Halle - Marktplatz

In the "Chronicon Moissiacense" 806 the place Halle is mentioned for the first time as "Halla". In 968, Otto I founded the Archdiocese of Magdeburg, to which Halle belonged until 1680. Around 1120 the city was extensively expanded. This was possible due to the increasing salt trade and the wealth associated with it. Initially, this was managed by archbishops. From the end of the 12th century the Guild of the Panners (salt makers) was formed. This gave rise to a self-confident bourgeoisie, which concluded a contract with Archbishop Rupert of Magdeburg in 1263, according to which the archbishop was not permitted to build any castles within a mile radius. The Panners determined the politics of the city for centuries. Halle was first mentioned in a document in 1281 as a member of the Hanseatic League, and in 1310 the city's self-government was contractually recorded. In 1341 the construction of a strong tower between the scales and the town hall began, which was used until 1835 to securely accommodate the city's privileges.

In 1418 construction began on the Red Tower, a bell tower "to the glory of God and the city of Halle as well as the whole area for adornment". It later became the symbol of the city. 1478 ended the approximately 200-year city independence. In 1484, Archbishop Ernst II (1464–1513) had Moritzburg Castle built as a fortified residential palace in the north-west corner of the city and ceremoniously moved into it in 1503. It was actually supposed to be a stronghold against Halle's self-confident citizens, the salt workers. Until 1680, Halle was the capital and residence of the Archdiocese of Magdeburg.

The market square includes the "Roter Turm" (Red Tower, right). In 1418 construction began on the tower, a bell tower "to the glory of God and the city of Halle as well as the whole area for adornment". In the backdrop is the four-towered Marktkirche Unserer Lieben Frau. The church replaced two former churches in the market area, whose towers were integrated into the new building. It is considered an important late Gothic building in Germany. Georg Friedrich Handel was baptized in this church in 1685.