Moritzburg

The Moritzburg in Halle (Saale), a strikingly reconstructed castle ruin, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural splendor. Founded in 1484, this late Gothic fortress was initially built as the residence of the Archbishops of Magdeburg. Today, it is one of the most imposing structures in the city of Halle, captivating visitors with its storied past and cultural significance.

The Origins of Moritzburg

The history of Moritzburg is deeply intertwined with the history of Halle. In the 13th century, the powerful salt industry aristocracy, known as the Pfänner, managed to gradually free the city from the influence of the Archbishop of Magdeburg by purchasing various freedoms and privileges. By 1263, Halle had practically achieved political autonomy. However, in the 15th century, a new opposition emerged from the important craft guilds, seeking representation in the city council, which was dominated by the old city patriciate, the Pfänner. This opposition allied with the Archbishop and, in 1479, opened the city gates to his troops. Following a brief resistance, the 14-year-old Archbishop Ernst of Wettin entered the city, marking the end of municipal freedom with the Calber Landtag's 1479 regiment order, which decreed the construction of a fortified castle in Halle to ensure the city's obedience and tranquility.

The Construction of the Castle

Construction work on Moritzburg began immediately, with initial surveying in April 1479. Finding a suitable location proved challenging due to poor soil conditions, but a site was eventually chosen within the city walls on the former grounds of the Jewish village in the northwest of the city. On May 25, 1484, Archbishop Ernst personally laid the foundation stone for his new residence, named Moritzburg after the patron saint of the land, St. Mauritius. Ernst of Wettin and his successor, Albrecht of Brandenburg, developed a unique residence program with Moritzburg, combining the elements of a fortress and a palace for the first time in Germany. The castle's design features late Gothic forms, but its nearly regular quadrangular layout, uniform floor levels, and horizontally emphasized facades indicate an early modern structure. The construction was initially overseen by Peter Hanschke from East Prussia, and later by Andreas Günther, the chief architect of the archbishoprics of Mainz and Magdeburg.

The Castle's Layout

Moritzburg's layout forms an almost regular quadrangle, measuring approximately 72 by 85 meters. The castle was primarily built using rubble stone. A 20 to 25-meter-wide and 10-meter-deep moat, once swampy, surrounds the south, east, and north sides, while the west side is protected by a tiered outer ward system towards the Saale River. The spacious inner courtyard, large enough for festivities, processions, or jousting tournaments, is raised to the level of the city's streets.

The West Wing

The west wing is the main and most impressive side of the castle. Its upper floors were once grand halls, and the vaulted upper basement is now used by the museum for exhibitions. The upper floors, mostly in ruins today, housed the archbishop's opulent state apartments. The northern part contained the prince's living quarters and the archbishop's library. Notably, the central staircase on the courtyard front is one of the earliest examples in the German-speaking world of a staircase integrated into the building rather than protruding externally.

The North Wing

The north wing originally housed the main entrance, identifiable by a beautiful coat of arms frieze. This entrance was sealed in 1616. Above the basement were two floors used as offices for officials and as an archive. In 1894, to mark the 200th anniversary of Halle University, fencing and gymnastic halls were added and used for physical education until 1990. The castle chapel, dedicated to Mary Magdalene, began construction two years after the archbishop's move-in and was consecrated in 1509.

The East Side

The east side features the entrance tower to the city, which was a residential tower with a chapel on the lowest floor. The entrance was designed with a slight curve to prevent direct attacks on the gate. The original east wing consisted of a narrow two-story defensive corridor with arcaded openings and arrow slits. In 1777, a baroque building known as the Lazarettbau was constructed on the old defensive corridor's foundations for the Prussian garrison. The southeastern bastion was expanded for the museum in 1913, and today, the northeastern tower houses the student club Turm, established in 1972.

The South Side

Today, the south side is no longer original. It once contained utility buildings, the kitchen, the castle captain's quarters, and essential wells. The stables were likely also located here. From 1582 to 1680, the archbishop's mint was housed in the high vault below the courtyard level. The Talamt, a museum building constructed between 1901 and 1904 on the foundations of the original timber-framed utility building, integrates two grand rooms from the original Talamt, the court and banquet rooms, which were relocated due to street expansions in 1881. The Talamt of the Halloren, built between 1594 and 1607, served as the seat of the salt count, the Talgericht, and the guild house of the Halloren.

The Castle's Historical Significance

Ernst of Wettin's reign is characterized by his victory over Halle in 1479 and his extensive promotion of the new residence city. His successor, Albrecht V of Brandenburg, held numerous prestigious titles and made Moritzburg his favorite residence. In 1517, Albrecht invited the Dominican Johann Tetzel to Moritzburg, sparking a surge in the sale of indulgences to finance his extensive relic collection, known as the Hallesche Heiltum. This collection, housed in the castle chapel and later moved to the cathedral, included 353 reliquaries with 21,484 individual relics, making it the most significant collection of its kind in Germany. After the Reformation took hold in Halle, Albrecht abandoned the city and retreated to Mainz.

The Thirty Years' War

During the Thirty Years' War, Halle and Moritzburg repeatedly attracted troops. In October 1625, Wallenstein occupied the city and the fortress. Following the defeat at Breitenfeld, Tilly retreated to Moritzburg, pursued by the Swedes. In September 1631, the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus captured Halle and Moritzburg without resistance. The Peace of Prague (1635) recognized Duke August of Saxony-Weissenfels as the new archbishop. During another siege by the Swedes, a fire broke out in the castle on January 6, 1637, destroying the upper floors of the west and north sides and the chapel. The garrison subsequently surrendered. On March 19, 1639, Saxon troops blew up the southwestern bastion, forcing the Swedish garrison to surrender.

Today, Moritzburg stands as a remarkable historical and cultural landmark in Halle, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's turbulent past and architectural heritage. The castle's transformation into a museum in 1904 and its subsequent expansions have made it a significant cultural institution, attracting art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.