There are many sides to the university town of Jena in the state of Thuringia. Modern architecture and high-tech companies sit side by side with historic monuments that reflect and embody Jena's history and traditions. Jena's skyline is dominated by the imposing JenTower, the town's most famous landmark, and the late-Gothic municipal church of St. Michael. Other historical buildings worth visiting include the old town hall, the Johannis Gate and its gunpowder tower, the Collegium Jenense and the main university building.JenTower
JenTower, which is also fondly known as "Keksrolle" ("packet of biscuits") due to its cylindrical shape, is Jena's most famous landmark and at 159 metres high is the highest building in the new Länder of former East Germany. The tower was built in 1970 and has already been used for various purposes. Currently the base of the building houses the "neue mitte" shopping centre.Municipal church of St. Michael
The triple-naved municipal church of St. Michael is one of the largest late-Gothic hall churches in the state of Thuringia. The altar passageway, which leads to a former Cistercian Abbey, is referred to as one of the seven wonders of Jena. The world-famous reformer Martin Luther preached here between 1524 and 1529 from the stone pulpit. Although he was buried in the town of Wittenberg, St. Michael's church houses the memorial plate destined for his grave.Old town hall
The pretty medieval town hall in the market place is a solidly constructed two-storey building with a baroque half-timbered tower and is one of the oldest town halls in Germany. The main attraction is the "Schnapphans" figure, part of the ornamental clock in the octagonal tower. On the hour the painted oak wood face snaps at a ball just in front of its mouth.