How many footsteps have echoed through the years beneath the Drillingseiche’s sprawling branches? We stand before a giant, a living monument named the Drillingseiche. This grand old Stiel-Eiche, or English oak, has stood sentinel here in Frankfurt (Oder) for centuries, witnessing the ebb and flow of life around it. Imagine, if you will, the Markendorf of centuries past. The Drillingseiche, already a venerable presence, watches over the construction of a new church, its roots sinking deep into the earth as the building rises around it. This was back in the 1400s, and the church we see today is not the first, nor even the second to grace this site. The Drillingseiche has seen them all rise and fall, a silent witness to the passage of time. Now, look closely at the tree’s massive trunk. Notice how it splits into three mighty limbs, giving the Drillingseiche its name. This distinctive feature, likely caused by lightning or damage long ago, adds to its unique character. Today, the Drillingseiche stands as a testament to resilience and endurance. It has weathered storms, wars, and even the construction and destruction of churches, emerging as a symbol of enduring strength. As we leave the Drillingseiche, let its story remind us of the enduring power of nature and the importance of preserving these living links to our past.
Stadion der Freundschaft
But the current state of the stadium is a sad reminder of the passage of time. Its original floodlights and