The oldest monument toilet in Germany: A surprising legacy in Celle!

The oldest monument toilet in Germany: A surprising legacy in Celle!

In Celle, Lower Saxony, residents could sharpen their perspective on everyday life, because there is something very special there: the oldest listed toilet in Germany. This unusual piece of history floats, quite unconventionally, between two half-timbered houses on “Großer Plan” 1 and 2. While people in the city may have a lot on their minds in everyday life, there is a little sensation that is worth discovering.

What makes Celle's hanging toilet so unique? Well, it was built in the 18th century when toilets were mostly located in backyards. The reason for the construction of this extraordinary toilet in the location described remains a mystery to this day. It is assumed that a wealthy landlord chose this type of toilet, but whether the neighbor could use the toilet remains uncertain. Many cellers aren't even aware of the monument's existence, as evidenced by the surprised comments on Instagram that could reignite interest in this charming "water toilet."

Half-timbered houses – Celle’s historical backdrop

Celle is known for its picturesque half-timbered houses - there are more than 400 here, making the city the world's densest half-timbered house ensemble. These so-called Swiss timber-framed houses are famous for their lovingly designed wooden skeletons, which are filled with bricks or a mixture of wood and clay. The architecture of half-timbered houses has a long tradition in Germany, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The arrangement of the beams, carvings and the color design vary depending on the time it was built and the region, which is what makes this construction method so fascinating.

In the heyday from the 13th to 16th centuries, magnificent patrician houses with up to eight floors were built. Initially, materials were readily available, which encouraged the construction of these beautiful buildings. Even today, half-timbered houses are a popular motif for postcards and photo subjects from the region. You can find them not only in Celle, but also in cities like Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Wernigerode.

Cultural highlights in Celle

Celle recently celebrated a large medieval market that transformed the city into a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. Such events help keep the city's cultural heritage alive and raise citizens' awareness of its history. Perhaps the hanging toilet would be just the right symbol to show in a charming way that the history of toilets is by no means a “sneaky” one.

Whether on your next visit to Celle or during a walk through the city, perhaps one or the other would like to take a little detour to discover the oldest listed toilet in Germany. A visit could prove not only entertaining, but also an interesting way to learn more about the half-timbered houses and history of this city. After all, exploring everyday things often leads to the best surprises!

For more information and fascinating details about half-timbered houses in Germany, you can take a look at Fachwerkhaus.de. If you need to troubleshoot technical problems with audio devices or understand where some challenges come from in everyday life, you can find help at Microsoft Support. And to find out more about the hanging toilet in Celle, take a look at Kreiszeitung.de.