Park an der Ilm

A sweeping landscaped park along the Ilm River that was created in the late 18th century under the influence of Goethe and Duke Carl August. Covering 48 hectares, the Park an der Ilm blends natural English-style landscape design with picturesque architecture. Winding paths lead through meadows and groves to notable features: Goethe's Garden House (the poet's rustic cottage from 1776, set by the river), the Roman House (an Italianate classical pavilion built 1797–1803 for the Duke), and numerous statues and bridges. The park was laid out from 1778 onwards as Goethe oversaw planting of rare trees and the integration of existing Baroque gardens into a romantic landscape. Locals and visitors have strolled here for centuries – from the Weimar Classicists who found inspiration in its scenery, to today's residents seeking relaxation. A UNESCO World Heritage site (part of "Classical Weimar"), the Park an der Ilm offers a serene cultural landscape where nature and art intertwine, essentially an open-air museum of Weimar's Golden Age.