ELSA Study Visit Guide
3rd edition
2009
The European Law Students‘ Association
Dear Reader,
I have a pleasure to present the 3rd edition of the Study Visit Guide (SVG) with the
information from the Local Groups interested to have a Study Visit with YOU.
Thank you for your contributions!
The Study Visit Guide was first published by Julianna Koppány (VP S&C
2005/2006) in 2006 and then by Loreta Pivoriūnaitė (VP S&C 2006/2007) who
published the 2nd edition of the SVG in 2007. A special thanks goes to the team of
2008/2009, Kamil Szymanski (VP S&C 2008/2009) and Peter Formela (Assistant
for Study Visits 2008/2009) who collected most of the information presented in
this SVG.
Since Study Visits are a part of the Strategic Goals of ELSA for 2013, every Local
Group should visit and host another Local Group during a year. Study Visits are
always combined with an academic programme, preferably with topics including
the International Focus Programme (IFP) or Human Rights. Study Visits are in the
core of ELSA‘s activities – they contribute to legal education and exchange of
cultural experiences and thereby, they create mutual understanding among law
students and young lawyers. Make the best out of the academic, social and cultural
programme of your Study Visits!
Use this material for finding a Study Visit partner and have nice moments during
your unilateral, bilateral and multilateral Study Visits across the ELSA Network.
Where do you want to go next?
ELSAfully yours,
Sofia Kallio
Vice President Seminars & Conferences
ELSA International 2009/2010
Table of contents
ELSA Austria
ELSA Belgium
ELSA Bulgaria
ELSA Croatia
ELSA Czech Republic
ELSA Denmark
ELSA Estonia
ELSA Finland
ELSA Georgia
ELSA Germany
ELSA Greece
ELSA Hungary
ELSA Iceland
ELSA Italy
ELSA Kazakhstan
ELSA Lithuania
ELSA Luxembourg
ELSA Malta
ELSA Montenegro
ELSA The Netherlands
ELSA Norway
ELSA Poland
ELSA Republic of Macedonia
ELSA Romania
ELSA Russia
ELSA Serbia
ELSA Slovakia
ELSA Slovenia
ELSA Spain
ELSA Sweden
ELSA Switzerland
ELSA Turkey
ELSA Ukraine
ELSA UK
3
5
9
11
13
18
19
21
24
27
70
73
76
77
94
95
99
100
101
102
108
111
126
127
135
139
143
145
146
150
155
158
161
169
1
ELSA Austria
ELSA Graz – ELSA Innsbruck – ELSA Linz – ELSA Salzburg – ELSA Vienna
ELSA Innsbruck
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Innsbruck
Founded in: 12.6.1986
Permanent contact information:
Email: Info@elsa-innsbruck.org
Homepage: www.elsa-innsbruck.org
Geographical data:
In the middle of the alps and in the most
beautiful city of Austria.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Situated in the west part of Austria called Tyrol. Innsbruck is a small town but with a traditional and
old history. In summer mediterranean climate, in winter too much snow.
Social highlights and sights:
Parties in the evenings, many mountains, the ―Golden Roof‖ in the old town of Innsbruck, in winter a
lot of skiing and in summer Wild River Rafting
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.mootcourt.at
www.tirol.com
www.uibk.ac.at
2
ELSA Vienna
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Vienna
Founded in: 1981
Permanent contact information:
e-mail: info@elsa-wien.org
Homepage:
http://www.elsa-wien.org
Geographical data: Capital of Austria
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Starting two thousand years ago, Vienna has grown to be an important and modern cultural and
economical center. Situated in northeastern Austria on the banks of the river Danube, it enjoys a
moderate continental climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Due to its geographical location,
Vienna is subject to rapid changes in the weather.
Vienna is famous for its history, having been the capital of the Holy Roman Empire for centuries.
Also, its foods, a cultural mix mirroring the location and history of the city, are known across the
globe. Continuing into the present day, Vienna is one of the world capitals for culture and classical
music, with 3 opera houses and numerous theaters. The city is also home to several international
organizations, such as the OPEC, OSCE, and several UN offices.
The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, currently has 72,000 students. The law school, counting
more than 10,000 students, is the largest in the German-speaking area. Over the centuries, the
university has managed to harmonize tradition with changes and modernization.
Vienna is a perfect example of how to bring the ancient, the old, and the new into unison. Its
historical center is complemented with works by world-renowned architects, which add a modern flair,
without distorting the visual harmony of the city.
Social highlights and Sights:
The historical center of Vienna, UNESCO World Heritage, offers everything from charming cafés to
imperial palaces and museums. Vienna offers vast recreational areas, like the 20km-long artificially
created Danube island, or the surrounding Vienna Forest. All in all, it certainly caters for all needs, and
will be happy to welcome you!
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.vienna.info/
3
ELSA Belgium
ELSA Antwerp – ELSA Gent – ELSA Leuven – ELSA Louvain-la-Neuve – ELSA ULB
ELSA Antwerp
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Antwerpen
Founded in: 2005
E-mail: Antwerpen@elsabelgium.org
Website: www.elsabelgium.org/antwerpen
Geographical data: Belgium
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
SURFACE: 10,466 ha (Antwerp city) / 20,373 ha (All districts included)
POPULATION: 468,717, SITUATED: 88 km from the mouth of the Scheldt
51°13'16'NB - 4°24'OL , 7.5 m above sea-level (Grote Markt)
Distance N-Z : 26 km - Distance O-W : 11 km
CLIMATE: Average sea climate
776 mm downfall/year. Average annual temperature: 9.6° C
Social highlights and Sights:
Antwerp is well known for its museums, fashion academy, port, diamond centre and gastronomy.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.visitantwerpen.be/
4
ELSA Leuven
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Leuven
Founded in: 1988
Email: leuven@elsabelgium.org
Website: http://www.elsabelgium.org/elsaleuven
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The city of Leuven, capital of the province of Flemish-Brabant, is situated in the Dutch-speaking part
of Belgium, at about 20 km east of Brussels. It is perhaps best known throughout the world for its
magnificent architecture, it's internationally renowned University and last but far from being least, it's
world famous beer. Leuven has around 90,000 inhabitants. If we add to this the 35,000 post-secondary
and 11,000 high-school students, it should come as no surprise that the streets are filled with young
faces and that the city lives at a student's rhythm: hectic weeks at the beginning of the academic year
and, later, relative calm during vacation and examination periods. The centuries-long presence of the
university has also left its mark in other areas of city life. The weather conditions are: temperate; mild
winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy.
Social highlights and Sights:
There‘s plenty to keep a visitor busy for days in Leuven. It's architectural wonders, museums, city
parks, art exhibitions, raving student parties, marketplaces, diversity of little shops, galleries,
restaurants, pubs and bars bring the history of the city and her people to vibrant life. For those
looking to find the most beautiful medieval building in the world. The magnificent 15th century town
hall of the city of Leuven alone is worth the trip. Leuven became world famous for its beers, and
today is still proud to be known as the beer capital of Belgium.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Visa: http://www.diplomatie.be/en/travel/visaShort.asp
Government site: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/belgium_visa.htm
For embassies: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/belgium_embassies.htm
For more information: http://www.trabel.com/leuven/leuven.htm
5
ELSA Louvain-la-Neuve
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Louvain-laNeuve
Founded in: 2006
E-mail:
lln@elsabelgium.org
presidence.elsalln@gmail.com
Website: www.elsa-lln.be
Geographical data: Belgium (30 Km away
from Brussels)
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Welcome to Belgium, to Louvain-la-Neuve! Here in the heart of Europe, on the edge of old and new,
is situated one of Europe‘s oldest Universities. A few decades ago, the old traditions were combined
with newly constructed surroundings when the French speaking part of the University of Louvain was
separated from the Flemish speaking part and moved to the middle of forest but just 30 kilometres
away from Brussels. Today the University is a bubbling combination of Belgian and international
students coming from all corners of the world. Given its extraordinary campus life with most students
staying in Louvain-la-Neuve day and night, the University is famous both for its academic merits as
well as for its unbeatable student life.
