A warm welcome to Halle – we are very pleased to have you here in the trading town. The city consists of more than 1000 years of German and European History and no other city in Germany has just as much history as this one. There is a great mix of art, culture, relaxation, catering and shopping. Within a historically developed city centre these factors make Halle a popular and admirable place to visit. From a historical point of view Halle has much to offer. Numerous historical facilities and buildings from throughout the 1200 year town history are open to visitors which attracts many tourists.


Market Church of Our Lady

© Thomas Ziegler, Stadt Halle (Saale)

The “Market church of Our Lady” is a place steeped in history. Martin Luther preached here on three occasions: his death mask and a cast of his hands are on display in a side room of the church. Georg Friedrich Händel was baptized here, the same baptismal font is still here today. The church replaced two former churches in the market area, their towers were integrated into the new building. Its four towers, together with the Red Tower, are the landmarks of the city.

Dom (Cathedral)

© Jan Laurig

The Dom is the only large building in Halle originating from the early Gothic period and holds countless baroque treasures. Also called Stiftskriche, it was the most important centre for humanities and sacred art in central Germany prior to the Reformation.

Nowadays because of its outstanding acoustics, the cathedral is often used for concerts and theatre performances.

Moritzburg

© Thomas Ziegler, Stadt Halle (Saale)

Halle’s largest art gallery is the Stiftung Moritzburg Art Museum Saxony Anhalt and was named after the time honoured walls within which it is situated. New halls have been and are being built to preserve its treasures. Priceless paintings ranging from the Renaissance to modern art, sculptures and rare porcelain, coins and early photographs of arts and crafts all contribute to attracting thousands of visitors year to year.

Alter Markt

© Thomas Ziegler, Stadt Halle (Saale)

In medieval times the Old Market was the undisputed centre of town. Renaissance buildings and half-timbered houses from this time period still stand today. Probably the oldest site on Halle’s old market square is the “Eselsbrunnen”, decorated with a relief based on the legend of the “miller boy and his donkey who walked on roses“.

Franckesche Foundation

© Thomas Ziegler, Stadt Halle (Saale)

The orphanage was founded in the year of 1700 by August Hermann Francke, with its subsequent framework building ensemble, it is also Europe’s largest framework house with its remarkable cultural monument at European level with it being included on the list for selection as a world cultural heritage. Even today the Franckesche Foundation is seen as a scientific and cultural, pedagogic and social facility, which continues Francke’s legacy under modern conditions. In the historical orphanage numerous cultural-historical permanent and also varying exhibitions invite one to pay a visit.


Market Square & Leipziger Straße
While in particular large department stores are located around the market square, the lower part of the Leipziger Straße accommodates Halle’s fashion centre.  There are many well-known fashion companies selling their boutiques here. In the upper side of the Leipzier-Tower there are many smaller shops, boutiques and clothing shops. Here it is well worth taking a look down the small passages branching off the pedestrian zone.

Kleinschmieden & Große Ulrichstraße
Over the past few years two large modern shopping centres have been built up towards the northern part of the market square on the corner of Kleinschmieden and slightly further on in the Großen Ulrichstraße. Numerous fashion and sport businesses have also been built within this area. In addition to this on both sides of the Großen Ulrichstraße, there are numerous other shops and department stores offering goods ranging from perfume, photo-technology to small boutiques for young and trendy fashion-enthusiasts.

Große Steinstraße
Apart from the traditional Halle businesses which are along the Große Steinstraße, one will also find bookshops, cosy teashops and also bicycle shops. Along the side streets – which are known as the Barfüßer – and the Mittelstraße – one will find a small gallery and shops selling hiking equipment. At the top end of the Steinstraße beyond the Joliot-Curie-Platz a fashion boutique and sports shop have also set up their business here.


Leopoldina

© Thomas Ziegler, Stadt Halle (Saale)

Founded 1652 in Schweinfurt, the Leopoldina is one of the oldest academies devoted to science in the world. It is known for the advancement of science, the benefits of humankind and also for shaping a better future. With around 1,500 members, the Leopoldina brings together outstanding scientists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other countries. The academy provides them with conferences and lectures and continues to publish the elaborated results. Furthermore, the Leopoldina awards honours and prizes and promotes junior scientists. Its central function is the consulting on politics, economics and society on current scientific matters. Because of corporations with other academies, the Leopoldina continues to develop the international exchange of energy, climate change and health issues.