Marburg, University town in Hesse, Germany
Marburg is a university town in Hesse that stretches along the Lahn River valley, with a medieval upper town perched on a hill and a castle at 186 meters elevation. The old town consists of steep lanes, half-timbered houses, and winding staircases that climb from the riverbank to the castle above.
The settlement received town privileges in 1222 and grew into a center of the Reformation over the following centuries. The university was established in 1527 as the first Protestant institution of higher learning in the world and continues to shape the town today.
Students fill the cafés and pubs along the narrow lanes, shaping the everyday rhythm of life in the old town. On summer evenings, locals gather on the steps below the castle to watch the sunset over the valley.
Glass elevators connect the lower part of town to the upper section, making the steep medieval streets easier to reach. The old town is best explored on foot, though comfortable shoes are recommended due to the many staircases and inclines throughout the center.
The Brothers Grimm studied law here and began collecting fairy tales and folklore during their time at the university. A themed trail through the old town connects different locations with their stories and motifs, allowing visitors to follow in their footsteps.
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