Social highlights and Sights:
Louvain-la-Neuve is the youngest city of Belgium. The center of this entirely pedestrian city is built on
a slab so the cars can travel underground. Its architectural style is obviously dedicated to the end of
the 20th century. In this city, you find everything you need (cinema, shopping center, theater, bowling,
cafés and Student Bar/Dancing) ten minutes away by foot. Don‘t miss the ―Tintin Museum‖ that will
be finished in the end of 2008.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Visa: http://www.diplomatie.be/en/travel/visaShort.asp
Government site: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/belgium_visa.htmS
For embassies: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/belgium_embassies.htm
6
ELSA ULB
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA ULB
Email: ulb@elsabelgium.org
Website: http://www.elsabelgium.org/ulb
Geographical data: situated in Brussels
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Brussels is more than a 1000 years old. Today the name Brussels stands for an agglomeration of 19
communes forming one of the three Regions of the federal Belgian state; the capital of the Kingdom
of Belgium; the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities. Brussels also has an important
international vocation: as the European capital the city is home to Institutions of the European Union
(EU). Brussels is the bilingual capital of Belgium (official languages: French and Dutch). Furthermore,
it is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can
be heard on each street. The weather conditions are: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy,
humid and cloudy.
Social highlights and Sights:
The heart of Brussels and the place to start getting to know the city is the Grand Place. This historic
market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive Gothic beauty of the Town Hall. The
city hall is considered to rank among the most beautiful city halls in the Low Countries. Also the
King‘s House, the Royal Palace and the Royal Park are worth the visit. Manneken Pis, the statue of a
little boy. Other famous attractions are the Atomium, which symbolizes an elementary iron crystal
with its 9 atoms, magnified 150 billion times, the Cinquantenaire park with for example the triumphal
arch and Mini Europe. Belgium is the country with the best beer in the world.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Visa: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/belgium_visa.htm
Government site: http://www.diplomatie.be/en/travel/visaShort.asp
For embassies: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/belgium_embassies.htm
For more information about Brussels: http://www.trabel.com/brussels.htm
7
ELSA Bulgaria
NG / City
Name of Group: ELSA Bulgaria
Founded in: 1989
Permanent contact information:
E-mail: elsa.bulgaria@hotmail.com
Homepage:
http://www.elsabulgaria.org
Description
Location/Short Description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Bulgaria lies on the spot where the West meets the East – it is the last brink, with which the European
continent ends and where the oriental influence of Asia begins. This is an old Christian country,
whose inhabitants are the mixture of two ethnic groups – ancient Bulgarians and Slavic tribes. Bulgaria
is the first country to ever adopt the Cyrillic alphabet 12 centuries ago and make it the third official
one in the European Union in 2007. Its first laws were created by the khans that ruled these lands in
the 7th and 8th century AD. Its capital Sofia lies in the west part of the country, right beneath the
Vitosha mountain and is surrounded by four other mountains – one of which – Stara planina or the
Balkan, gave the name of the whole peninsula. Sofia is crossed by several rivers and is known for its
numerous mineral wells. The city is the home of over 2 million inhabitants and the oldest Bulgarian
university – ―St. Kliment Ohridski‖, founded in 1888.
The climate in the capital, similarly to other parts of the country, used to be characterized by a harsh
winter and really hot summer, though due to the effects of global warming in the latter years, the
weather became milder, although the sunny days are often interrupted by sudden rain storms.
Social Highlights and Sights:
Sofia has preserved the historical traces of both the Roman and Ottoman empire as well as the deep
origins of ancient Bulgarian, Thrace and Slavic culture. The State University, the National Theatre, the
Palace of Justice and the Parliament, along with many other buildings, are striking for their century-old
architecture. The cathedral ―St. Alexander Nevski‖ in the very centre of the city is the mark sign of
Sofia, while in another square the close presence of an orthodox Christian, an apostolic Armenian
church, a Muslim Mosque and a Jewish Synagogue testify to the long ongoing presence of few ethnic
groups in the heart of Bulgaria.
In direct closeness to the Vitosha mountain, lies the National History Museum with a great collection
of ancient artefacts and national treasures.
Thanks to the relative small distance of the capital to other Bulgarian cities and natural phenomena,
8
trips outside Sofia are not only easy to plan, but also very recommendable.
Useful Links:
http://www.bulgariatravel.org/eng/index.php (tourist information)
http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocations=wc:BUXX0005 (weather forecast)
http://www.mfa.bg/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4794&Itemid=243
requirements)
(visa
9
ELSA Croatia
ELSA Osijek – ELSA Rijeka – ELSA Split – ELSA Zagreb
ELSA Osijek
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Osijek
Email: marina_turkovic@yahoo.com
Geographical data: Osijek is located in the
northern inner part of Croatia
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.osijek.hr
www.sf.hr/osijek/osijek.html
www.osijek-online.com
ELSA Rijeka
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Rijeka
Email: anima_poetica@hotmail.com
Website: www.pravri.hr/elsa
Geographical data: Located in a region
called Istria at the coast of the Adriatic
sea
10
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.rijeka.hr
www.rijeka.com
www.tz-rijeka.hr
ELSA Split
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Split
Geographical data: Split is located in
the southern part of Croatia at the
coast of the Adriatic sea.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.split.hr
www.split.info
ELSA Zagreb
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Zagreb
Email: ivansimonovic@yahoo.com
Website: www.elsa-zagreb.hr
Geographical data: Zagreb is located in the
inner part of Croatia, close to the Croatian
mountains
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www. zagreb.hr
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
www.zagreb.com
11
ELSA Czech Republic
ELSA Brno – ELSA Olomouc – ELSA Pilsen – ELSA Prague
ELSA Brno
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Brno
Founded in: 1990
Email: brno@elsa.cz
Website: www.brno.elsa.cz
Geographical data: southern Moravia,
eastern part of Czech republic
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Brno is a capital of region Moravia, by number of inhabitants and its importance second in Czech
Republic. City is located at the confluence of rivers Svratka and Svitava, at the southern slopes of Drahan
hills. Advantage of its location – the margin of the Moravian gate, where the roads connecting northern
and southern civilizations went for centuries – has been appreciated since the 11th century. Brno is the
second largest city in Czech Republic with almost 400,000 inhabitants. It is located around Kraví hora
(the Cow mountain) and Spilberk hill and castle, with its historical centre concentrated on the slopes of
the latter one. Although it had not been recognized as a town until 1243, when king Wenceslas I. finally
made a decision and had not been originally the capital of Moravia, it became the centre of this historical
land during the Thirty Years‘ War as the only city, which successfully resisted attacks of enemy armies.
Since then, Brno has achieved the growth of its importance, lastly after the division of Czechoslovakia,
when most major courts and some other major institutions moved to the city. Today Brno has several
universities and important judiciary institutions. It is the seat of the Czech Republic‘s Constitutional
Court, Supreme Court, and Supreme Prosecutor‘s Office. Brno has standard Central European climate
with four seasons, mild and rainy Spring, warm and sunny Sumer, mild and windy Autumn and cold and
snowy Winter.
Social highlights and Sights:
Surrounded by a plenty of natural jewels such as Macocha, Moravian Kras cave system, Pálava
reservation or Drahan hills and historical landmarks, the city offers a large amount of sightseeing
possibilities. Spilberk Castle – originally a royal castle – was founded in the 13th century and rebuilt into a
sizeable Baroque fort in the 17th century. The most dangerous prisoners were held in the cells (called
Kasematy) of this famous Habsburg prison since the Josephine era. They were also used as barracks until
12
1945. The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is located on the top of the Petrov hill on the presumed site
of the former Brno castle. After the castle‘s demise the free-standing Romanesque basilica was rebuilt as
a Gothic cathedral in the 13th century and converted to the Baroque and consequently the current neoGothic style in the 18th century. It has been the seat of the Brno bishopric since 1777. The most know
part of the Capuchin monastery is the Crypt situated in its basement from the 17th century. Both an ideal
geological ground composition and exceptional system of airing made a possibility for mummification of
dead bodies buried there. The Villa Tugendhat, named after its first owner and town‘s textile producer
Fritz Tugendhat is the very first monument of modern architecture in the Czech Republic and only the
fourth worldwide which has received the prestigious UNESCO designation. It is described by
international architecture scholars as a breakthrough work of the functionalist architecture. There are
other spectacular structures in Brno such as the Old Town Hall, which is the oldest secular building in
the town, gothic Church of St. James and Basilica minor of the Assumption of our Lady with monastery
in which the Augustinian abbot Johann Gregor Mendel discovered and formulated his theory of genetics.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Brno: www.brno.cz
Visa, embassies, foreign affairs: www.mzv.cz
Government, tourist, cultural information: www.czech.cz
ELSA Olomouc
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Olomouc
Founded in: 1997
Email: olomouc@elsa.cz
Website: www.olomouc.elsa.cz
Geographical data: middle Moravia,
eastern part of Czech republic
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The ancient town of Olomouc lies in the heart of the so-called Haná region in Moravia. Its history dates
back to the 10th century AD when the settlement developed into important trade crossing-point. It has
the second most significant collection of historical monuments in the country. The second oldest
university in the Czech lands was founded in Olomouc in the year 1573. Olomouc was considered the
capital of Moravia from the Luxemburg period until the 17th century. The town was under occupation
during the Thirty Years‘ War, which leaded to devastation in large extent and loss of its leading position.
