City of science!
A university city with tradition, charm and a high quality of life – this is how the centre of southern Lower Saxony can be described. The marks of over 1,000 years of city history can be found here. First mentioned in a document in 953, the place was granted city rights around 1200 and flourished greatly as a member of the Hansa during the 14th and 15th century. Once the university had been founded in 1734, the city developed into a significant centre of science and education. Its imposing churches, impressive university buildings and half-timbered houses in the historic centre stand witness to these and many other important dates in city history. The city’s symbol is Gänseliesel (little goose girl), the “world’s most-kissed girl”, whose
statue stands on top of the fountain in front of the Altes Rathaus (old city hall). The extraordinary cultural offers in Göttingen are characterized by their great variety. Theatres, orchestras, museums and largescale events attract visitors from far beyond the city limits. City travelers value the lively city’s atmosphere of openness to the world, with many students and guests from abroad to be seen in the streets.
