Kromsdorf Renaissance Palace

Garden of Kromsdorf Renaissance Palace in Thuringia, Germany

The excursion along the Ilm Valley Cycle Path (Ilmtal-Radweg) takes us to the garden of Kromsdorf Palace. At first, the Renaissance palace looks like many others. But his park is special. 64 stone busts adorn the garden wall. The exact assignment of the busts is controversial, which even increases the appeal of a walk. [German]

Quotes on Weimar houses

Quote by Jules Renard at a gable in Weimar

The quotes on the house walls of Weimar are a challenge for attentive walks. They inspire not only to look at gable ends but also to reflect. This quote from Jules Renard made me pensive: “If you know life, please give me its address” (Wenn Sie das Leben kennen, geben Sie mir doch bitte seine Anschrift). What exactly makes us think we know life? [German]

Red Castle in Weimar

Renaissance portal at the Red Castle (Rotes Schloss) of Weimar, Germany

On the way from the Duchess Anna Amalia Library to the market, I pass a Renaissance portal with a strikingly large number of coats of arms. The windows have colourful lines like fresh make-up. The gate belongs to the Red Castle (Rote Schloss), which was built in the years 1574/76 as a widow’s residence for Duchess Dorothea Susanne. [German]

Tempelherrenhaus in Weimar

House of the Templers in Weimar, Germany

Many years ago, I came across an old ruin with a misleading name in the Ilmpark. The name Tempelherrenhaus (House of the Templars) made me think of a religious gathering place. In fact, it is a former café that was destroyed in World War II. The mysterious name derives from the once placed sculptures that represented the temple masters. [German]