wealthy through mining, had 7 churches in the 12th century and the imperial palace, so some historians call it the "Rome of the North" - for that time. Mining on the nearby Rammelsberg was first mentioned in 968 by Widukind of Corvey and after more than 1000 years, the mines were closed in 1988. Meanwhile the mines in Rammelsberg are a world heritage site. The first mining boom took place around 1200 and at that time St. Cosmas and Damian was the church of the patrician families, connected to that industry. They financed the enlargement of the church and donated altars dedicated to the saints, connected to mining. Standing in the romanesque nave, facing east to the gothic choir. Yes, next to the altar in the choir are - two christmans trees. Here is the website of the parish: www.marktkirche-goslar.de/

The town of Goslar on the northern slopes of the Harz mountains once was a center of political power in Europe. In 1009 the first imperial synod was held here under Henry II. In 1024 Conrad II celebrated Christmas in Goslar and in 1025 he ordered the construction of a new imperial palace ("Kaiserpfalz"). For Henry III Goslar was the centre of his empire, during 17 years he hold court in Goslar 18 times (and often for months). Henry IV was born in Goslar 1050. Henry V held six imperial diets here and for Frederick I (Barbarossa), Goslar was a preferred "Kaiserpfalz". So Goslar was in the center of european politics for about 250 years. Goslar, being wealthy through mining, had 7 churches in the 12th century and the imperial palace, so some historians call it the "Rome of the North" - for that time. Mining on the nearby Rammelsberg was first mentioned in 968 by Widukind of Corvey and after more than 1000 years, the mines were closed in 1988. Meanwhile the mines in Rammelsberg are a world heritage site. The first mining boom took place around 1200 and at that time St. Cosmas and Damian was the church of the patrician families, connected to that industry. They financed the enlargement of the church and donated altars dedicated to the saints, connected to mining. The right arm of the transept houses the baroque baptismal font. Traces of old frescos can still be seen on the walls. They were out of fashion, when somebody had the idea, to create that three windows, that are not even centered. Maybe a fourth window was planned. Here is the website of the parish: www.marktkirche-goslar.de/