HARZGERODE

city, Saxony-Anhalt Land (state), central Germany. It lies on the well-forested highland of the Lower Harz Mountains, at an elevation of 1,250 feet (380 m) above sea level. Harzgerode constitutes one of the oldest market centres in central Germany; the first recorded mention of it dates from 936, and it received city rights from the princes of Anhalt between 1323 and 1338. From 1635 to 1709 the castle (built 154952) served as the residence of the Bernburg-Harz family, which from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century controlled the lead and silver mines that were the basis of the local economy. Lead and silver ore are found in the Silberhtte locality within the municipality, and there is iron ore at Mgdesprung. A spa founded at Alexisbad in 1810 was a fashionable resort during the first half of the 19th century, and the iron-rich mineral springs remain a tourist attraction. Harzgerode's industries include woodworking and ironworking. The Baroque parish church was built in 1699. Pop. (1981 est.) 5,400.