“The Signory of Emden…”
The city of Emden is the economic and cultural centre of East Freesia, unifying tradition and innovation. Emden’s maritime tradition is more than twelve hundred years old. Ever since being founded and to the present day, Emden has been closely connected with the sea. Its economic development has been moulded by sea trade, ship building industry and fishing, and maritime traditions have long shaped the city’s cultural landscape. In 1592, at the peak of economic bloom, when the city of Emden was home to as many trade ships as England, Christopher Marlow’s Faustus claimed: “The signory of Emden shall be mine!” In 2011, the signory of Emden shall be yours – and payment for your visit certainly won’t cost you your soul.
Maritime tradition and innovation
“The wind thou canst not guide your sailing well”, as an old saying goes. Aware of this insight – as derived from the maritime tradition itself – the people of Emden always adjusted their sails to the winds of change. In the last few decades, fishing and ship building lost their economic importance but meanwhile water tourism and offshore wind energy parks replaced them. Like the sea, the city’s continuity rests in its motion.
Cultural summer 2011
The theme year “Emden’s maritime heritage” consists of more than 20 events between May and September 2011. Never before, the maritime legacy was reflected from so many different angles. One of the highlights is the exhibition “Emden’s Ships and Herring Fishing”, which displays paintings of ships that were built and based in Emden as well as the history of work in the field of Herring fishing. Another exhibition is dedicated to the pioneers of life rescue on sea, who in 1861 founded the first German life boat organisation in Emden. The exhibitions constitute only a small part of the comprehensive cultural program. Concerts, lectures und festivals are waiting for you throughout the summer.
You’re invited
For centuries, Emden’s famous harbour gate has been wide open for guests from all over the world. In 2011 the city presents more jewels of its maritime heritage than have ever been seen before. The signory of Emden shall be yours, just come and see.
www.maritim.emden.de, Tourist Information: +49 04921 97400
