The Grimm brothers, who taught and studied in Marburg, are said to have joked about this city having more steps on the streets than houses. Well, today you can take an elevator instead of climbing 400 steps to get into the part of the city that lies 109 metres above the other one.

Nevertheless it‘s the stairs and winding alleys between marvellous facades of half-timbered houses that make a visit to the university town unforgettable. In Marburg art, culture, knowledge and research unite with a history full of tradition. Situated between Frankfurt a./M. and Kassel, a stopover or day trip to Marburg is easy.

Founded in 1527 by landgrave Philipp the Magnanimous, the Philipps University of Marburg determines life in town. It is the worldwide oldest Protestant university. Built upon the foundation walls of a former Dominican's monastery at the end of the 19th century this old university’s assembly hall with large sized historical paintings gives insight into the history of Marburg. This wonderful hall is generally used for celebrations, seminars and concerts. Nearly 30,000 students turn Marburg into a young and living city. You can see them everywhere, in the city centre, at shores of river Lahn, in the suburbs or extensive woodlands of the surroundings.

The Old Town fascinates in its own way. Many tiny stores often offer unusual things. Bars and restaurants use every square metre they have at warm days to attract guests outside. The late Gothic city hall dating back to early 16th century is located at the central Marktplatz square. Social life is vibrating, cultural events take place and visitors listen to the 400 years old carillon every hour. Who likes silence, can visit one of the churches in the Old Town.

Already in the 13th centuries when the German order of knights built the first Gothic hall church in honour of Elisabeth of Thüringen, Marburg started attracting pilgrims from all over the country. This imposing church construction with double pile works can be noticed from afar and is easy to reach from the lower part of town. Built in only 50 years as Marien's church above the grave of St. Elisabeth of Thüringen, the church later became grave place for Hessian landgraves.

Dominated by the mighty landgrave's palace, formerly a castle, it sits throne-like on the so-called Gisonenfelsen above town. Actually it is one of the first height castles in Germany (dated 1000) and has enormously contributed to the development of the city. Today the castle accommodates the museum of cultural history which belongs to the university. In its imposing prince's hall concerts and events are staged.

Lovers of nature will enjoy the new botanical garden with greenhouses, numerous plants originally from different continents and thematic exhibitions. Far off everyday‘s rushing life it’s a perfect place to relax in the green among colourful flowers.

More information: http://www.marburg.de/en/24679