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Saxony-Anhalt - Following in the Footsteps of Otto the Great

Agata TuzimekOctober 2, 2011

2012 will see the 1100th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great. It's also the 1050th anniversary of his coronation. He is seen as the father of the German people and was one of Europe's most powerful medieval rulers.

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The Romanesque Road...a tourist route in the state of Saxony Anhalt, links important places and sites linked to the life of Otto the Great. Celebrations next year will focus on the city of Magdeburg. The Kulturhistorisches Museum in the city is a focal point of next year's celebrations. It is preparing a large anniversary exhibition, which is expected to attract visitors from around the world. Magdeburg was Otto's favorite place. He is buried in Magdeburg Cathedral.

Otto had a hands on approach to governing his huge empire. He travelled from territory to territory, all 350 of them. The Tilleda open air museum on the southern marches of the Harz Mountains is the site of the only completely excavated palace site from Otto's times. It's seen as a leading example of an early to high middle ages ruler's residence. Quedlinburg was also a significant site. Otto held one of the most illustrious medieval parliaments here in 973. The town recalls the event with the Emperor's spring celebrations every year.