Quedlinburg, Germany

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quedlinburg, in the state of Sachsen-Anhalt, was a capital of the East Franconian German Empire from 919 to 1024, and has been a prosperous trading town since the Middle Ages. The number and high quality of the timber-framed buildings make Quedlinburg an exceptional example of a medieval European town.

A quirky wooden container filled with perennials and annuals

In the old town, the Collegiate Church dedicated to St. Servatius was one of the most highly esteemed churches of the Empire during the Middle Ages.  The impressive church, which was built between  1070  and 1129, is perched high on a rocky hill and is surrounded by gardens and distant views of the surrounding town and countryside.

The splendour of Quedlinburg from the 10th to the 12th century can be seen in the buildings on the castle hill. The ground plan and very likely some original pieces inside the house have survived from the surrounding residential town of that time.

This beautiful structure was completely abandoned.  It must be so expensive to maintain buildings that are 500 to 1,000 years old.

 

Many of the buildings, especially the timber-framed residential structures, have undergone little or no modification over the course of the centuries.

As we walked the narrow winding streets, we were amazed that people still live there today.  More than 1,000 years of recorded history makes their home a living museum piece that is still providing shelter today.

The church is build atop solid rock

 

This ancient trumpet vine has a small rocky niche to grow in, yet produces huge orange flowers.