Tempelherrenhaus, Ruins in Park an der Ilm, Weimar, Germany
The Tempelherrenhaus is a structure of stone walls and tower ruins located within the landscaped Park an der Ilm near the riverbank in Weimar. The remaining walls reveal the original layout of what once stood here, now integrated into the park's green spaces and walking routes.
The building originated in 1786 as a converted greenhouse structure within the park grounds. A bombing raid by Allied forces in 1945 caused extensive damage that reduced it to the ruins visible today.
Four sandstone sculptures of Templar knights created by Johann Peter Kaufmann in 1818 once crowned the corners and shaped how visitors understood the site. These figures expressed a romantic connection to history that was meant to inspire those walking through the park.
The ruins are accessible through the walking path network of Park an der Ilm, which connects various historical sites throughout Weimar. You can explore them best by following the park trails and allowing time to observe the surrounding landscape.
The name emerged around 1820 from the four Templar knight sculptures positioned on the roof corners, which gave the site its distinctive identity. This naming choice reflected a deliberate reference to medieval symbolism that matched the romantic tastes of the era.
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