Germany from A to Z: Jena
We are taking a tour through Germany and every week we will introduce you to a new town, guided by the alphabet. This time J takes us to Jena — a city of science in Thuringia.
Jentower
Jena's 159-meter-high (521-foot-high) landmark is hard to miss. The Jentower resembles an erected telescope, a reference to the fact that Jena has been a center of the optical industry for more than 150 years. The Jentower was formerly used as a research center, but today it is an office building with a hotel and restaurant. From the viewing platform, visitors can enjoy a great view of Jena.
Hanfried Memorial
On the marketplace there is a statue of Elector Johann Friedrich I of Saxony, also called Hanfried. He founded the "Hohe Schule," which was elevated to university status in 1558. Jena has developed into one of the best known academic and scientific locations in Germany. Famous personalities worked here, including poet Friedrich Schiller and philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
The Seven Wonders
Caput, the Schnapphans figure as well as the dragon statue "Draco" (picture) in the city museum are part of the Seven Wonders of Jena, five of which are still preserved. They were an unusual means for the university to protect itself from impostors and cheats. Because their existence was only known to graduates of the university, they served as a code to prove that a person had studied in Jena.
Historical town hall
The semi-detached house with its tower was first mentioned in 1365 and is thus one of the oldest preserved town hall buildings in Germany. Bakers, butchers, and traders sold their goods on the ground floor. Today the inn "Ratszeise" is located here. On the upper floor there is the town hall lobby with a painted wooden ceiling, which is used today as a venue for events.
Schnapphans figure
A tourist attraction at the town hall is the "Schnapphans" at the baroque tower clock. At the full hour he snaps at every chime in vain for a golden ball. It is said to represent one of the famous Thuringian dumplings. Legend has it that Jena would go under if he were to catch the dumpling.
Zeiss Planetarium
In 1926 the world's first large planetarium opened in Jena. With full-dome laser projections, not only journeys to faraway space are shown here, but also music laser shows, underwater worlds and music spectacles. There are even regular moonlight dinners where guests can dine under the stars.
St. Michael's town church
The Late Gothic hall church St. Michael is also one of the Seven Wonders of Jena. Strictly speaking, it is the vaulted passage under the altar, an architectural feature and the only way to access the Cistercian monastery behind it. The church is also known for the fact that the great reformer Martin Luther preached here from the stone pulpit in 1524 and 1529.
Schiller's garden house
Schiller was one of the most famous professors in Jena and lived in the city for more than 10 years. He spent more time here than any other place. This is also where his friendship with fellow poet Goethe was born, who also regularly stayed in Jena. Schiller's garden house (picture) today belongs to the Friedrich Schiller University and is a public museum and event venue.
Wagnergasse alley
The Wagnergasse alley is a magnet for tourists, students, and businesspeople, as there are over 15 cafés, bars, and restaurants here. The "Fritz-Mitte" chip shop at the beginning of the street is immensely popular. It is particularly renowned for its Belgian fries with various mayonnaise creations such as truffle or wasabi flavors.