Today, the city has population of over 100,000 inhabitants. It is the fifth largest city in the Czech
Republic and the seat of the Olomouc Region. Olomouc has standard Central European climate with
four seasons, mild and rainy Spring, warm and sunny Sumer, mild and windy Autumn and cold and
snowy Winter.
13
Social highlights and Sights:
At present, the city is experiencing major development in the areas of culture, accommodation, food,
dining and tourism. It has a great deal to offer both socially and culturally, with visits to the Moravian
Theatre, concerts of the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, exhibitions at the Museum of Natural
Science and the Museum of Art along with a whole range of art galleries. In addition, tourists can visit the
Zoological Gardens on Svatý Kopeček (The Holy Hill).
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Olomouc: www.olomouc.eu/eng
Visa, embassies, foreign affairs: www.mzv.cz
Government, tourist, cultural information: www.czech.cz
ELSA Pilsen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Plzeň/Pilsen
Founded in: 1998
Email: plzen@elsa.cz
Website: www.plzen.elsa.cz
Geographical data: western Bohemia,
western part of Czech republic
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Pilsen is the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic. It is located in western Bohemia. It is an important
industrial, commercial, cultural, and administrative center. The city was founded by the Czech king
Wenceslas II in 1295. Situated on the crossroads of two important trade routes and close to Prague,
Pilsen experienced an immediate rapid growth. Nowadays, the Pilsen metropolitan area covers 125 square
kilometers. Its population is 165,000 inhabitants. The rich cultural and economical standard of life in
Pilsen is particularly enhanced by its heritage. In 1989, the ancient town center was declared a historical
landmark to be carefully preserved. The rich architectural gems here include Gothic St. Bartholomew‘s
Cathedral, Renaissance City Hall, Baroque reconstruction of the Archdeacon‘s house and Franciscan
Monastery, and the recently re-opened Great Synagogue of Pilsen. Many Pilsen public buildings, such as
the city theatre, museum, the Burgher Hall or houses with Mikolas Ales‘ graffiti, date back to the 19th
century. Industrialization took off in the 19th century. At that time, such industrial giants as the
engineering complex Skoda and the Pilsen Brewery were established. Nowadays, the modern industrial
zone in Borska Fields represents an extraordinary project in the Czech industrial sphere. Pilsen has
standard Central European climate with four seasons, mild and rainy Spring, warm and sunny Sumer,
mild and windy Autumn and cold and snowy Winter.
14
Social highlights and Sights:
Pilsen is a center of international cultural events and festivals that include the Smetana Days, the Theatre
Festival, International Drawing Biennial, Skupa‘s Plzen, and the International Big-Band Festival. The
Pilsen Cultural Summer offers various open-air-stage concerts in the city center. In an effort to increase
the quality of education in the area, the University of West Bohemia was founded in the city in 1991. The
array of secondary schools, grammar schools, and art schools is impressive. Several international
institutions are also located here: Alliance Francaise, the British Library, the Austrian Library and the
American Centre. The spiritual tradition of the city was strengthened when the Bishopric was opened in
1993. Performances in the J. K. Tyl Theatre belong among the most valuable traditions of the Pilsen
culture.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Pilsen: info.plzen-city.cz
Visa, embassies, foreign affairs: www.mzv.cz
Government, tourist, cultural information: www.czech.cz
ELSA Prague
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Praha/Prague
Founded in: 1990
Email: praha@elsa.cz
Website: www.praha.elsa.cz
Geographical data: centre of Bohemia,
mid-western part of Czech republic
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Its metropolitan area is estimated to have a
population of over 1.9 million. Prague is situated on the River Vltava in central Bohemia; Prague has
been the political, cultural, and economic center of the Czech state for over 1,100 years. It is widely
considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is among the most visited cities on the
continent. Since 1992, the historic centre of the city has been included in the UNESCO list of World
Heritage Sites. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and
special events catering to the independent traveler‘s thirst for adventure. Prague has standard Central
European and metropolitan climate with four seasons, mild and rainy Spring, warm and sunny Sumer,
mild and windy Autumn and cold and windy Winter.
Social highlights and Sights:
Prague is the city of a hundred spires and magical beauty sitting at the very hearth of Europe with lovely
15
architecture that cannot be forgotten. Search in your memory for a name of any style you can think of.
Prague will almost certainly have some landmark to offer – be it from hundreds of years ago such as
Romanesque rotunda or from numerous eras spanning centuries. The latter can be represented by the
picturesque Prague Castle with its truly magnificent St Vitus‘ Cathedral or the tiny fairy-tale like Golden
Lane. The same applies to architectonic landmarks ―remembering‖ merely several decades such as the
precious Cubist pearls scattered here and there in Prague‘s winding streets. On the one hand, there are
countless captivating churches including the Loreto or the Church of St Nicholas. On the other hand,
you can try to hunt down the treasures hidden in the Jewish Quarter or visit some of the monasteries
such as Strahov Monastery or its Břevnov colleague. After starting to feel satiated with the tranquility of
the above-listed places, you can experience the true buzz of the city life in the Wenceslas Square or in its
Old Town counterpart. Once the pulsing of the metropolis becomes a little bit too tiring, why not to take
refuge in a park or go for a walk through one of Prague‘s gardens – for instance, those ones underneath
the castle? An absolute must on any tourist‘s list is also Petřín park with its dominant observation tower
sitting majestically on top of Petřín Hill. Having reached the top, there is a great opportunity to catch
your breath whilst observing the picturesque National Theatre, the majestic National Museum or the
Rudolfinum – ―the House of Artists‖. There is also a number of manifold palaces with precious art
galleries within them and beautiful gardens all around. The very first seat of Czech princes and kings is
the ―castle on the heights‖ – Vyńehrad. Here the ever-present legends mixed with ancient myths seem
just as palpable as the dominant of the rocky hill – the Church of St Peter and St Paul. The renowned
Charles Bridge requires no introducing. Not only is this historical jewel simply beautiful but its statues
can make your wishes come true. Do not have any doubts, once you experience the mystical atmosphere
of narrow streets and feel the cobble stones underneath your feet, you will believe that Prague is truly
magical. It only remains to wish you lovely exploration. I am fully convinced that during your sightseeing
tour Golden Prague will cast its spell on you as it has been doing to visitors for many years and is sure to
continue doing to everyone that passes its invisible gates for many years to come.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Prague: www.prague.cz
Visa, embassies, foreign affairs: www.mzv.cz
Government, tourist, cultural information: www.czech.cz
16
ELSA Denmark
ELSA Aarhus – ELSA Copenhagen
ELSA Aarhus
LG / City
Name of Local Group: Århus
Founded in: 1983
E-mail: elsaaarhushotmail.com
Website: www.elsa.dk
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Århus is the second largest city in Denmark and has around 285.000 inhabitants. Århus is situated in
Jutland and is a beautiful city that is encircled by beaches and forests.
At the same time the city has a vivid night life The city has nearly 40.000 students and as a result there
are lots of bars and discos in the city centre.
Getting to Århus is easy. There is an airport just outside Århus where you can fly to from London
with Ryan Air and in addition you can get here by train. You can go directly to Århus from
Copenhagen Airport in about three hours.
The climate in Århus is quite changeable as in the rest of Denmark. It is really nice in spring and
summer but it can be very cold in the winter. Be prepared for showery weather.
Social highlights and Sights:
Culturally, Århus caters for all tastes.
The main attraction is The Old Town, which is an open air museum of urban history and culture. It
has 75 historical buildings and here you can meet the people from the past and experience how it was
living in a Danish town in the past.
Aros
If you are into art museums Aros is the place to go. Aros is one of the largest museums in Northern
Europe. In nine floors it contains both Danish and international art. At the top of the roof there is an
amazing view of the city and the bay.
17
ELSA Estonia
ELSA Tallinn
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Tallinn
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: elsa@elsa.ee
Website: www.elsa.ee
Geographical data: Tallinn located on
the northern coast of Estonia, on the
southern shore of the Gulf of Finland
– just 80 km south from Finland‘s
capital Helsinki.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located in Northern Europe in the north-eastern part of the Baltic Sea
region. Area of Tallinn - 159,2 km² (Estonia 45 227 km²).
