Georgenburse, Medieval student residence in Erfurt, Germany
Georgenburse was a student residence (Burse) at the southern end of the Lehmannsbrücke on the Breitstrom in Erfurt's old town. The original complex consisted of several buildings; most, including the front houses on Augustinerstraße, were destroyed in the bombing of 25 February 1945. The only surviving building was restored in 1983 and now houses a medieval lecture room with benches, a professor's chair and original objects from student life.
The building was constructed in the late medieval period as a dormitory for university students in Erfurt. In the early 1500s, Martin Luther stayed there during his university years before joining the Augustinian monastery.
The name Georgenburse derives from Saint George, and the house was run by a magister with a permanently employed cook, while students handled the remaining administration. Luther's relative Dietrich Lindemann recorded being hospitably lodged there for several days by Luther, then a bachelor. Today the ground floor holds a medieval lecture room with benches, a professor's chair and original objects from student life.
The building operates as a pilgrim hostel with rooms available for travelers. Visitors should check the opening hours and availability before planning their visit.
The surviving building is the only part of the original complex left after the air raid of 25 February 1945 destroyed the front houses on Augustinerstraße. It was restored in 1983, the Luther jubilee year, and since 31 October 2010 has housed the educational centre "Georgenburse Erfurt – Studienort der Lutherzeit", with a medieval lecture room with benches and a professor's chair on the ground floor.
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