Our expedition to Celle began with geese. Actually, it began with a wrong turn, leading us to the train station. But the geese were much cuter.
According to our Frommer's guidebook, the town center of Celle has the best example of Weser Renaissance architecture.
Almost all of the center of Celle was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. These buildings are hundreds of years old.
More views as we walk towards the center.
Many of the buildings are adorned with a variety of inscriptions. This building currently houses a jewelry store.
The turret of the Stadtkirche Celle (town church).
Exterior of the Stadtkirche.
The Stadtkirche was originally the Catholic Marienkirche (St. Mary's), built 1292-1308. It became the Protestant Stadtkirche after the Reformation.
The centerpiece of the triumphal arch, situated between the nave and the high chancel.
Stucco ceiling of the high chancel, created by Giovanni Battista Tornielli.
The ceilings and columns are simply stunning, crafted in fine detail by Tornielli.
A view from the tower, which was not added until 1913.
Another view from the tower, which has 235 steps on a teeny, tiny spiral staircase.
A view of the Herzogschloss, the ducal palace.
The schloss began construction in 1292 as a town fortification, under Duke Otto der Strenge (the Strict).
In the following years, the palace was expanded and became a residence of the local duchy.
Within the interior courtyard.
Over time, the palace has been used for many things, including a prison and homeless shelter.
The ceilings of the schloss were also (originally) created by Giovanni B. Tornielli of Italy, who also crafted the stucco work in the Stadtkirche.
In the ducal suite. The palace underwent extensive renovations beginning in 1978, allowing us to see how the palace appeared in its glory days.
The tower of the Stadtkirche.
Many of the buildings had gold inscriptions. Again, according to our guidebook, some were reminders to get back to work.
