GOSLAR, Germany: The Imperial Palace

Once the mines of Rammelsberg were opened up for their ore deposits in 968, it didn't take long for Goslar's small hamlet to become the largest city outside the former Roman Empire. By 1009, the imperial palace was built and soon became known as the Rome of the North. Even Pope Victor II once traveled there to see his worldly counterpart, Heinrich III, in 1056.

Because of its location in the heart of Europe, Goslar and the Harz Mountains became the center of the the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation for 300 years. Supported by the silver from the mines, it evolved as the "secret capital" or Rome of the North.

The equestrian statues in front of the palace (below) date from around 1900. And as you see, the Market Church (last post) is but a stone's throw away. Even if I had wanted to go inside the palace to see the 67 murals of the great hall, I couldn't have, for the palace is closed till April. Another reason to go back in the Spring.

Directly in front of the palace , across the street, was the Goslar cathedral for the emperors. It was torn down in 1819 because of its crumbling and now only this porch (below) survives, shaded by chestnut trees when in leaf.

I have no clue who is depicted on the front of this porch but I'm guessing it's saints and emperors alike. Probably a good guess.

Hitler made Goslar the headquarters of the Nazi agricultural organization in 1936 and thereby saved it from being damaged in World War II. It then became a safe place for many refugees from other towns.

So can anything good come out of Hitler Goslar? Yes, indeed!