Heinrich Stromer

German physician and humanist

Heinrich Stromer (1476 – 1542), also known as Dr. Stromer von Auerbach, was a prominent German physician, humanist, and a notable figure in the early 16th century. He is best remembered for his contributions to the University of Leipzig and for founding the famous Auerbachs Keller in Leipzig, which became a renowned meeting place for scholars and intellectuals.

Early Life and Education

Heinrich Stromer was born in 1476 in Auerbach in der Oberpfalz, a town in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria. He hailed from a family of some standing, which enabled him to pursue higher education. Stromer studied at the University of Leipzig, where he earned his degree in medicine. His academic prowess and interest in the humanities led him to become a respected figure in the university community.

Career

Stromer was appointed as a professor of medicine at the University of Leipzig, where he taught and practiced medicine. His work as a physician was highly regarded, and he was known for his dedication to the advancement of medical knowledge. In addition to his medical practice, Stromer was deeply involved in the intellectual and cultural life of Leipzig.

Heinrich Stromer

Auerbachs Keller

In 1525, Heinrich Stromer founded the Auerbachs Keller, a wine bar and restaurant located in the basement of the Mädlerpassage in Leipzig. The establishment quickly became a popular gathering place for students, professors, and visiting scholars. It gained fame as a center of intellectual exchange and was frequented by many notable figures of the time.

Auerbachs Keller is famously associated with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who immortalized it in his play Faust. The scene in which Mephistopheles takes Faust to the cellar is one of the most famous in German literature, and it helped cement the Keller's place in cultural history.

Legacy

Heinrich Stromer's contributions to the University of Leipzig and the cultural life of the city left a lasting impact. His establishment of Auerbachs Keller provided a space for the exchange of ideas and fostered a vibrant intellectual community. Today, Auerbachs Keller remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Leipzig's rich academic and cultural heritage.

Related Pages

• University of Leipzig
• Auerbachs Keller
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• Faust (Goethe)