Old Market

In the Middle Ages, the "Alter Markt" meaning Old Market was the centre of the historic trade and salt routes. The Renaissance buildings and half-timbered houses around the square have been preserved to this day. Probably the oldest square in Halle is home to the Donkey Fountain, decorated with the legendary relief "The miller's boy with the donkey who walked on roses". The depiction is presumably connected to the salt industry. Under King Frederick I, salt sales came to a standstill and the Pfänner now had to endeavour to transport their products themselves. So they had the sacks of salt loaded onto donkeys. This was illustrated in a copperplate engraving by Hondorf in 1670 with the words: "The work and the benefit of it in Hall consists of / The salt, shows who walks on roses here."