This manhole cover near Friedenstein Castle (Schloss Friedenstein) in Gotha shows the coat of arms of Thuringia. The inscription promotes the foundation “Thüringer Schlösser und Gärten“. This foundation cares for about thirty castles, monasteries and parks in Thuringia. The main office of the foundation is at Heidecksburg Castle. [German]
Thuringia coat of arms
The coat of arms of Thuringia shows the symbol Bunter Löwe (colourful lion) of the Ludowinger. It is a seven-times-divided lion. The colours switch between red and silver, starting with a red-coloured head. For historical reasons, the German state of Hesse owns a similar coat of arms. In the Hessian version, the lion carries a silver head and is not surrounded by stars.
Manhole covers in general
Often overlooked beneath our feet, such details quietly connect everyday city life with deeper layers of identity. Encountering this cover turns a simple walk into a moment of discovery, reminding attentive travellers that history is not confined to museums but embedded in streets, surfaces, and the unnoticed corners of urban space.
Sources / More Info
- Stiftung Thüringer Schlösser und Gärten (Website)
- Coat of arms of Thuringia (Wikipedia)