The Myth of Hammaburg

Hammaburg (literally translated: "Hamma Castle"), to which the city of Hamburg owes its origin, has for the past 1200 years been entwined in myth. The name refers both to the ancient fortification Hammaburg and to the entire settlement in the area - the present-day city of Hamburg. It was mentioned for the first time in the year 834 when the missionary Ansgar came to Hammaburg. In 845 the Vikings destroyed the settlement. In the 10th century Otto the Great exiled the Pope to Hamburg. Archbishop Liemar from Hamburg accompanied King Henry IV in 1077 on his famous walk to Canossa. The city of Hamburg was burnt down several times; however, in the end its rise was unstoppable. The archaeological search for evidence of the fortification Hammaburg began more than 75 years ago in the heart of the old town of Hamburg. Archeologists have now succeeded in studying the early town history completely and can identify the historical castle. The exhibition The Myth of Hammaburg presents the latest research results.Welcome to a journey through time back to the Middle Ages in Hamburg!