German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832) created one of the greatest literary works of the 19th century with his classic two-part play Faust, which riveted European society with its tale of heaven, hell, and deals with the devil. Fans of Faust and Goethe's other work in the fields of theology, poetry, literature, science, and even painting come to Frankfurt's Goethe House and Museum, just one kilometer from Le Méridien Parkhotel Frankfurt, to learn more about the man, his inspirations, and his legacy. While the original house where Goethe was born "at midday, as the clock was striking twelve" on August 28, 1749 was, unfortunately, destroyed during World War II, it was painstakingly rebuilt according to its original design. Today, the house, located in Frankfurt's old town, stands as a beautiful snapshot of what life was like for a wealthy family in mid-18th century Germany, with a recreation of the library, picture gallery, exhibition area, and even the children's puppet theater. Naturally, the writing room is of great interest to visitors, who gaze upon the spot where Goethe composed his early poems, plays, lyrical dramas, satires, and the novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther" at the high desk, writing his way into literary history. It's a worthy destination for fans of the classics, as well as those just curious about European history. Oh, in case you're wondering, Goethe is pronounced gerta, more or less.
