Guided Tour of the Historical Building: Experience Göttingen's History Up Close


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Discover Göttingen's Historical Knowledge World
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the Historical Building of the Lower Saxony State and University Library Göttingen will open its doors for a guided tour lasting about an hour. The focus will be on the historically significant rooms of the Paulinerkirche, the Alfred-Hessel-Saal, and the Heyne-Saal.
A Walk Through Local History and Cultural Heritage
The city tour takes participants through a place where medieval sacral architecture, university history, and the development of an important research library come together. The Historical Building is considered the founding site of the University of Göttingen and the oldest university building. The Paulinerkirche is the only medieval part of the building that has been preserved and is also Göttingen's oldest sacral building.
From Monastery Church to University Library
The history in the Paulinerkirche is particularly vivid: originally built as a monastery church for the Dominican order, it later served as a university church. In the early 19th century, the Gothic structure was divided with a ceiling and integrated into the Göttingen University Library. Today, the church preserves historical holdings from the founding collection of the library.
Architecture, Library Spaces, and Scientific Tradition
The tour offers insights into the historical rooms and their varied uses. In the Alfred-Hessel-Saal, visitors encounter the history of the Göttingen Library, which developed from humble beginnings to one of the most important libraries in Europe. The Heyne-Saal symbolizes the close connection between science, reading, and cultural transmission.
Insights for Culture and Science Enthusiasts
This discovery experience is aimed at everyone who wants to learn about Göttingen from a cultural-historical perspective. Architectural details, local history, and the development of the university come together for an informative city tour through a building complex that is otherwise only accessible to a limited extent. The tour takes place regularly on the last Thursday of the month at 4 PM.
Conclusion: Experience Göttingen's History in an Authentic Place
The guided tour of the Historical Building reveals how closely monastery history, university founding, and bibliological heritage are connected in Göttingen. Look forward to a cultural enrichment in the Paulinerkirche and an exciting glimpse behind the historical walls of the SUB Göttingen. Secure your spot now for this special discovery experience.
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