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G.O.D. - Garden of Delight
Philippsruh CastleWhat is left of the Residence of the Counts
Two blocks from Marienkirche we passed a huge school complex where an impatient music teacher was rehearsing the Radetzky March with the school orchestra. The window was open so we were able to listen to his comments and commands as well as the music.
Behind the school the former palace gardens extend. These are just another park with a duck pond and some old trees. The park was mostly frequented by teenagers who met there either to snog or drink beer, depending on constellation, and a few people walking their dogs or little kids.
Hanau used to be the residence of the Counts of Hanau until 1736. Not much is left of their palace. Most was destroyed in World War II. The grounds were later filled with the modern Stadthalle, a concert and event hall, and the school with the already mentioned impatient music teacher.
The former stables are the only original building in the palace grounds that is still standing. It hosts the city library and archive.
"Alte Johanneskirche"
Johanneskirche, not far from Marienkirche and Schloss, is also not a "Church of St John", neither the Baptist nor the Evangelist. It was named after Elector Johann Georg II of Saxony who laid the foundation stone in 1658.
This miserable church has been heavily damaged in the war and rebuilt as a torso. The scars have been left visible on purpose. The baroque spire and the side wing are missing. It does not serve as a church any more. The interior, divided in two storeys, is used for meetings and events. In addition to the hall and meeting rooms it contains the offices of the church district's administration.
Some people in Hanau hope to rebuild the steeple some day. Let's see if they manage to get the okay for the project and raise sufficient funds.
This church, which used to be the Lutheran court and parish church, has been a topic of Mommy's research recently. Its history is much more interesting than the look of the building.
From there we went back to the pedestrian zone. Since we felt hungry, we bought a pizza and later coffee and cake.
It was time for a rest and then dressing up for the lecture, so we returned to the hotel. I decided not to attend the lecture. I knew it by heart anyway, as i had assisted Mommy with all the preparations. Instead I had a good long sleep in her bed until she came back.
"Friday"
The following morning was sunny. After breakfast we first walked over the market square again. The farmers market was on and they sold the yummiest fruit, but we restrained ourselvs for the sake of the weight of our hand luggage.
Thea also had lots and lots of beautiful sunflowers.
