Luzern, Switzerland — Central Europe (the Alps)

"Star Square"

Sternenplatz

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 29, 2013

1. Sternenplatz Marker

Caption: Ausschnitt aus dem stadtprospekt von Schumacher 1792(from a bird's-eye view drawing by Schumacher 1792).

Inscription. Der Platz, auf dem fünf Gassen zusammentreffen, hiess 1259 und bis weit über das Mittelalter hinaus «Unter den Bäumen». Der Name verrät eine lockere, baumbestandene Überbauung, die sich seit dem Mittelalter zunehmend verdichtete.
Die seit dem 17. Jahrhundert erwähnte Bezeichnung Sternenplatz dürfte sich von der Platzform ableiten.
German-English translation:

From 1259 and well through the Middle Ages this square where five streets meet has been called "Beneath the Trees". The name suggests loose, tree-lined surroundings, which became increasingly congested throughout the Middle Ages.
The square's star-like shape, first described in the 17th Century, is thought to have given the Sternplatz its name.

Erected by Stadt der Luzern (City of Lucerne).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1259.

Location. 47° 3.181′ N, 8° 18.436′ E. Marker is in Luzern. It is on Sternenplatz. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Sternenplatz 7, Luzern 6004, Switzerland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

Central Europe,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Joseph Willmann-Haus (within shouting distance of this marker); Teiling Alley (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Theilinghus (within shouting distance of this marker); The von Silenen Home (within shouting distance of this marker); The Inner "Weggis" Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Ludwig Pfyffer (within shouting distance of this marker); "At the White Cross" Inn (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Balthasar House (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luzern.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 29, 2013

2. Sternenplatz Marker

Sternenplatz Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

August 19, 2024

3. Sternenplatz Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here on the right corner of the building, just above the woman in the red dress.

Carnival Mural (1985) by Robert Ottiger image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2024

4. Carnival Mural (1985) by Robert Ottiger

Standing about a meter from the marker (visible here on edge on the far right), one can view a Carnival mural on the Restaurant Fritschi. (Carnival is a pre-Lenten festival that takes place in historically-Catholic German-speaking areas, somewhat similar to what Americans know as Marci Gras).

Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,659 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on September 7, 2024. 4. submitted on September 7, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.