The climate in Tallinn is characterized by a fairly cold winter, a cool spring with little precipitation, a
moderately warm summer and a long and rainy autumn. However, some summers have weeks at a stretch of
temperatures around +30°C, and a warm, sunny summer can keep autumn at bay until mid-October.
Average temperature in July +16,7°C
Average temperature in February -4°C
The population of Tallinn is 401 694 (22.03.2005).
Nationalities: Estonian 53.7%, Russian 36.5%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Belorussian 2.0%, other 4.1%.
Estonian's official language is Estonian. Russian, Finnish, English and German are also understood and
widely spoken.
The city centre is a medieval Old Town. Next to it stands the business centre of Estonia with its skyscrapers.
Around the centre there are three ―dormitories‖ built during the Soviet times. Near the city borders and in
the neighboring parishes there are a lot of private residences.
Social highlights and Sights:
18
Tallinn is full of museums, covering a range of fields from history and nature to art and architecture.
The Old Town is a compact maze of cobblestone streets, historical buildings and great views and has a place
on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The Estonian capital's most popular family attraction is the zoo, crammed with close on 6,000 animals from
Polar bears to Siberian Tigers, as well as species from warmer climates, like crocodiles and chimpanzees
frolicking in the Tropical House. There is also a delightful petting zoo.
Tallinn's magnificent Botanical Garden covers 110 hectares and contains more than 8,000 plant species. The
flora comes from all around the world, displayed in arboretums, glasshouses, open fields and thematic
gardens. In just a few steps visitors are transported from European meadows to African tundra, or from
desert to rainforest.
The beautiful pink baroque Kadriorg Palace was the summer residence of Russian Tsar, Peter I, and today
stands proudly in the centre of its namesake seaside resort suburb of Tallinn, where the streets are lined with
noble villas and summer estates. The Palace today houses the Estonian Art Museum's foreign collection,
featuring thousands of western European and Russian works from the 16th to 20th centuries. The new
magnificent National Art Gallery is located only 100 meters from Kadriorg Palace. The Art Gallery building
itself is a sight to see.
The city centre houses a great number of clubs and cafes where young people like to pass time.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Nationals of EU and EEA member states are free to enter Estonia. The required travel document for entry
is a national ID card or passport.
Nationals of the following countries do not need visa to enter Estonia, and can stay for up to 90 days in any
6-month period: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica,
Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico,
Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, USA,
Uruguay, Venezuela. The required travel document for entry is a valid passport.
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs´ website: www.mfa.ee/eng
A Customs Guide for travellers to Estonia can be found at www.customs.ee.
Tourism Contacts
Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau
Official website of Tallinn
Estonian Association of Travel Agents
Estonian Association of Hotels and Restaurants
Baltikum Tourismus Zentrale
Estonian Rural Tourism
19
ELSA Finland
ELSA Helsinki – ELSA Rovaniemi – ELSA Turku
ELSA Helsinki
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Helsinki
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: elsa-hallitus@helsinki.fi
Website: www.elsahelsinki.fi
Geographical data: Helsinki is situated by the sea, in the
Southern end of Finland.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. A visitor will discover a modern European capital with all the services
from a walking distance. A fantastic nature with lakes and forests is surrounding the city and only a short
buss drive away from the centre. Whatever time of the year you choose to come, the city will always appear
a little different due to the four contrasting seasons we enjoy. Industry, business life and administration are
also strongly concentrated around the capital area.
Social highlights and Sights:
Helsinki offers to its visitors a perfect mix of culture, nature and urban attractions. For example
Suomenlinna, a sea fortress in front of the city is a perfect place to discover a part of Finnish history all
around the year but also a superb place to have a summer picnic. In Helsinki we also have a wide selection
of bars, night clubs and coffee places to spend the time. Some interesting annual festivals around cinema
and arts are also worth of checking.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.helsinki.fi www.helsinkitimes.fi
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ELSA Rovaniemi
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Rovaniemi
Founded in: 1992
E-mail: elsaroi@ulapland.fi
Website: www.elsarovaniemi.fi
Geographical data: Rovaniemi is located in
northern Finland, on the Arctic Circle
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Rovaniemi is ―the Capital of Lapland‖ as we locals call it, because it is the administrative centre and the
biggest town with 57.000 inhabitants in northern part of Finland. The climate here is arctic, and
temperature variation between winter and summer is remarkable. F.ex. in February we might have –30 C
and in the summer we can get as warm as +30 C.
Social highlights and Sights:
Since we are located on the Arctic Circle, there are lots of things to do and to see related to Christmas,
because Santa Claus lives here! Also we have a very beautiful nature and many kinds of outdoor activities
around the year. In the summer for example you can hike, fish and of course it is nice to see the
midnight sun. In the winter time, you can do cross-country skiing, go downhill skiing, swim in a ―holethe-ice‖, do snow mobile safaris etc. Of course we have nice restaurants and clubs here to spend the
leisure time after daytime activities.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.rovaniemi.fi
www.arcticcircle.com
21
ELSA Turku
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Turku
Founded in: 1990
Email: elsa-hallitus@utu.fi
Website: www.elsaturku.fi
Geographical data: Turku is situated in the
archipelago of South-western Finland.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Turku is the oldest city in Finland. The city is built around a river called Aurajoki. Turku is very beautiful
during the summer with all the river boats and blossoming nature.
Social highlights and Sights:
A few of the social highlights are Down By the Laituri and Ruisrock – festivals during the summer. The
most famous attractions of Turku are the Cathedral of Turku and the Castle of Turku, which are open
through the year.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.turku.fi the official site of Turku
22
ELSA Georgia
ELSA Tbilisi – ELSA Batumi – ELSA Kutaisi
ELSA Tbilisi
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Tbilisi
Founded in: 2009
Permanent contact information
(including e-mail and Website):
Elsa_tbilisi@yahoo.com
Geographical data: Tbilisi is
located in the South Caucasus.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate: Tbilisi is one of the ancient
cities in the world. Tbilisi is the Capital of Georgia since the second half of the V century. Tbilisi is
situated in the eastern part of the country, on the banks of the river Mtkvari. Its entire area totals 350 km2.
Tbilisi is located 380-770 meters above the sea level. 1,106 thousand and 700 people live in Tbilisi, The
city is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups. Tbilisi is located in a moderate subtropical zone.
The average temperature in Tbilisi is 12,7 degrees and exceeds the temperature of its longitude
approximately by 2 degrees. The absolutely minimal temperature is about 23 degrees and the maximal- +
40-41 degrees. Georgian is the state language in Georgia and is spoken by 90 % of the population. The
Georgian alphabet is one out of 14 alphabets known in the world.
Social highlights and Sights: The past and present are closely linked with each other In Tbilisi. The
history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended
with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district. Brick Houses in old Tbilisi are of Tbilisian
type, nearly all the houses have the wide wooden balconies. Cafes, inns, art saloons are disposed on the
first floors of the buildings defining the image of the old district of Tbilisi. Old Tbilisi region sights
feature various attractions such as: Narikala castle, Sioni, Anchiskhati, Metekhi orthodox churches. Also
catholic and Gregorian churches, Muslim mosque, Ateshga, the temple of the fire worshipers. There are
famous sulphure bathhouses in this part of Tbilisi. Tbilisi‗s main avenue Rustaveli with the famous
Rustaveli drama theatre, Opera, classical school, art saloons, Tbilisi State museum and fashionable
boutiques, is included into the old Tbilisi region. What about other part of Tbilisi there you can enjoy
yourself with the ethnographical museum, Theatres, Tbilisi historical buildings, open spaces (Lisi Lake,
23
Turtle Lake, Tbilisi Sea, Botanical garden, Vake park, Euro park, etc. ), night office boat tours, bus tours,
disco clubs, shopping malls. You can also see the Holly Trinity church, which is a religious centre of
Georgia and which is the one of the grandiose churches in the orthodox world.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.tbilisi.gov.ge/
ELSA Batumi
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Batumi
Founded in: 2009
Permanent contact information (including email and Website): elsa_betumi@yahoo.com
Geographical data: Batumi is a seaside city on
the Black Sea coast and capital of Adjara, an
autonomous republic in southwest Georgia.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate: Primary information about
Batumi appeared in works of the fourth century B.C. Greek philosopher Aristotle. He named the city
situated by the Black Sea in Colcha -‗Batusi‘. The same name was known for Roman writer Plinius Senior
and Greek geographer Phlavius Ariane. ‗Batusi‘ is a Greek word and means ‗deep‘. Indeed, Batumi, after
Sevastopole, has the deepest and the most convenient harbour. Batumi is an administrative center of
Adjara Autonomous Republic. It is situated by the Black Sea, on the lowland of Khakhaberi, 2-3 meters
above the sea level and has a form of the half-moon. The city is stretched from the north-east to the
south-west about 7 kilometers. Its territory is 19 sq. km. The seaside part of Adjara is mainly a plainlowland, characterized with mild subtropical climate. The average annual temperature is +14,5° C,
ranging from +25° C in summer to + 6° C in winter. The average annual precipitation is 2 200mm, air
humidity - 80%. Batumi, with the population 124 000, is the land and marine gateway to Georgia with its
largest sea port, railway chain and other unique fields of the industry.
