Optics, glass and light: the great scientists Karl Zeiss, Otto Schott and Ernst Abbe in the second half of the XIX century turned Jena into one of the leading industrial centers in Germany. This provided the city with not only the laurels of the industrial center, but also the status of the city of science. Numerous museums of Jena tell about the glorious past and present of the city.
Jena, photo Christian H.
The city of Jena is located in Thuringia, in the valley of the Saale River. The region where the Jena is located is sometimes called "Thuringian Tuscany" - for the mild climate created by the ridge of calcareous mountains that cover the valley from the wind. Compared to neighboring regions, it is warmer in winter and there are no cold nights in summer.
City `s history
Jena is an old city. The first annalistic references to it are dated 1182. Since the XII century, the city became famous for its wines. The products of Jena winemakers were sold in Bavaria, Vogtland, Bohemia. Since 1546, Jena has become a university city - a spiritual and cultural center. Until the middle of the XVIII century, the city belonged to various feudal possessions.
In the XVIII century, Jena became part of the Saxon-Weimar Duchy. Since the mid-19th century, the city has been the center of the famous German optics. The Zeiss company for the production of optical products was created in Jena. The factory of Karl Zeiss for many years has gained world significance and great fame. Since 1920, Jena became part of the newly formed land of Thuringia. In 1945, the historical center of Jena was almost completely destroyed by bombing, but in the post-war years the city was restored.
In the twentieth century, Jena was an industrial center, but after the unification of the country in 1990, it turned from an industrial city into a center of culture, science, and education.
About city
Jena - Old Town of Germany, photo by Christian Haecker
Today's Jena is a large, beautiful, developed city. He did not experience depression, unlike other cities in East Germany. After the unification of states in Jena did not record population decline. The city has created many scientific laboratories, institutes; there is a planetarium, an observatory is working, a botanical garden is open. The headquarters of the Carl Zeiss concern operates here today, but part of the optical production has been transferred to Oberhoehen.
Sights
In the 16th century, Martin Luther preached in Jena. He then lived in the Black Bear Inn (Schwarzer Bär). The medieval building has undergone several renovations - today it is an operating hotel.
Church of st. Michael (Stadtkirche St. Michael), photo by Anders Sandberg
The Gothic church of St. Michael (Stadtkirche St. Michael), where Luther preached. There is an observation platform on the 80-meter church bell tower, and under the altar there is an underground passage leading to the Cistercian monastery. A memorial bronze slab dedicated to Martin Luther (a work by Lucas Cranach the Elder) was installed in the temple.
Town Hall (Rathaus), photo by Jörg Knaack
The 13th century Jena Town Hall (Rathaus) is considered one of the oldest German town halls. Above the entrance to the building there is a relief image of a grape brush reminiscent of the wine-making traditions of Jena. The octagonal tower of the town hall features the famous Schnapphans watch.
Market Square (Marktplatz), photo by Yukino Miyazawa
A monument to Johann-Friedrich the Magnanimous, the founder of Jena University, was erected on the market square in 1905-08.
The city has long been surrounded by a fortress wall. A fragment of it with a city gate and a powder tower (XIII-XIV centuries) has survived to the present day. The remains of other towers serve as the foundation of residential buildings.
Schiller's garden house with garden (Schillers Gartenhaus), photo Linda
In Jena it is interesting to visit the Optische Museum, the literary House of Romantics, the Schott Glass museum, Schiller’s house-museum, located in the botanical garden, and the house-museum of the scientist-zoologist Ernst Haeckel.
In the Botanical Garden, photo Christian H.
The Botanical Garden has existed since 1580. Now its territory is 4.5 hectares. In open ground and greenhouses, more than 12,000 plant species have been planted from all over the planet.
Panorama of Jena, photo by Barbara Müller-Walter
Festivals and Holidays
In the city center in the summer every year, the Kulturarena music festival is held, gathering the audience for performances by world-famous stars. Performers in genres from ethnic music to jazz come here. In September, a bright fun Old Town Festival - Altstadtfest; Jena residents organize Christmas markets in winter.
Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (FSU Jena), photo by Jena
What to see in the surroundings
In the vicinity of Jena, tourists enjoy beautiful landscapes with many walking and educational routes. Beech forests green here, and picturesque vineyards grow on the southern slopes. Since 1937, the Leutratal Wildlife Sanctuary was created - a protected natural area.
Twelve kilometers from the city - in Dornburg, on the banks of the Saale are three ancient castles - North, South and Central. Castles are available for inspection, they have museum exhibits.
Museum of Optics (Optische Museum)
Christmas Market, photo by Ren Schwietzke
Schnapphans Clock on Town Hall Tower Photo by tspflieger
Apartment building, photo by Jörg Knaack
Jena Germany
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