Tangermünde

With 120 colour photographs, a city map, numerous quotation and information boxes and its fact-rich yet concise text by city archivist Sigrid Brückner, this updated publication in our popular city guide series guides readers through thousand-year-old Tangermünde. Ever since Thietmar von Merseburg first mentioned Tangermünde Castle in his chronicle in 1009, history has been documented here in many different ways. The castle served as a border fortress against the Slavs who settled on the other side of the Elbe. Under its protection, the town developed from a merchants' settlement. Emperor Charles IV, who ruled almost all of Europe from Prague in the 14th century, had Tangermünde Castle converted into his secondary residence. The margraves and electors of Brandenburg resided here until the middle of the 15th century. In its heyday, the town joined the Hanseatic League. The mighty St. Stephen's Church, the Gothic town hall and a fortified city wall were built. In 1617, a devastating fire destroyed two thirds of the town. A young woman, Grete Minde, was convicted of being an arsonist and cruelly executed. Theodor Fontane made the event the subject of a famous novella. Today's townscape is impressive and unique in its unity. It is the visible testimony of an eventful and exciting history. With the handy Tangermünde city guide, its charming illustrations and its historical and practical information, visitors can plan their exploration of the city. The booklet is also - starting from the fountain at St. Stephen's Church, whose eight pages show Tangermünde personalities and incidents - a helpful companion on walks to the remarkable buildings and sites of the Hanseatic city.