Social highlights and Sights: The main sights of modern Batumi are the oldest historic-architectural
monuments, places of rest and culture and great variety of subtropical plants. A favorite rest and
entertainment place for Batumians and tourists is the famous Seaside Park (Boulevard). it is stretched
along the spacious beaches, occupying 5 km of area with its infrastructure. With various attractions, sports
grounds, the tennis courts, the chess house and bungalows, the park provides the best conditions for the
rest and entertainment. Rich in its exotic plants, the park attracts the visitors during the whole year.
Boulevard is subdivided in two parts: A shady alley with the oldest plants occupies its main area, where it
is cool even in the hottest days of summer. Subtropical part with pyramidal cypress, Chinese roses and
noble laurels, in the central alley, is stretched along the beach. You can enjoy yourself with the Museums,
Galleries, Art Salons, Theatres, Cinema and Entertaining Centers, night clubs, open cafes and etc.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.batumi.ge
24
ELSA Kutaisi
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Kutaisi
Founded in: 2009
Permanent contact information
(including e-mail and Website):
Elsa_kutaisi@yahoo.com
Geographical data: Situated in
Imereti Region
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate: Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities
in the whole world, according to ancient Greek mythology and historians it belongs to the ―Era of Minos‖
(XVII-XV centuries BC). Two great divine kings – Minos on Crete and Ayeti in Kutaisi (Kutaia) were
considered relatives and companions by ancient Greeks. Kutaisi was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of
Colchis. It is widely believed by historians that when Apollonius Rhodius was writing about Jason and the
Aurgonauts and their legendary journey to Colchis, Kutaisi/Aia was the final destination of the
Aurgonauts and the residence of King Aeëtes. Kutaisi is Georgia's second largest city and the capital of
the western region of Imereti. It is 221 km to the west of Tbilisi. Kutaisi is located along both banks of the
Rioni River. The climate in Kutaisi is humid subtropical. Average annual temperature in the city is 14.5
degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 5.2 degrees Celsius while July
is the hottest month with an average temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius.
Social highlights and Sights: Kutaisi is one of the most important educational and scientific centers in
Georgia, hosting the Gelati Academy of Sciences, established in the 12th century by King David IV. Here
is also one of the most important educational centers in modern Georgia, Akaki Tsereteli State University,
established in 1930. Kutaisi has an ancient cultural tradition. There you can enjoy yourself with the
Museums, Libraries, Galleries, Art Salons, Theatres, Cinema and Entertaining Centers, night clubs. The
landmark of the city is the Bagrati Cathedral, built by Bagrat III, king of Georgia, in the early 11th century.
The Bagrati Cathedral, and the Gelati Monastery a few km east of the city, are UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. One of the famous churches in Georgia is Motsameta Church. It is named after two saints, brothers
David and Constantine. Besides the churches, there are many interesesting places in Kutaisi, such as:
Sataplia Cave, where one can observe footprints of Dinosaurs; Geguti Palace, which was one of the
residences of Georgian monarchs; "Okros Chardakhi" – Georgian Kings‘ Palace; and the Pantheon, where
many notable citizens are buried.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: aia.iatp.org.ge
25
ELSA Germany
ELSA Augsburg – ELSA Bayreuth – ELSA Berlin – ELSA Bielefeld – ELSA Bochum – ELSA Bonn –
ELSA Braunschweig/ Wolfenbüttel – ELSA Bremen – ELSA Cologne - ELSA Dresden – ELSA
Düsseldorf – ELSA Erlangen-Nürnberg – ELSA Frankfurt/Main – ELSA Frankfurt/Oder – ELSA
Freiburg – ELSA Gelsenkirchen – ELSA Gieβen – ELSA Göttingen – ELSA Greifswald – ELSA Halle –
ELSA Hamburg – ELSA Hannover – ELSA Heidelberg – ELSA Jena – ELSA Kiel – ELSA Konstanz –
ELSA Leipzig – ELSA Lüneburg – ELSA Mainz – ELSA Mannheim – ELSA Marburg – ELSA Munich –
ELSA Münster - ELSA Osnabrück – ELSA Passau – ELSA Potsdam – ELSA Regensburg – ELSA
Rostock – ELSA Saarbrücken – ELSA Trier – ELSA Tübingen – ELSA Würzburg
ELSA Augsburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Augsburg
Founded in: 1993
Email: augsburg@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-augsburg.de
Geographical data: -
Description
Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/ Social highlights and Sights:
Botanic Gardens: If you are talking about Augsburg, you are talking about our beautiful Botanic
Gardens. It is a great place to relax, to walk around, to enjoy yourselves, especially during spring and
summer. If you want to part from the hectic inner city, this is the place to be!!! It has a Japanese
Garden, the famous ―Apothekergarden‖, a wonderful rose garden and much more. You will be
amazed by the exotic plants and flowers which you probably won‘t expect to find here in Bavaria!!!
The Dome: If you are staying for a few days in Augsburg, or even years, but then you won‘t hear it
anymore, there is one significance, which probably annoys laterisers most: an almost constant bell
ringing. In the first days you will wonder if there will be any hour that is not filled with this tone, or
music (??)… And soon you will find out, there is no such hour. But Augsburg is traditionally very
clerical, and thus every hundred metre you will find another church, which is both great and … The
most prominent church is the Dome. Historic records date back to 843. The oldest part is the
krypta under the West Choir which was erected in the 10th century by Bishop Ulrich. Fresco from
Romanic and Gothic times, wonderful vault paintings and one of Germany‘s oldest glass paintings
26
(middle of the 12th century) showing the prophets Jonas, Daniel,Hosea and Mose are worth a visit
and will leave you stunned… Perlach Tower, Town Hall: Perlach Tower and Town Hall are the
landmarks of Augsburg. Each postcard will feature those two, at least every postcard designed by a
real Augsburger. The Tower was built in 1182, and was re-designed in the 18th century. We think
there is nothing more to say, but you haven‘t been to Augsburg if you haven‘t seen that one...
ELSA Bayreuth
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bayreuth
Founded in: 1989
Website: www.elsa-bayreuth.de
Geographical data:
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Bayreuth, the city of Wagner, is a very beautiful and green city in the heart of Franconia. Founded
in the 12th century, Bayreuth promises a stunningly historic centre and many cultural highlights. It is
best known for the former residence of the duke of Brandenburg-Kulmbach-Ansbach, the WagnerOpera and, of course, its dense occurrence of beer brewing companies. In its surroundings, there are
many other cities to discover. Not even an hour away are Kulmbach, also well known for its beer,
Bamberg, famous for its historic city and its cathedral in which the pope Clemens II. is buried and
many historic castles. The climate is quite continental. While in the summers temperatures between
25° and 35° C are not rare, the winters are shaped through long lasting snow.
Social highlights and Sights:
Bayreuth is best known for its many cosy bars and restaurants which make the evenings and nights
quite enjoyable. For the party-people  there are some Discotheques in Bayreuth and many of them
about 10 to 15 minutes away.
In the summer opens a nice swimming pool with beach volleyball, soccer, basketball and badminton
courts as well as 4 different pools for cliff-diving, slipping and waves.
In the winter there is a big skiing resort nearby as well as the possibility to go ice-skating.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.bayreuth.de , www.uni-bayreuth.de
27
ELSA Berlin
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Berlin
Founded in: 1989
Email: mail@elsa-berlin.de
Website: www.elsa-berlin.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Berlin is a name that everybody has heard of at least once in their lifetime. A metropolis which has a
special flair, restless, a city with contrasts: elegant boulevards and alternative-scene districts, majestic
palaces and bombed-out ruins, exciting nightlife downtown and serene idyllic places on the
outskirts, expensive mansions and red-light districts, country-style life in areas with low population
and cramped apartment blocks in satellite towns. A town with brilliant sunshine in summer and
miserable cold grey in winter. And residing between everything is the government of our country.
