Although the University of Gottingen's fame resonates throughout Europe, the city of Gottingen itself is not considered a major city.
While Gottingen attracts numerous scholars, students, and intellectuals with its outstanding academic atmosphere and relatively quiet pace of life, its scale and development speed are relatively slow in terms of industrialization and urbanization.
The city's population is only around ten to twelve thousand, and such a population size naturally can't support several decent taverns.
The oldest tavern here is the Ratskeller, the city hall cellar tavern that Heine had previously mentioned to Arthur. Its history dates back to the 13th century; it once served as the dining and drinking venue for city officials and distinguished guests, but gradually opened to the public in the 17th and 18th centuries. The iconic ancient vaulted architecture and traditional German court cuisine are the pride of the Ratskeller.
