Arms of the city Heraldic of the city
 
 
  Merseburg is a very old and historical city with an interesting history.
High above the city rise the towers of the cathedral and castle, determining Merseburg´s memorablel skyline.
  
Though the first documentary reference dates to between 830 and 850. The German "King Henry I." made the town the seat of a royal residence and erecting massive stone walls around the castle mound.
  
The work of erecting the cathedral was carried out between 1015 and 1021 under "Henry II." though the building was subsequently altered in late romanesque and again in late gothic times. The cathedral is exceptionally richly furnished: suffice it to mention the baroque high altar and the world famous “Ladegast organ”. An extensive collection of medieval manuscripts is to be found in the cathedral archives, including notably the “Magical spells of Merseburg”.
  
The castel was extended under bishop Thilo of Trotha and underwent a general renovation in the 17th century.
  
The cathedral and castle are used amongst other things today for a great variety of cultural events. Every year in June, the traditional "castle festival" occurs in Merseburg. Many thousand people come here for this event and watch the artists in their traditional clothing. Many visitors also come for this celebration from the foreign country.
  
A popular center of attraction is the palace garden. One has a view of breath-taking beauty from here into the landscape.		  
 
 
 
 
Magical spells of Merseburg
 

Once of yore the Idisi came, they came down here.

Some took captive, some hindered the host,

Yet others tore at the fetters.

Escape thine imprisoning bands, get thee free of the enemy!

Phol and Wodan rode into the wood.

Balder´s foal there sprained his leg.

A spell on it did Sinthgunt cast, and Sunna her sister too;

A spell on it did Freya cast, and Volla her sister too;

A spell on it did Wodan cast, as only he could do:

Both broken bone and wounded blood

And injured limb also:

Bone to bone, blood to blood,

Limb to limb as though they were healed and whole.
 
 
 

Please visit also the website from our city.

(only in German language)
http://www.merseburg.de