Being the largest city of Germany, Berlin boasts a population of 3,4 Million. Including the suburbs –
locally called the Agglomeration – the population grows to a size of about 5 million. Year after year
Berlin welcomes over 3 million tourists, accommodating them in over 400 hotels and guesthouses
and providing a diversity of culture and entertainment in over 200 theatres, 100 museums and
uncountable other attractions. More than 2700 restaurants and 2000 bars round up the culinary
offer. One needs to bring along plenty of time to really get to know Berlin, but be assured, you will
not have enough. Berlin owns 2 law-faculties, one at the Freie Universität Berlin, situated in the
former West of Berlin, and the other one at the Humboldt Universität, in the former East. About
6500 students are presently enlisted in both faculties. Through an accordance reached at both the
faculties, law-students from either university are allowed to study at the other university without
encountering any hindrances or disadvantages in their studies. A lot of students take advantage of
this opportunity to optimise their studies and to take a glance beyond their own faculty walls. ELSABerlin is present at both universities. Depending on the constituency of the board, ELSA is more
present at one university during a term than at the other. One is trying not to favour a specific
faculty, but rather create a Berlin-wide organization for law students.
28
ELSA Bielefeld
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bielefeld
Founded in: 1991
Email: bielefeld@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-bielefeld.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/ Social highlights and Sights:
There are many reasons for a visit to the principal city of Eastern Westphalia. As a cultural and
economic centre, Bielefeld combines the advantages of a city with both exiting and relaxing leisure
opportunities in the Teutoburg Forest. An exellent traffic network, a variety of restaurents and pubs,
and a broad choice of accommodation make this university town an attractive travel destination.
Founded as a market town around 1214 by Hermann IV of Ravensberg, Bielefeld has developed
„along the linen thread‖ into a modern centre of the Eastern Westphalian economic area of over 2
million people. With its population of 325.000, the town has now become one of the twenty largest
cities in Germany and its business community enjoys international renown. The present townscape
is characterised as much by historical industrial architecture as it is by an extensive green bolt and
modern buildings. Generously planned pedestrian precints between the main railway station and
Sparrenburg castle have turned Bielefeld into a popular shopping experience. International concerts
and other cultural events are staged in the convention hall „Stadthalle‖, the Seidensticker hall and at
the Ravensberger Park.. Bielefeld University combines aspects of a traditional academic institution
with innovative structures in teaching and research. Founded in 1969, the university has developed
into an invaluable asset to the region, and has gained a high profile due to the quality of its teaching
and research, its innovativeness, and its strong interdiscipilary and international orientation. 66 cooperations with universities worldwide, a large number of foreign academics and students, it‘s active
participation in student exchange programmes, and ist cooperation in teaching and research with
other European institutionare proof of Bielefeld University´s internationalism.
29
ELSA Bochum
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bochum
Founded in: 1990
Email: bochum@elsa-germany.org
elsa-bochum@egroups.com
Website:
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/elsa
Geographical data: Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Birthplace of the famous German pop singer Herbert Grönemeyer was dominated by steel and coal
in the late 18th and during most of the 19th century. Coal mines were all over the town, and it made
Bochum and the whole Ruhr District one of the most pulsating areas of Germany. Of course,
nowadays, all the mines have been closed, but there are still remnants of the old times, like the old
pit towers, the typical houses of the miners and numerous sights in the city and in the region as a
whole. First of all, there is the German Minery Museum. Founded in 1930, you can have an insight
look into the shafts and tunnels and into the conditions under which the miners worked in those
days. It is a unique experience and probably THE museum in the region and of the region. You will
experience the miners‘ lives, well nearly, because you will go only 20 metres down under the earth.
And the pit tower is considered to be THE landmark of Bochum. And we have yet another sign of
the miners‘ age. The old colliery ―Hannover‖, the last colliery in Bochum, which was shut down in
1973. One hundred years ago, ―Hannover‖ was considered to be a masterpiece of the coal and
mining industry and so it is quite amazing to see the standardization and its progress from the mid19th century on. And then Bochum can offer you some of the best gardens in the region: the
Botanic Garden and the Japanese Garden, pictures of them you can see below – so let the pictures
speak for themselves… Or you can visit the Burg Blankenstein, which plays a very important rule
for the history of Bochum, since this was the place where the town rights were first assigned to
Bochum. But then, one very last point, which you will definitely see when you come here you will
hear about a lot: the nightlife of Bochum, which is worth a visit alone. To celebrate in an old minery
hall alone is an event for itself, and then we have some of the finest clubs in the whole Westphalia,
like the Prater, for example. And, even far outside the region the well-known pub and club district
which is just called, the Bermuda Dreieck (triangle).
30
ELSA Bonn
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bonn
Founded in: 1989
Email: bonn@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.uni-bonn.de/elsa
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Are there good reasons for a Study Visit with ELSA Bonn? We would say plenty of, and hope that
you will accept our invitation for you to show you around Bonn.
1. Roll over Beethoven: Ludwig Beethoven is the town‘s most famous son. When Ludwig was born
in 1770 in the Bonngasse 20, nobody could know that this house would become a ―holy place‖ for
―musicfanatic pilgrims‖ from all over the world. A highly interesting exhibition with portraits, busts,
original letters and drafts, musical instruments etc. awaits you
2. Sights and sounds: Where can we start? The old Town Hall is one of the most famous landmarks
of Bonn. Maybe because of the colour? A strange bright-pink-orange mixture makes it outstanding
in every respect, but also one of the most famous sights and meeting points. And it cannot be that
bad, since many famous world leaders and celebrities climbed up its stairs and greeted the public…
well that was in those days when Bonn was still the capital of Germany (until 1991). Like most old
German towns, Bonn is filled with interesting churches. One is a landmark of Bonn, and in terms of
art history the most important building of the whole Rhineland. A very impressing sight not far
away from the city centre is the Castle of Poppelsdorf.
3. Funtown??!!!! ―Big nightlife‖ can be found in Cologne, and this is just 20 minutes away by train,
so a wonderful opportunity once you want to see something else Numerous pubs, bars and small
clubs. What makes Bonn special is its internationality and its openness.
4. Karneval and Kölsch
There are some things, nobody will understand except for people born here and people assimilated
with the Rhineland – its beer and its biggest festival. The carnival takes place sometimes around
February and then the town is an overall ―state of emergency‖.
31
ELSA Braunschweig/ Wolfenbüttel
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel
Founded in: 2003
Email: info@elsa-wolfenbuettel.de
Website: www.elsa-wolfenbuettel.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Why visit ELSA Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel ? As you possibly know the region of our location has
an extraordinary offer of free-time and cultural possibilities. From skiing in the Harz mountains, to
sailing or motorboating on the different lakes and channels in the surroundings. Visiting the
different theaters and musees at Braunschweig, Wolfsburg and Wolfenbüttel or the famous
―Autostadt‖ at Wolfsburg citycenter, where as well as at Brunswick are excellent opportunities for
shopping and clubbing. Also you get to know the nice people of our faculty, nonetheless of our
university, situated in a town which is famous for it‘s long history, and the people who lived in. But
even though for one of the most famous drinks or did you know that ―Jägermeister‖ is situated in
Wolfenbüttel? If you want to read more about Wolfenbüttel and the town‘s history, please read on
and enjoy a short travel into the last centuries. Get to know more about the Guelps, Theodor
Lessing, the ―Bibliotheca Augusta‖ and the worlds most expensive book The gem of the
Renaissance – travelling on the traces of the Guelphs From 1432 to 1754, i.e. for more than three
centuries, Wolfenbüttel used to be the residence of the Dukes of Braunschweig and Lüneburg who
were profound lovers of culture and arts. So it became the centre of ideas and fine arts. The
Guelphs shaped Wolfenbüttel, their home. The old Guelphs‘ castle still dominates the town, as if
the vision of a Renaissance duke had become reality. Wherever you walk in Wolfenbuettel today,
you will always find ducal glory, citizens‘ pride, and local traditions.
Useful links:
www.fh-wolfenbuettel.de/fbr
www.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de
32
ELSA Bremen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bremen
Founded in: 1993
Email: mail@elsa-bremen.de
Website: www.elsa-bremen.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
1. Free Hanseatic City of Bremen: International seaport and trading centre right near the North Sea.
Independent state of the Federal Republic of Germany, consisting of the cities of Bremen and
Bremerhaven Two-city state covering an area of 400 square kilometres – smallest of the 16 German
states. State‘s total population: 681,722, thereof 550,392 in Bremen, making it the tenth largest town
in Germany, and 131,330 in Bremerhaven. Significance: second most important foreign trade
location in the Federal Republic of Germany.
2. History: 1,200 years old, early centre of the Christian missions to North and Northeast Europe,
major role among the towns of the mediaeval Hanseatic League.
