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Gttingen

Table of contents
1 Coat of Arms
2 University of Gttingen
3 External link

Coat of Arms

University of Gttingen


Top: The old Auditorium Maximum (1862-65)
Bottom: New library building

Gttingen is a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the capital of the district of Gttingen. The Leine river runs through the town. Population: 126,500.

Gttingen was founded in the 10th century (first mentioned in 953). In medieval times the city was a member of the Hanseatic League and hence a wealthy town.

Today Gttingen is famous for its old university (Georgia Augusta, or "Georg-August-Universitt), which was founded in 1737 to become the most visited university of Europe. In 1837 seven professors protested against the absolute sovereignty of the kings of Hanover; they lost their offices, but became known as the "Gttingen Seven". They include some well-known celebrities: the Brothers Grimm, Wilhelm Weber and Georg Gervinus.


Gnseliesel-Fountain in front of the Old Town Hall

Like other university towns, Gttingen has developed its own folklore. On the day of their doctorate, postgraduate students are drawn in handcarts from the Great Hall to the Gnseliesel-Fountain in front of the Old Town Hall. There they have to climb the fountain and kiss the statue of the Gnseliesel (Geese girl). She is considered to be the most-kissed girl in the world.

Gttingen is home of the Akademische Orchestervereinigung, a high-caliber volunteer orchestra playing four concerts yearly to local audiences, led by conductor Thomas-Michael Gribow.

Colleges

External link