Höxter | Historical City Tour

In 823, Emperor Louis the Pious gifted the "Villa Huxori" to the newly founded Corvey Abbey. Under the influence of the Corvey Abbey's Reichsäbte, the settlement developed into an important long-distance trade center on the Westphalian Hellweg in the Middle Ages.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the citizens managed to build a bridge and city wall, establish a council as a self-governing body, and gradually free themselves from Corvey Abbey's rule.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the council of Höxter was able to negotiate agreements with Corvey on equal terms and even interfere in the election of the abbot. The introduction of the Reformation under the protector Landgrave Philip of Hesse ushered in an era of spiritual renewal. During this time, the numerous magnificent half-timbered buildings of the Weser Renaissance were constructed, which continue to shape the cityscape to this day. Characteristic elements of the architectural style include decorative features like striking fan rosettes, fittings, and plant ornaments, as well as additions in the form of standerkerne known as "Utlucht" and stair towers.