European authorities have passed a resolution declaring 2020 as the European Year of the Environment.
On September 14, 2025, Germany will celebrate the Day of Open Monuments, a nationwide event focusing on cultural heritage structures. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to visit across Saxony-Anhalt.
Roßla: Ohles Huss, a 18th-Century Farmhouse
Step back in time at the Ohles Huss farmhouse in Roßla, one of the few original timber-framed buildings in the village. On the Day of Open Monuments, visitors can explore the exhibition "Everyday Life in an Agricultural Farmhouse" and take a tour through the castle complex to learn about the current renovation status.
Halle: Akazienhof, a Historical Building
In Halle, the Akazienhof is a historical building south of the old town, beautifully surrounded by a spacious park with old trees. On Heritage Day, visitors can take a guided tour of the Akazienhof, providing a glimpse into architectural gems and selected living areas.
Salzatal: Berghof Zappendorf, a Two-Sided Farm
For the first time, the Berghof Zappendorf in Salzatal, a two-sided farm with an orchard and garden house, will open its doors on Heritage Day. This is a great opportunity to experience traditional farming practices and learn about the history of this beautiful farm.
Hettstedt: Old Heise Printing House and Alte Hettstedter Druckerei Heise
In Hettstedt, two historical printing houses will be open for visitors on Heritage Day. The Old Heise Printing House, a complex of a gabled house with a half-timbered upper story and economic building, was built around 1800 and used as a printing house from 1889 to 1990. Visitors can witness a printing demonstration in the Old Heise Printing House. The Alte Hettstedter Druckerei Heise, handed over in 2001, is another historical printing house where you can explore its unique technology.
Magdeburg: Old Nursery in Herrenkrug Park and Former Telecommunications Office
In Magdeburg, the old nursery in Herrenkrug Park is a community living house with a café, built in 1908 in the style of reform architecture. On the Day of Open Heritage, guided tours of the old nursery grounds will be offered. The former telecommunications office in Magdeburg is a significant architectural testimony of Expressionism, built in 1926. On the Day of Open Monuments, visitors can take a 20-minute guided tour of this unique building.
Ilsenburg: Former Brewery Turned Modern Hotel
In Ilsenburg, the former brewery has been transformed into a modern hotel for cyclists and hikers, offering guided tours on Heritage Day. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the brewery and the transformation process.
Wansleben: Village Prison and Museum
The former village prison/free bank in Wansleben between Halle and Eisleben was left to decay for years but has been restored and turned into a museum. On the Day of Open Monuments, visitors can explore this historical building and learn about its fascinating history.
Hettstedt: Old Heise Printing House and Solar Castle Walbeck
In Hettstedt, the Old Heise Printing House and the solar castle Walbeck are two must-visit historical sites. The Old Heise Printing House, as mentioned earlier, is a historical printing house open on Heritage Day for visitors to explore its unique technology. The solar castle Walbeck, built as an imperial court and evolving into a monastery, manor, VEB, and now a private property with large-scale solar cells, offers a fascinating glimpse into Germany's past and future.
Other Highlights Across Saxony-Anhalt
Highlights for Saxony-Anhalt include a former brewery in the Harz, a bathhouse in Magdeburg, a grain silo in Salzwedel, a tram depot in Halle, and a village prison in Mansfeld-South Harz. Each of these sites offers a unique insight into the region's history and culture.
Nationwide Event
The Day of Open Monuments 2025 in Germany is not just limited to Saxony-Anhalt. Other cities and regions across the country will also be opening their historical buildings, castles, and monuments to the public. Some of these include the Schloss Klosterhäseler in An der Poststraße, the Sinti Mausoleum Halle-Osendorf, the Villa Krocker in Burg, the castle complex in Burg Haynsburg, and the Volksbad Buckau in Magdeburg.
Conclusion
The Day of Open Monuments 2025 is an excellent opportunity to explore Germany's rich cultural heritage. From farmhouses and printing houses to castles and museums, there is something for everyone. So, mark your calendars for September 14, 2025, and get ready to embark on a journey through time and culture!
