Stolpersteine ("stumbling stones") is a project initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 to commemorate victims of the Holocaust by installing brass plaques on the pavement outside their former homes. The tradition aims to bring local history to life and ensure the memories of the victims live on. Hannover is a university centre primarily because of Leibniz Universität Hannover, established in 1831 by scholar Karl Karmarsch, which has played a significant role in shaping the city as a hub for education and research. The university's tradition has a tangible link to Jews, as many Jewish scholars and students contributed significantly to its development, but tragically, many were expelled or murdered during the Holocaust. The Stolpersteine project in Hannover serves as a poignant reminder of this history, marking the last freely chosen residences of the victims and honouring their contributions to the city and its university.
"View into the Nordmannpassage; Stolpersteine at the location Kurt-Schumacher-Straße 31; for Adolf Goldfinger, born in 1897, expelled to Poland on October 28, 1938, missing; for Fredi Goldfinger, born in 1929, expelled to Poland on August 25, 1939, murdered in Auschwitz; for Fanny Goldfinger, née Wulkan, expelled to Poland on June 25, 1939, murdered in Auschwitz..."
By Foto: Bernd Schwabe in Hannover - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Here's a sample itinerary for a one-day trip in Hanover, visiting the Leibniz University and Herrenhausen Gardens.
Morning:
Start at Leibniz University: Start your day at the Leibniz University of Hanover, one of Germany's largest and oldest science and technology universities. The campus is dotted with historical buildings and modern structures, reflecting the evolution of education and technology over the centuries. Explore the main building, the Conti-Tower, and the beautiful library.
Visit the Welfenschloss: This former royal palace now serves as the university's main building. It is an excellent example of historicist architecture with a beautiful facade and interior. Also, don't miss the chance to visit the Welfengarten, the park surrounding the palace.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes near the university. You can find everything from traditional German fare to international cuisine.
Afternoon:
Herrenhausen Gardens: Head to the Herrenhausen Gardens after lunch. This complex consists of the Great Garden (Großer Garten), the Berggarten, the Georgengarten, and the Welfengarten. Spend the afternoon strolling through these stunning gardens, which reflect the baroque ideals of ordered nature and art.
The Great Garden: Start with the Great Garden, one of Europe's most distinguished elaborate formal gardens. Here, you can admire meticulously manicured lawns, hedges, walkways, and a beautiful fountain that shoots water 80 meters high.
The Berggarten: Next, visit the Berggarten, a botanical garden with an impressive collection of plants. Don't miss the orchid collection, the rainforest house, and the cactus house.
The Georgengarten and Welfengarten: These English-style gardens are perfect for a stroll. They're also home to the Wilhelm Busch Museum and the Leibniz Temple.
Evening:
- Dinner: After a day of exploring, have dinner at one of the restaurants near the gardens. You could also opt for a meal in the city centre, just a short tram ride away. Here's a sample itinerary for a one-day trip in Hanover, visiting the Leibniz University and Herrenhausen Gardens.
Enjoy your day in Hanover!
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
