Bremen - Bremer Freimarkt

"Bremer Freimarkt" is one of the oldest fairs in Germany, first held in 1035 after Emperor Conrad II (aka "Conrad the Older") had granted the right to hold a fair to Archbishop Bezelin. In the 14th century the right was transferred to the civil authorities and since 1339 the word "Freimarkt" was used. Not only goods were traded, but as well "entertainment" entered the Freimarkt. Already in 1445 a lion got displayed here, followed by bears, monkeys and camels.

Today about four million visitors come to Bremen each year during Freimarkt.

Seen here is the market place, where the "Kleiner Freimarkt" is held around the "Bremer Roland", a statue of Roland, erected in 1404. Roland was paladin of Charlemagne and hero of the Battle of Roncevaux. Roland is shown as protector of the city. He holds his legendary sword Durendal (that today can be seen in Rocamadour, France). The 5.47 m tall statue is a little hard to see, as it is "embellished" by balloons and a large heart with an "ISCHA FREIMARKT" inscription.