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Köthen (Anhalt)
Boulevard
Boulevard
Coat of arms of Köthen (Anhalt)
Coat of arms
Country Germany
State Saxony-Anhalt
District Anhalt-Bitterfeld
Elevation
80 m (260 ft)
Population
 (2022-12-31)
 • Total 25,116
Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes
06366
Dialling codes 03496
Vehicle registration ABI, AZE, BTF, KÖT, ZE
Website www.koethen-anhalt.de
2004 Rathaus in Köthen Sicherlich
The town hall in Köthen

Köthen (Anhalt) is a city in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is the main city of the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district. About 26,000 people live there.

From 1885 to 1927, its official name was Cöthen. This historic city has a rich past. It is especially famous for its connection to classical music.

Discovering Köthen's History

Köthen has a long and interesting history. It was once a very important place. Princes and dukes ruled here for many years.

A Royal Past

The city was the capital of the Principality of Anhalt-Köthen. This was a small state within Germany. The rulers lived in a beautiful palace. This palace is still a major landmark today.

Famous Visitors and Residents

Many important people have visited or lived in Köthen. One of the most famous was Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a brilliant composer. Bach lived in Köthen from 1717 to 1723.

Bach's Time in Köthen

During his time here, Bach worked for Prince Leopold. He was the Kapellmeister, or music director. Bach wrote many famous pieces in Köthen. These include the Brandenburg Concertos. He also wrote the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier.

Other Musicians

Another famous musician linked to Köthen is Carl Friedrich Abel. He was a composer and viola da gamba player. He was born in Köthen in 1723. Abel later became well-known in London.

What's Köthen Like Today?

Today, Köthen is a lively city. It combines its rich history with modern life. The city has beautiful old buildings and green spaces.

City Landmarks

The Köthen Palace is a must-see. It has a museum and a chapel. The Hall of Mirrors is also inside. You can learn a lot about the city's past there.

Historic Churches

Köthen has several old churches. The Church of St. Jakob is very old. It stands proudly in the market square. St. Agnus church is another beautiful building.

Old City Gates

The Hallescher Turm is a historic tower. It was part of the city's old defenses. This tower guarded the southern gate. It was built in the 15th century.

Education and Culture

Köthen is also a center for education. It has a university of applied sciences. Students come here to study different subjects. The city also hosts music festivals. These events celebrate its musical heritage.

Images for kids

  • Karl Friedrich Abel by Thomas Gainsborough (c. 1777)

    Carl Friedrich Abel by Thomas Gainsborough, 1777

  • Leopold von Anhalt-Köthen (1694 - 1728)

    Prince Leopold by an unknown painter, c. 1725

  • 2007-09 Köthen (Anhalt) 01

    A mural depicting the twin towns

  • 2010-06-09-koethen-by-RalfR-09

    Market square with Church of St. Jakob and Townhall

  • 2007-08 Köthen (Anhalt) 29

    Boulevard

  • SchlossKöthen4-2012

    The southern wing of the palace (Ludwigsbau). It holds the Hall of Mirrors and the chapel

  • KST Schloss Koethen Bollmann

    Palace from the air

  • 2.KöthenerBachhausMitBachdenkmal

    Monument of J.S. Bach in front of his home from 1719 to 1723

  • Köthen Hallescher Turm

    The tower guarding the southern gate (to Halle) was built in the 15th century and renovated in 1995

  • Köthen, die Stiftstraße

    St. Agnus church

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