Magdeburg

Magdeburg is the capital and second-largest city of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, situated on the Elbe River. With a population of about 235,000, it is an important hub for heavy machinery, logistics, and environmental technologies. Founded by Charlemagne in 805 CE, Magdeburg has a rich history spanning over 1,200 years. It became one of the most important medieval cities in Europe, particularly during the reign of Otto I, the first Holy Roman Emperor, who made it his favorite residence and established the Magdeburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The cathedral houses the tomb of Otto I and is one of the city's main landmarks. Magdeburg was devastated during the Thirty Years' War and again during World War II, losing much of its historical architecture. Today, the reconstructed city features a blend of historical remnants, Soviet-era buildings, and modern architecture. Notable attractions include the Green Citadel, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the Magdeburg Water Bridge (the longest navigable aqueduct in Europe), and the Millennium Tower in the Elbauenpark. The city is also known for its educational institutions, including Otto von Guericke University, named after the city's famous physicist who demonstrated atmospheric pressure with the Magdeburg hemispheres experiment in 1654.