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]
Tag: Thuringia
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]
Van de Velde Building in Weimar
The Van de Velde Building was designed by Henry van de Velde for the Grand Ducal Saxon School of Arts and Crafts. Today it houses the Faculty of Art and Design of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. At the central staircase you can see a restored mural, originally made by Oskar Schlemmer.
Kromsdorf Renaissance Palace
The excursion along the Ilm Valley Cycle Path (Ilmtal-Radweg) takes us to the intriguing garden of Kromsdorf Palace. 64 stone busts adorn the garden wall. The exact assignment of the busts is controversial, which increases the appeal of a walk. [German]
Goethe and the incisive bone
This showcase in the Romantikerhaus in Jena recalls that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also worked as a scientist. So he dealt with the incisive bone. Contrary to his assumption, he was not the discoverer of this bone. [German]