A city trip to Brandenburg, which lies directly on the River Havel, will give you the feeling of taking a journey to the past. Brandenburg was first mentioned in records in 1170 and is therefore the oldest town in the state of Brandenburg. Many of the historic buildings from past centuries are still intact and form the core of the town.
Brandenburg is divided into eight city quarters. The districts Altstadt, Neustadt and Dom make up the historic city centre. There are also many modern quarters, such as Görden, Nord and Höhnestücken which are primarily residential areas. The well-preserved city wall with its four large watch towers still coils through Altstadt and Neustadt today. The Dom district is named after Brandenburg’s most significant landmark, the Dome St. Peter and Paul. This former bishop’s residence was built in 1156 and is an architectural masterpiece of past times.
In addition, a historic monastery is located in the immediate vicinity of the dome. The Dome St. Peter and Paul is a popular destination while on a city trip to Brandenburg. Today, it is used by the Protestant Church and hosts a number of events and concerts. The monument is considered the “Cradle of the Margraviate” and is also home to the Dome Museum in which visitors can marvel at sacral art from the last ten centuries. Many other historic, listed buildings are located on the dome island.
One of the cultural highlights on your city trip should be a visit to the Brandenburg Symphony.The symphony orchestra is internationally recognised and considered one of the best. Another popular institution is the Brandenburg Theatre in which regional and national artists perform and a large number of puppet theatre performances and youth plays take place. While on your mini-break in Brandenburg, take advantage of the many shopping opportunities within the town. Apart from the large mall St. Anna Gallery, a number of small boutiques and shops await.
For more activities while on your short trip to Brandenburg, visit the Havel which winds through the centre of the town. In the summer months, you can rent row boats, kayaks and even houseboats to explore the waters. Along the river, a variety of restaurants and cafés will welcome you to enjoy culinary pleasures in an idyllic setting.
