G�ttingen (original) (raw)

G�ttingen is a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the capital of the district of G�ttingen. The Leine river runs through the town. Population: 126,500.

G�ttingen was founded in the 10th century (first mentioned in 953). In medieval times the city was a member of the Hanseatic League and hence a wealthy town.

Today G�ttingen is famous for its old university (Georgia Augusta, or "Georg-August-Universit�t), which was founded in 1737 to become the most visited university of Europe. In 1837 seven professors protested against the absolute sovereignty of the kings of Hanover; they lost their offices, but became known as the "G�ttingen Seven". They include some well-known celebrities: the Brothers Grimm, Wilhelm Weber and Georg Gervinus.

G�nseliesel-Fountain in front of the Old Town Hall

Like other university towns, G�ttingen has developed its own folklore. On the day of their doctorate, postgraduate students are drawn in handcarts from the Great Hall to the _G�nseliesel_-Fountain in front of the Old Town Hall. There they have to climb the fountain and kiss the statue of the G�nseliesel (Geese girl). She is considered to be the most-kissed girl in the world.

G�ttingen is home of the Akademische Orchestervereinigung, a high-caliber volunteer orchestra playing four concerts yearly to local audiences, led by conductor Thomas-Michael Gribow.

Colleges