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des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt mbH
Am Alten Theater 6
39104 Magdeburg
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Halle (Saale)
The towerless cathedral of Halle is a curiosity. It was originally a church within a Dominican monastery, founded in 1271. The church’s excellent acoustics make it a popular setting for concerts and theatre performances.
The long pillared nave is only slightly higher than the narrow side aisles, making it one of the earliest hall churches in central Germany. During the Reformation period, it was remodelled in Renaissance style. Beginning in 1520, Cardinal Albrecht used the church to house his extensive collection of relics and art. Of the interior, only the cycle of 17 frieze images on the pillars, the pulpit and part of the choir stalls remain intact. According to some historians, the description of the church as “dom” (cathedral) goes back to the dedicatory plaque of 1523 attributed to Sculptor Schro from Mainz. Since 1692, the structure has been exclusively used as a parish church by the Reformed Church – whose services are still held there today. George Frideric Handel served as organist here from 1702-1703. Major restoration of the interior was carried out in the late 1950s. The structure of the cathedral has been preserved thanks to extensive renovation work. The church is owned by the Cathedral Foundation Saxony-Anhalt.
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