Could a simple plaque hold the key to a literary love story? Here at the Untermühle Plaque, we uncover a hidden romance woven into the fabric of Frankfurt’s history. The Untermühle Plaque marks a place intertwined with the life and loves of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The plaque commemorates the Gerbermühle, a former mill, tannery, and later a summer residence. This spot wasn’t just any summer home. It was here that Goethe’s heart found inspiration, not just in the picturesque landscape, but in the captivating presence of Marianne von Willemer. The Gerbermühle was leased in 1875 by Johann von Willemer, a Frankfurt banker and friend of Goethe. Goethe first visited in 1814 and met Willemer’s foster-daughter, Marianne. A deep connection blossomed between the poet and Marianne. This connection drew Goethe back to the Gerbermühle time and again, for extended stays. In 1815, he spent almost a year here, even celebrating his 66th birthday within these very walls. The idyllic setting and his affection for Marianne inspired his poem “Ginkgo biloba.” He adorned the poem with ginkgo leaves, a symbol of their love, and sent it to Marianne, who had by then married her foster-father. Marianne’s own poetic talent shone through three poems she penned, which Goethe subtly included in his “West-östlicher Diwan.” The Untermühle Plaque stands as a testament to this love story. It’s a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt’s history, a quiet romance unfolded, leaving its mark on literature and the hearts of those who know the tale. The Gerbermühle, once a simple mill, became a haven for creativity and love, its story echoing through time thanks to the Untermühle Plaque.
Adlerwerke
From bicycles to Nazi atrocities, the Adlerwerke in Frankfurt has witnessed a tumultuous history. The Adlerwerke, meaning “Eagle Works,” began