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Markt Area
Markt Area
On the Markt (Market) are the Neo-Gothic Rathaus (Town Hall), the Renaissance Cranachhaus, where Lucas Cranach died in 1553, and the mid-1930s exterior of the famed Hotel Elephant. In addition to the tourist information office, Markt also has an information office for Buchenwald Concentration Camp, Markt 5
Nearby is the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek (Duchess Anna Amalia Library), Platz der Demokratie 1. Although this library dates back to the early 16th century, it was under Goethe’s leadership that it expanded to 80,000 catalogued volumes, one of the largest collections in Germany at the time. Currently the library has more than a million items, including the libraries of Liszt and Nietzsche. The main attraction is the magnificent Rococo Hall. The library and reading room are open to all. A devastating fire in September 2004 severely damaged the library. The Rococo Hall will be restored but will be closed for several years.
Two blocks north of Markt is the triplenave Stadtkirche, Herderplatz. The oldest parts of the church date back to the 15th century, but most parts are Baroque. The high, steep roof is particularly impressive. The church was virtually destroyed during World War II, but was largely restored to its original condition. The church is also commonly known as the Herderkirche, since Johann Gottfried Herder preached here during Goethe’s time. A large statue of Herder is on the square in front of the building. Bach and Liszt were organists here. The main sight in the church is the splendid Cranach triptych. Originally started by Lucas Cranach the Elder, it was finished after his death by his son. It features the crucifixion of Christ, with other scenes from the Bible. Luther and Cranach himself are also depicted in the picture.
Although Goethe played a major role in the construction of the palace, in the Schloßmuseum (Palace Museum), Burgplatz 4, the focus for once is not on Goethe but on fine art. The museum has a large collection, spread over three floors, with works from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Especially noteworthy are the Cranach gallery and the ceremonial rooms. Afew rooms are dedicated to the Classical writers, with wall paintings illustrating scenes from their works.
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