Yes, folks I’m back again – with more photos – this time from the weekend of August 23,2009. This time from Magdeburg, which I visited the second time since 2007. I’m glad I had the chance to go back as this time the weather was much better – and I got some pictures without getting soaked to the skin. Plus, this time around I was with the photo group and we spent the day wandering. It was great.

As always, the highlight of Magdeburg is the gothic cathedral, known as Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice (flickr set here). The first church built in 937 at the location of the current cathedral was an abbey called St. Maurice, dedicated to Saint Maurice. The current cathedral was constructed over the period of 300 years starting from 1209, and the completion of the steeples took place only in 1520. Despite being repeatedly looted, the Cathedral of Magdeburg is rich in art, ranging from antiques to modern art. The best part of it (though this time I avoided hours photographing them) is that it has tons of gargoyles, uglies, and other stylised characters around the building both inside and out.

Other highlights from the city include:

A lovely fall view of the 3 churches along the Elbe from the High gardens next to St Mary’s Chapel. Closest is St Mary’s Chapel – built in 1315 as an extension to St. Peter’s. Next is St Petri (st Peter’s church) built in 1100’s (flickr set here) and finally, Wallon Church built in 1285 (flickr set here).
All three churches sit along the Elbe Side of the town, and at the very edge of the city walls. They acted as defensive towers and points of worship for those who were making the pilgrimage of St. John. Since they are aligned perfectly with the wall that rings the city, they seem to invite you as a pilgrim, but warn attackers away.

The Magdeburg Rathhaus (town hall) with it’s golden rider statue and

The Green Citadel by famed architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser – the summary of this 7 story building is that it’s completely green, and is supposed to make you feel good about living/working/playing/entertainment in all one place. It’s a bit of a weird color, but actually once you start wandering through it’s non comformist ways, you realize what a revolutionary building it is. My only complaint – it really does NOT fit its surroundings being that it is literally out the back door of the gothic Magdeburg Cathedral. More photos from the center of Magdeburg and this building in particular here.

So, that’s it from Magdeburg – hope to get more posted soon.