Then there’s Erfurt, Weimar’s eternal rival, which grew rich through good business sense. The old medieval town centre boasts splendid half-timber and Renaissance houses. There are houses built over the full length of the Krämerbrücke and the residents can do some angling from their windows.

Not to mention the cathedral hill with its Mariendom and Sankt Severi. Both landmarks are accessible by way of generously proportioned steps. They form a spectacular ensemble that is difficult to match anywhere in Germany. And over the centuries, since 1157 in fact, Wolfram has been gazing down on the town from his bronze candelabra. His message is quite clear: “Don’t take yourself and your small worries so seriously.”