3. Economy: World-ranking seaport, important location for automobile manufacture, electronics,
steel, shipbuilding, and aerospace industry. Centre of food and semi-luxury goods industry, ongoing
structural transformation into location for services, and high-tech, convention and trade fair centre.
4. Science: University, polytechnics, well-developed research scene with numerous non-university
institutes: also headquarters of the German Centre for Polar Research at the Alfred Wegener
Institute in Bremerhaven.
5. Culture: Museums, art collections, theatres for opera, ballet, drama, children‘s, youth and dialect
productions. City of music with festivals and concert series. Home of the Deutsche
Kammerphilharmonie, centres for fringe and youth cultural scene
6. Sport: Stronghold of soccer, riding and cycling. Top-class soccer team SV Werder, international
riding tournaments and 6-day professional cycle race. Leaders in international ballroom dancing with
world champion formation dance team, TSG Bremerhaven.
7. Leisure: Plenty to see and do in the historic city centre with its sights, lively pub and restaurant
scene, extensive parks and recreation areas, attractive destinations for days out in the surrounding
area.
33
ELSA Cologne
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Cologne
Email: info@elsa-koeln.de
Website: www.elsa-koeln.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
4 Ks make up Cologne: Köln (name of the town in German), Karneval (The event, in
English carnival), Kirche (synonymous the Dome which hits you once you step outside the railway
station) and Kölsch (a unique kind of German beer, which is just brewed in this region and served
in unique glasses as well).
1. Köln: Cologne is almost everything: media metropolis, cultural metropolis, a town of numerous
exhibitions and also a university town. The University of Cologne is the biggest in the whole country
and calls an own suburb ―its own‖, quite an accomplishment in a 1,000,000 inhabitants town.
Culturally and in terms of nightlife, there is nothing which can top Cologne. With one of the biggest
arenas for Live Events in the country, the Köln Arena, some highlight musicals and a very vivid
theatre and opera scene, culture it at its best in Cologne. The area around the ―Friesenviertel‖ is
considered to be very chic. Bars like ―Arkadia‖ and ―Heising & Alderman‖ are the home of the high
society. If this is not your style, Cologne will always have an alternative to offer, most probably
around the ―Zülpicher Platz‖ or in the ―Belgian Quarter‖. And the weekly student parties offer free
beer for two hours and fun…
2. Karneval: Carnival is THE in Cologne. It starts on November 11th each year at 11.11 a.m. in
front of the Town Hall and hits its peak during six crazy days, from ―Weiberfastnacht‖ till Ash
Wednesday.
3. Kirche: The Dome is the landmark of Cologne, and there are simply no real words to describe it,
it is just an awesome sight…
4. Kölsch: This is something which cannot be properly understood by non-Colognians!!! Kölsch is a
unique beer, brewed only in this area of Germany and served in small, longdrink-like glasses which
are unique as well. Rumour has that there are some 35 different kind of Kölsch brewed in and
around Cologne, but nobody really knows…
34
ELSA Dresden
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Dresden
Founded in: 1992
Email: elsa-dd@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Website:
www.tu-dresden.de/elsa/elsa.html
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The town is the capital of the free state of saxony. Dresden is located in the most south-eastern of
Germany in the triangle between the Czech and Polish borders. Dresden is very famous and
beautiful, nearly 800 years old city, called Florence at the Elbe. Along the river Elbe you can find
world famous buildings like the Zwinger, the Semper Opera House, the Royal Palace, the Japanese
Palais, the Procession of Saxon Princes, or Brühl Terrace also called the belcony of Europe. Many
churches can be visited in Dresden, the most famous are the catholic cathedral called Hofkirche, the
church of the Holy Cross or the construction side of the Church of our Lady which was destroyed
in the World War II. Today it is a symbol of reconciliation and tolerance. Dresden is also a culture
centre. You will find a lot of galleries like the gallery „Alte Meister‖, a lot of different museums,
cinemas and theatres. A lot of music festivals take place each year for instance the Dixieland Festival
or the Festival of Contemporary Music. At night you can go with us on a pub crawl in a quarter of
the town called Dresden- Neustadt. This is a quarter with a typical atmosphere of students and
outsiders. Dresden is also the town with the most student clubs in Germany. But not only Dresden
is a reason to come to us. Around Dresden is a beautiful environment.. You can take a trip to
Pillnitz – „chateau de plaisir‖ – built in the Chinese Style. Near Dresden there is also another town
called Meißen, which is the birthplace of Saxon, famous for ist chinaware and the capital of the most
northern wine producing region in Europe. Also, Leipzig and Berlin are not far from Dresden.
During the Christmas time there is the possibility to get known the place where Christmas in
Germany was born.You can visit us all over the year. The most favorable time are the weeks before
Christmas. The town celebrates Christmas for instance with a traditional Christmas market. Another
very good time for a study Visit is the period between April and July.
35
ELSA Düsseldorf
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Düsseldorf
Founded in: 1997
E-mail: duesseldorf@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-duesseldorf.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia offers a wide range of cultural activities for students and of
course members of Duesseldorf High Society, who seem to have their meeting point at
„Koenigsallee‖, the probably most famous street of the city. Students prefer the old part, best
known as „Altstadt‖, with its pub and club scene and the riversidewalk where you can enjoy the
sunset on the rhine. Fans of the Fine Arts will attend a performance at the well known
„Schauspielhaus‖, the theatre in the city of Duesseldorf. Its repertoire reaches from modern
shortplays to classical productions. The opera house also offers a huge repertoire of both operas and
ballets- and sells half price tickets for students. People with either a special taste or an open mind
will surely enjoy the Duesseldorf Museum of Modern Art, located in the very centre of the city.
Finally, the musical industry has found place in Duesseldorf. With its changing repertoire, the
musical hall „Capitol‖ performs anything between Grease, Rent and the Rocky Horror Picture
Show. If you come here in the summer, you will learn to enjoy the calm of the green oases of the
city, „Hofgarten‖ and „Volksgarten‖, where students and everybody else meets for jogging, partying
or just sunbathing. There is also a couple of lakes on the outskirts that are the place to be for
watersports enthusiasts. The attractions above are only some of various interesting places to go- for
further informations and special wishes, please fell free to contact our local board before the Study
Visit. The Climate is one of the disadvantages of every mid-western German city. The best time for
a study visit would most likely be late spring to early summer, so the best alternative probably is
early September.
Useful Links:
The Federal Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/index_html
36
ELSA Erlangen-Nürnberg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Erlangen Nürnberg
Founded in: 1990
Email:
info@elsa-erlangen-nuernberg.de
Website:
www.elsa-erlangen-nuernberg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The student population of Erlangen Nuremberg which numbers more than 23,000 live lives full of
hustle and bustle. Visitors from across the globe enjoy the wide variety of cultural activities on offer
in Erlangen and Nuremberg, including the Comic Salon, the Puppet Theatre Festival and the
International week of the of the Young Theatre Arena. In the course of the last few years Erlangen
has also earned the title „Green Capital of
Germany‖ as a result of its commitment to ecological and environmental issues. In addition,
Erlangen has become well-known in recent years through its special efforts in behalf of
conservation even beyond German borders—it is a city with 90,000 bicycles (whereas the
population is 100,000). Currently Erlangen is rapidly becoming the German Capital for Medicine.
Greetings from the Erlanger Bergkirchweih - Any description at all of Erlangen, noted for its
Huguenot flair, would be incomplete if it failed to include this most outstanding festival of all the
festivals put together—the Bergkirchweih. Every year at 5 pm sharp on the Thursday before
Whitsunday, the Lord Mayor of the City of Erlangen swings his mallet and, with three taps, opens
the very first barrel of beer. Those visitors who have marked down this date on their calendar know
why: The contents of the first barrel are free, so the foaming beer mugs are literally pulled out of the
Lord Mayors‘s hands.
Nürenberg - The city of Nuremberg (which lost 90% of its historic centre to World War II
bombing) is today a lively centre with far more to offer its population of approximately 500,000 and
innumberable tourists than simple gingerbread, Franconian sausage, bulls-eye window panes and the
Christmas Market. The famous globe of Martin Behaim, as well as masterpieces by Veit Stoß and
Albrecht Dürer, with events such as „Jazz-East-West‖, the International Week of the Organ and the
„Bardentreffen‖.
