Die Altstadt and Mole Update.

The Fountain in Altstadt Square

On Wednesday afternoon I found the Altstadt, the Old Town square with the Town Hall and fountain.  It was never really lost, as I first visited in 2009 with the Bath Twinning Group.  Most of Braunschweig has been rebuilt since the last war.  It had been a city of half-timbered houses but on the night of October 15th 1944, 90% of the buildings were destroyed in air raids.  The city subsequently became part of the British occupied zone.

The "History of Braunschweig" Museum is located in the Town Hall and after my visit yesterday, I realised that I will have to return frequently to read up on the city's history from its founding in 1031, when it was known as Brunesguik.



My reflection in the chemist's doorway.

 The modern city has been rebuilt with "Traditional Islands," parts of the medieval centre, the main buildings of interest, the churches and municipal centres being rebuilt around big squares.   These make lovely tranquil areas in which to sit or wander and avoid the bustle of the city centre.  The chemist's doorway was, like most of the reconstructed buildings, rescued from wartime bombing  and reassembled here.

Many beautiful half timbered houses have been rebuilt with the traditional German Gothic script and multicoloured patterns inscribed along the beams.  I found one saying:   "1960 Out of the ruins arises what the war destroyed."

Click on the photos to make them larger.

Mole Update:  Mr. Mole has now invited his entire family of 350+ to join him in frenzied crop destruction, the field opposite is now covered in tracks.   My Swiss email partner thinks he has one in his vegetable garden, so obviously some have taken a holiday to Switzerland!   I wonder if moles like Windparks,  they don't like small windmills, the giant ones must upset their delicate ears and noses.