Meiningen, Cultural capital in Thuringia, Germany
This town sits along the Werra River, surrounded by forested hills at 287 meters elevation. Elisabethenburg Castle overlooks the old quarter with its half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes.
From 1680 to 1919 this place served as capital of the duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. The dukes resided in Elisabethenburg Castle and supported theater and arts across the region.
The theater shapes the townscape and draws visitors to performances in its old playhouse. Museums display paintings and sculptures once owned by the ducal family, now open to everyone.
The train station connects the town with Eisenach, Erfurt, and Schweinfurt through regional lines. The old quarter is walkable, with short distances between castle, theater, and museums.
The theater museum keeps original stage sets from the 19th century, when the company toured Europe for 16 years. The scenery shows painting techniques and mechanical effects that once impressed audiences across many countries.
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