The southern route takes visitors through the mysterious Harz on the trail of the Ottonians where Halberstadt, Quedlinburg and Gernode are the main ports of call. Querfurt, Memleben, Merseburg and Tilleda also show evidence of Ottonian rule. History enthusiasts' eyes will light up at the sight of the Ottonian imperial palace in Memleben. A short detour from the Romanesque Route takes you to Nebra, notable for its late-Romanesque castle ruins and sandstone bridge. Nebra and its environs have also made history more recently with the sensational discovery of the Nebra Sky Disk which is widely regarded as key find for the fields of early European history, astronomy and the history of religion. Typical features of the countryside in the Saale-Unstrut region of southern Saxony-Anhalt are mighty castles, such as Neuenburg Castle in Freyburg/Unstrut and Rudelsburg Castle at Bad Kösen.
This route will appeal to everyone: the "Romanesque Viewpoints" section for instance, offers a tour in the footsteps of Otto the Great – with insights into the beginnings of German history as well as Romanesque art and architecture. "Romanesque Worlds of Discovery" are waiting to unfold at concerts, medieval fairs and cultural projects held in a variety of Romanesque settings. The "Romanesque Taster" is ideal for people who wish to sample the Saale-Unstrut region's wine as an accompaniment to the delicious local food, or experience the culinary delights of the Romanesque era with a lavish medieval banquet. Journey back to the Middle Ages along the Romanesque Route - you can picnic, take a break in an abbey tavern or stay the night in a palace hotel or a camping barn. Why not explore the treasure trove that is the Romanesque Route for yourself? The 60 "gateways to the Middle Ages" and their cultural and natural treasures are a real must for anyone with an interest in history and culture.
