Goslar
[key], city, Lower Saxony, central Germany, at the northern foot of the
Harz Mts. Since its founding in the 10th cent. Goslar has been a mining
center. Today, copper, lead, zinc, iron, and sulfur are mined. Manufactures
of the city include textiles, clothing, and chemicals. Goslar was a favorite
residence of many early German emperors and was the scene of several
imperial diets. It long was a member of the Hanseatic League and was a free
imperial city until 1802, when it passed to Prussia. Goslar was awarded to
Hanover in 1815 but was regained by Prussia in 1866. The city has preserved
much of its medieval character. The Zwinger, a round tower built in 1517, is
a remnant of its old fortifications. The Kaiserpfalz, a large Romanesque
palace, was built (mid-11th cent.) for Emperor Henry III. There are several
Romanesque and Gothic churches, a Gothic city hall (15th cent.), and many
half-timbered houses, including the noted Brusttuch (1526).
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