Junkernschänke, Medieval timber-framed house in Göttingen, Germany.
Junkernschänke is a timber-framed house from the 15th century with intricately carved wooden details covering its facade. The carvings include zodiac signs, biblical scenes, and portrait medallions all worked into the wood.
The building was constructed between 1446 and 1452, making it one of the oldest timber-framed structures in Göttingen. It later passed through several owners, including a skilled woodcarver and then a city mayor.
The wooden carvings display portraits identified by experts as religious figures including Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These images reveal what stories and beliefs people chose to show on their homes in medieval times.
The building underwent comprehensive restoration from 2003 to 2008, with the carved details brought back to their original colors. Visitors can best view the wooden details during daylight hours and should allow time to examine the elaborate decorations across the entire facade.
The facade was covered in paint for centuries, hiding its elaborate wooden details beneath layers of color. Restoration work carefully uncovered these original decorations, revealing the skilled craftsmanship that had been concealed for generations.
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