Did you know that the Gőrres-Gymnasium is one of the oldest schools in Germany? It has been shaping minds for almost 500 years. Let’s step back in time and explore the story of this impressive institution.
The Gőrres-Gymnasium started in April 1545. Wilhelm V, Duke of Jűlich-Kleve-Berg, founded it. He wanted a distinguished school in Dűsseldorf. This was a time of humanistic and reformatory educational ideas. Johann Ghogreff, a key advisor, also influenced the school’s creation.
Johannes Monheim became the first headmaster. He was a student of Erasmus von Rotterdam. The school quickly gained a reputation for high standards. It was even called “gymnasium illustre.” The focus was on classical languages. These included Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Imagine over 1000 students learning here. This was a lot considering Dűsseldorf only had 3000 residents back then.
The Gőrres-Gymnasium faced challenges early on. Its reformatory ideas clashed with the Jesuits. They wanted to re-Catholicize the area. In 1621, control of the school shifted to the Jesuits. They turned it into a Jesuit college. The curriculum was very strict. Students spent up to twelve hours a day learning and praying. Latin was the most important subject. Theater performances were even held in Latin.
After the Jesuit order was abolished in 1773, the school changed again. It became the “Kurfürstliches Gymnasium”. German became a required subject. French was added as the third foreign language.
During the French occupation in 1803, the school was renamed “Lyzeum”. It moved into a former monastery. The school focused on a well-rounded education. They promoted German language and offered subjects like medicine and botany. Even the royal gardener taught about plants.
Heinrich Heine, a famous poet, attended the Lyzeum from 1807 to 1814. Later, in 1814, the school became the “Kőnigliche Katholische Gymnasium” under Prussian rule. The curriculum included Greek literature, philosophy, and more.
In 1831, the school moved to a new building on Alleestraße. It was later renamed “Kőnigliches Hohenzollern-Gymnasium”. Finally, in 1906, the Gőrres-Gymnasium moved to its current location. This building is on Bastionstraße.
The school faced more changes in the 20th century. It was renamed during the Nazi era. The building was damaged in World War II. In 1947, it was named after Joseph Gőrres. He was a professor and Catholic writer.
Today, the Gőrres-Gymnasium stands proudly on Kőnigsallee. It has been renovated and modernized. It offers a strong classical education. Latin and English are taught from the 5th grade. The school maintains a connection with its alumni. They have an alumni association.
The Gőrres-Gymnasium boasts a remarkable library. It is located in the tower. It holds over 20000 books. This includes the Bibliotheca Vossiana. It has manuscripts from Johann Heinrich Voß.
From its beginnings in 1545 to its current form, the Gőrres-Gymnasium has seen many changes. It remains a pillar of education in Dűsseldorf. The Gőrres-Gymnasium continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence.