For groups of children
Important emperors and kings, mystical spells and legends as well as priceless works of art – in the KinderDomusMerseburch, children can experience history and culture first-hand. We offer a number of themed tours to introduce children to the changing history of the cathedral and even get creative. The wide variety of activities offered are aligned with the framework guidelines of the curricula and can be tailored to each group according to age. There are many opportunities to incorporate content from the subjects of History, Religious Education, Art, Biology, Maths and General Studies.
Please note the following in regard to all projects:
The projects are in German only. The activity prices and additional guided tour prices for the selected offers apply to groups of a minimum of 15 and maximum of 25 school children. One teacher and one accompanying adult receive a free ticket per group (excluding material costs).
We would advise booking in advance with an indication of your class level.
The Merseburg Incantations
Does magic exist? Over 1,000 years ago, people believed in wonders and attributed great power to their words and their gods. The Merseburg Cathedral keeps a treasure that dates back to this time and is unique in the world: the Merseburg Incantations are the only preserved Germanic spells in Germany. We visit the locations where the incantations were found and explain to the pupils how people lived, worked and spoke back then. We also try to speak the mystical sounding Old High German language ourselves and decipher cryptic Karolingian minuscules. Who wants to do magic too?
Duration: 90 min
Project fee: 4.00 € per person
Otto's Hoftag
King Henry II, later emperor, is regarded as the founder of the Merseburg Cathedral. Him being crowned king in 1002 was not undisputed as many others claimed the throne. Notable is the meeting between Henry II and the Saxon dukes on July 25th 1002 in Merseburg, which would later be named the “Sächsische Nachwahl” (confirmation of Henry’s coronation by the Saxon dukes) and is regarded as a highly dramatic political event. Together we find out more about this meeting and take on the roles of the king and the dukes ourselves. With colourful costumes and plenty of props, we re-enact what was happening that day in the Merseburg Cathedral.
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 5.00 € per person
Music, please!
With its almost 5,700 pipes, the magnificent Ladegast organ in the Merseburg Cathedral really is the “Queen of all instruments”. Merseburg’s princes elaborately decorated the cathedral as court church already during the Baroque period. Of course, they could not leave out the organ. But how exactly does such a huge instrument work? How are the pipes supplied with enough air? And what happens when all stops are pulled out? Our children-organ allows us to find out about the functioning and technology of the instrument. Together with you, we want to take a look at the organ’s insides and understand the craftsmanship of past organ builders.
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 5.00 € per person
The mystery of the mummified hand
What is an anit-king? In the 11th century, the Merseburg Cathedral was the scene of a thrilling power struggle between Emperor Henry IV and Rudolf of Swabia who was backed by most princes. The anti-king’s precious gravestone at the centre of the cathedral still proves which side the Saxon princes chose. Additionally, the cathedral chapel has been keeping a mysterious mummified hand for centuries. It is attributed to Rudolf of Swabia, who lost his hand in the decisive battle and died shortly after. In a roleplay with medieval costumes, we re-enact the historic struggle and visualise the reasons for this conflict: the dispute between emperor and pope about power and influence over ecclesiastical and secular matters.
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 5.00 € per person
Romanesque - crypt's secret
Today, it is hard to imagine how people could build such a magnificent cathedral like in Merseburg 1,000 years ago. On this tour we want to examine the impressive construction and try to understand it with a little bit of mathematics. From the westwork and crypt to the embellishments at the centre of the church, we trace the difficulties of the building process and control whether everything was properly constructed according to measurements in the 11th century. We also reveal the secret why the grave of the anti-king Rudolf von Rheinfelden is located exactly at the crosspoint between nave and transept.
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 4.00 € per person
Otto schaut über sein Land
We track 1000 years of the tower’s history! The traces of the past lead us over the King’s Stairs, passing medieval graffitis of construction workers and past students of the Domgymnasium, to the viewing deck on the South-West-tower. Here, we can see over the city skyline. In the attic, we find out about the Himmelsloch (heavenly hole) and inspect the massive medieval church bells.
Duration: 120 min
Projektgebühr: 5,00 € pro Person
The bishop's festive clothes
Mitra, Kasel, Bischofstab und Bischofsring – zahlreiche Kleidungsstücke unterstreichen die Macht eines Bischofs. In diesem Projekt schlüpfen wir selbst in die Rolle eines Bischofs und lernen die Bedeutung der Kleidungsstücke kennen. Herausgeputzt geht es auf eine spannende Entdeckungsreise vom Dom über den Kreuzgang bis zum Kapitelhaus mit seinem Wappensaal. Von der Pracht der Domschätze inspiriert, werden wir anschließend selbst kreativ und gestalten prächtige Mitren, verziert mit schillernden Schmuckelementen und wertvollen Bordüren.
Duration: 60 min
Projektgebühr: 5,00 € pro Person
Fragrance sachets and magic bags
People in the Middle Ages used all sorts of methods to fight diseases: aromatic herbs, blessings or incantations like the Merseburg Incantations. For centuries soothing herbs and medicinal plants have grown at the Cathedral Garden. The knowledge about their usage and effect has been passed on from generation to generation. We roam through the blooming cathedral garden, find medicinal plants and make our own fragrant sacs and magic bags.
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 4.00 € per person
Measure and figure – project for half a day
On May 18th 1015, Bishop Thietmar laid the foundation for the Merseburg Cathedral. But exactly which methods and techniques were used to construct such an imposing building in only 6 and a half years? With small stories about what might have happened on the building site, pupils are brought closer to the exciting time of the building process. With mind, wits and a little bit of mathematics, accomplishments of these past workers can be measured. For preparation in school (approx. 2-3 h), we provide you with material.
Duration: 4 hours
Project fee: 9.00 € per person
Of Devil's claws and thievish ravens
There are numerous legends and myths about the Merseburg Cathedral. Here, for example, Bishop Thilo von Trotha was brought to desperation by a thievish raven. We find traces of devil’s claws at the walls and learn about how a turtle under the cathedral almost caused its collapse. On this tour, we also discover locations of written tales and take on the roles of their actors. How much truth might lie behind these legends?
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 4.00 € per person
Christmas miracle
During the Middle Ages, when few people could read or write, numerous pictures of scenes from the bible were manufactured at churches. The Merseburg Cathedral also preserved many images of the tales about baby Jesus. We follow traces of the Christmas story and the customs that derive from it. In the following, we form our own souvenirs made of salt dough.
Can only be booked throughout Advent season
Duration: 120 min
Project fee: 4.00 € per person
