Many years ago, I came across an old ruin in Weimar. Its name – Tempelherrenhaus – made me think of the mysterious templars. But I was wrong. The building was a former ducal venue that transformed into a ruin after an air raid in 1945. [German]
Tag: Thuringia
Monument to William Shakespeare
Not far from the artificial ruins in Ilmpark stands a monument to William Shakespeare. The tribute of a British poet in Weimar surprises, but there is a reason. Goethe is considered a main protagonist in the German Shakespeare reception of his time. [German]
Manhole cover in Erfurt
The manhole covers in Erfurt show the local city arms. The wheel in this coat of arms originates from the Wheel of Mainz (Mainzer Rad). In this way, the symbol refers to the period when Erfurt formed a part of the Electorate of Mainz. [German]
Historic Cemetery in Weimar
The Historic Cemetery (Historische Friedhof) is part of the World Heritage Site titled Classical Weimar. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe rests here in the Ducal Vault (Fürstengruft). [German]
Petersberg Citadel in Erfurt
The Zitadelle Petersberg (Petersberg Citadel) is a well-preserved city fortress in the centre of Erfurt. The buildings in the Baroque style were hardly destroyed in wars and escaped demolition during city modernization in the 19th century. [German]
Friedenstein Castle in Gotha
I took this view of Friedenstein Castle (Schloss Friedenstein) from the staircase of the Ducal Museum of Gotha. The early Baroque palace was built in the mid-17th century by Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Gotha. [German]
Kirchgasse in Erfurt
Visitors of Erfurt find this romantic lane named Kirchgasse next to Augustine’s Monastery (Augustinerkloster). Martin Luther stayed as a monk in this monastery from 1505–1511.
Ernst Abbe Monument in Jena
The memorial site to Ernst Abbe reminded me more of a temple than a simple monument. A look through the glass door increased the impression. The dainty image of the industrialist and social reformer Ernst Abbe rested on a massive herm. [German]
Domstufen-Festspiele in Erfurt
The Domstufen-Festspiele take place on the 70 steps right between the Mariendom Cathedral and the St. Severi Church. That way, the stage forms an inclined plane. As a result, there are additional options for the stage setting.
“The Little Sandman” in Erfurt
“Please take a seat but be careful, don’t fall asleep!” This sculpture in Erfurt, named Little Sandman (Sandmännchen), refers to a German children’s bedtime television programme using stop motion animation.
Roman House in Weimar
The Roman House in Weimar stands high above the Ilmpark and offers a beautiful view of the countryside from its windows. Grand Duke Karl August once enjoyed this view. Today, a museum inside tells about the history of the park. [German]
Sunken Giant in Weimar
This sculpture named Versunkener Riese (Sunken Giant) was created by the German sculptor Walter Sachs. The art piece is located on the Frauenplan, a square known for the nearby Goethe National Museum. [German]