In the heart of Strasbourg, on the Place de l’Université, stands a monument that is more than just a commemoration; it’s a symbol of the deep cultural ties between France and Germany. This is the statue of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famed German poet, playwright, and thinker, whose connection with the city embodies the shared history and heritage of these two European powers.
Goethe’s Life and Strasbourg
Born on August 28, 1749, in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, Goethe was a literary prodigy from a young age. His journey to Strasbourg in 1770 marked a pivotal moment in his life. It was here, at the University of Strasbourg, that he completed his studies in law, but more importantly, he found a muse in the city’s vibrant culture. She was Friederike Brion, a pastor’s daughter from the nearby village of Sessenheim. Their brief but intense romance is often credited with inspiring some of Goethe’s early lyrical works, including poems that would later appear in his famous “Sesenheimer Lieder” collection.
A Symbol of Franco-German Relations
Goethe’s statue in Strasbourg is also testament to the city’s unique position at the crossroads of French and German influences. Strasbourg has changed hands multiple times throughout history, being part of France and Germany during different periods. It was German after the Franco-German War in 1870, returned to France post-World War I, was occupied by Germany during World War II, and has since remained French, all the while retaining a blend of both cultures.
The Statue’s Significance
The Goethe monument, situated within a spacious semicircular area at the University Square, features a tall pedestal adorned with sculpted reliefs, celebrating Goethe’s literary genius and also his role in the cultural intermingling that defines Strasbourg
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