Friedenstein Castle (Schloss Friedenstein) was commissioned in the mid-17th century by Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Gotha. It is notable for hosting the Ekhof-Theater, which still features the original Baroque machinery for changing the scenery.
Tag: Thuringia
Tempelherrenhaus in Weimar
The Tempelherrenhaus was never a residence of the mysterious templar knights. Instead, the 18th-century building served as venue for celebrations on the Ducal court. Later it housed a well-visited café in the lovely atmosphere of the Ilm park.
Petersberg Citadel in Erfurt
Petersberg Citadel (Zitadelle Petersberg) 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.
“Die Sendung mit der Maus” in Erfurt
Memories! For many children in Germany and Austria, these wise guys were stars of the TV series Die Sendung mit der Maus (The Show with the Mouse). On your urban walk through Erfurt, you will find several heroes of German children’s TV series.
William Shakespeare in Weimar
Walking through Ilm Park (Park an der Ilm), I came across this monument to William Shakespeare. What a surprise. I knew that Weimar is famous for Goethe, Schiller, and Herder. What is the link to Shakespeare? In fact, Goethe played a role in this question.
Manhole cover in Gotha
This manhole cover near Friedenstein Castle (Schloss Friedenstein) shows the coat of arms of Thuringia. The inscription promotes the foundation Thüringer Schlösser und Gärten. This organisation is responsible for about 30 castles, monasteries and parks.
Kromsdorf Palace in Thuringia
Cycling the Ilm Valley Cycle Path you may visit the Kromsdorf Renaissance Palace. Visiting the castle grounds you will be awarded with 64 stone busts decorating the garden wall. There meaning is still disputed.
Barfüsser Church in Erfurt
During a stay at an IBIS hotel in Erfurt, I had this view from my room: It shows the ruins of the Barfüsserkirche, a church named after an order of the Franciscan (Barfüsser). A bombing raid destroyed the building in 1944.
Manhole cover in Erfurt
The manhole covers of Erfurt show the city arms. The local coat of arms reminds of the Mainzer Rad (Wheel of Mainz). Is there a reason for this similarity? The chronicle of Erfurt tells the answer to this question.
Van de Velde and beer in Weimar
In 2013 the German states of Saxony and Thuringia are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the architect and designer Henry van de Velde. For this reason, exhibitions take place in cities like Weimar, Jena, Erfurt, Gera, Apolda, Bürgel, and Chemnitz.