Special exhibition "Otto the Great, St Laurentius and the foundation of the diocese of Merseburg - searching for clues in Merseburg Imperial Cathedral"

7 May 2023 marks the 1050th anniversary of the death of Otto the Great. This anniversary offers the opportunity to take a closer look at and thematise the Roman-German emperor's last journey from Italy back to his family's homeland, today's Saxony-Anhalt. Under the title "The emperor's last journey - the height and reign of Otto the Great", the anniversary will be celebrated with a varied programme in selected locations in Saxony-Anhalt.

In the Special exhibition "Otto the Great, St Laurentius and the foundation of the diocese of Merseburg - searching for clues in Merseburg Cathedral" illustrates Otto I's special relationship with Merseburg. The date of his death, 7 May 973, was entered in the Merseburg calendar. Documents document extensive donations to endow the diocese founded in 968. Valuable manuscripts illustrate Merseburg's special relationship with Laurentius and his early veneration in the episcopal city.

Between the 18 May and 5 November 2023 the selected documents and manuscripts from the cathedral archives and library can be marvelled at in the Merseburg. The exhibition is accompanied by numerous special tours, creative projects and lectures.

Further information on the exhibition is available here.