37
ELSA Frankfurt/Main
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Frankfurt
/Main
Founded in: 1989
Email:
frankfurt-main@elsa-germany.org
Website:
www.uni-frankfurt.de/fb01/elsa
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
ELSA in Frankfurt/Main….Sometimes they are made out of glass, sometimes out of concrete,
some are big, some are small, some are round, some square, sometimes with sometimes without an
antenna. But all have one in common – they gave Frankfurt the nickname ―Mainhattan‖. We are
talking of the scy-scrapers… Europe‘s highest bureau tower stands in Frankfurt- the Commerzbank
Tower with an approximate height of 300 metres. It is very impressing standing in front of all these
huge buildings. But the real charme develops during night, when Frankfurt has probably the most
magnificent skyline of Germany. Many calendars and guides about Germany have only one thing in
common: the skyline of Frankfurt by night. Experience it by your own!!! Frankfurt is a global
marketplace. Already in the middle ages, Frankfurt was one of the most important financial and
trade centres of Europe. And it still is – some 368 banks and the world‘s fourth biggest stock market
determine the monetary flow in the world. International and polyglot people are common here,
since every third Frankfurter has no German passport. And we have the 2nd biggest airport in the
world – passenger- wise.But we do not only have the modern signs, in some suburbs you feel like in
another town. Half-timbered houses, narrow, historic alleys and the famous small pubs where you
can drink the world-famous drink of the region, the Apfelwein (apple vine). Frankfurt also has a
very exciting nightlife: the area around the railway station has a bad reputation as a red-light district,
but this is not everything. Pubs and small clubs with an international flair compensate for the bad
reputation this area holds – unjustified. But we also have culture – one of the ―sons of Frankfurt‖
was the famous Johann Wolfgang Goethe – all of you will probably heared of. If you want to know
more about him and all the other cultural places of Frankfurt- there is only one way: Come and visit
us!
38
ELSA Frankfurt/Oder
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Frankfurt
/Oder
Founded in: 1993
Email: elsa@euv-frankfurt-o.de
Website: www.elsa-frankfurt.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Deep down in the East of Germany, there lays a beautiful town, our small but charming
Frankfurt/Oder. Yeah, deep down in the East, and many ask us if that is not already in Poland. No,
it is not, but it is just one bridge away from our partner town on the Polish side – Slubice. This
brings a unique international atmosphere to Frankfurt/Oder and its university. The Viadrina
University Frankfurt/Oder got mixed results in the different university rankings. In ―Stern Special‖
the results were not that good, while ―Spiegel‖ and ―Focus‖ rank Viadrina among the top
universities in law and economics. Of course, Frankfurt/Oder is not the most beautiful town in
Germany, but it is a charming one, and you shouldn‘t believe all the prejudices you hear about our
town. Our Viadrina University is relatively new. Originally it was founded in 1506, but from 1811
on, it was moved to Breslau, Poland. Wonderful events are the legendary Viadrina Summer Party
and the notorious beginning-of-term and end-of-term parties. In terms of nightlife, FfO is slowly
moving towards respectability. There are no huge clubs and discotheques here, but a very livid
nightlife and private student parties are very common and everybody is welcome. The only disco
―Kufa‖ is situated in an old factory which creates a unique and awesome atmosphere. Especially at
the beginning and the end of term, ―Kufa‖ is home of every Viadrina student. Other small clubs are
―Bananas‖ and ―Konsum‖, but very worthwhile is ―:grotte‖, a club organized solely by students
which holds events for nearly every taste… So nightlife in FfO is dominated by private parties and a
cosy club and pub scene – and if you want to see the ―nightlife of a big city‖, then Berlin is only 1
hour away!
39
ELSA Freiburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Freiburg
Founded in: 1989
E-mail : praesident@elsa-freiburg.de
Website: www.elsa-freiburg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Freiburg is famous for its medieval city center, especially for its ancient gothic cathedral (the
―Münster‖). The Black Forest, the Kaiserstuhl mountain with its vineyards, the Rhine valley and
attractive cities like Basel (Switzerland) and Strasburg (France) are within close reach. Overall,
Freiburg is prominent for its Mediterranean flair and climate – it is one of the cities in Germany
where it gets the warmest in the summer.
Social highlights and Sights:
The life in Freiburg with its 200,000 inhabitants and more than 20,000 students is characterized by
its many students. For going out at night, there are special offers and special parties for students in
clubs and bars every night. There are many clubs, bars, pubs, theaters, movie theaters and a concert
hall. In May and and June there are many ‖Weinfeste‖ (wine festivals) in and around Freiburg. There
is also a stadium of a successful soccer team and lakes in which you can go swimming during the
summer. In winter, skiing in the Black Forest and the Alps (Switzerland is just an hour away) is very
popular.
Useful links:
University‘s homepage: www.uni-freiburg.de
Law Department‘s homepage: www.jura.uni-freiburg.de
40
ELSA Gelsenkirchen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Gelsenkirchen
Founded in: 1997
Email:
webmaster@elsa-gelsenkirchen.de
Website: www.elsa-gelsenkirchen.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Gelsenkirchen has lived through changes like almost no other town. Just very few sights like Schloss
Horst, Schloss Berge and Haus Lüttinghaus - that all have been restored with an enormous effort and a few other remnants of the rural times remember visitors of the history of Gelsenkirchen
before coal was found in the Ruhr District to which Gelsenkirchen belongs. With those first
discoveries of coal in 1840, the industrialisation Gelsenkirchen begun. Coal and steel began to
determine the fate of the whole region. At times, Gelsenkirchen had the nickname ―town of
thousand fires‖. Meanwhile, Gelsenkirchen has changed its look dramatically. Many green areas and
parks are signs that Gelsenkirchen is not the ―grey town‖, many others want to make you believe..
This club is like a religion here. With a spectacular event, in August 2001 the ―Arena auf Schalke‖
was opened, Europe‘ most beautiful and modern multipurpose stadium. Besides football games,
concerts, classic orchestra performances and motorsports events are attractions as well. Also you
can find out something about the history of Schalke 04, with all its tragedies and triumphs. But we
have more than a football club. You can also visit the Ruhr Zoo, the magnificent and outstanding
adventure and event zoo. This zoo is more than you expect of a normal zoo, and is separated into 4
eventful worlds: Africa, Asia, Alaska and – Westphalia!!!!!!! You can experience the exceptional flora
and fauna, take a walk along the the idyllic streams and rivers and enjoy the typical culture and
hospitality of the regions. So in the middle of the Ruhr District, the most innovating zoo and
adventure concept is situated. But Gelsenkirchen doesn‘t neglect its roots. With ―the route of
industrial culture‖ (Route der Industriekultur) you can see all about the history of the region and
altogether it makes Gelsenkirchen a wonderful aim of a study visit with all its differences, and with
very much charme…
41
ELSA Gieβen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Gieβen
Founded in: 1993
Email: giessen@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-giessen.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Many German towns describe themselves as ―university towns‖, but no one deserves it more than
Giessen. Of all German towns, Giessen has the highest percentage of students compared to the
overall population, with more than 20,000 students and some 75,000 ―overall‖ inhabitants. The
University was founded in 1607, merely because of confessional differences between Catholics and
Protestants. World War II changed everything for the University. It lost its status as a university and
hosted only an agriculture and veterinary medicine faculty. Only in 1957 it re-opened, now under its
current name, Justus-Liebig-University. Giessen lies in the core of Germany, surrounded by the
wonderful ―Lahnauen‖. There are numerous castles and beautiful towns like Wetzlar, Marburg or
Friedberg in the surroundings, yet Giessen was 75%-destroyed during World War II. Although grey
buildings are common in Giessen, some highlights are indeed GREEN, like the wonderful big
Botanic Garden of the University, where the people of Giessen relax and enjoy themselves. In
general, the University dominates Giessen, the medical faculty alone constitutes a whole suburb!!!!
Giessen is small, and there is one rule: You never meet the other one just once!!! By the time, you
will probably have seen every student at least once! Either on one of the numerous university
parties, in the cantine, or on private parties. And so it doesn‘t last long for newcomers to feel very
comfortable in Giessen. And, of course, nightlife is dominated by students. There is an incredible
amount of small pubs and bars, and also disco and club atmosphere can be found here. The taste of
big city lights is also just a few kilometres away, Frankfurt/Main with its pulsating nightlife. Sport
and culture can be found in Giessen, too. We have a top Basketball club here with a fantastic
atmosphere. Yet it is possible to do wonderful sports on your own. Canoeing on the Lahn is just
one of the attractive possibilities, and speaking of the Lahn, you cannot imagine how cosy, romantic
and atmospherically it is during the summer in Lahn…
42
ELSA Göttingen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Göttingen
Founded in: 1989
Email: goettingen@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-goettingen.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Göttingen is a beautiful old town with many half- timber buildings, in Lower Saxony
(Niedersachsen). About 131,700 people live there, and 23,645 of them are students. So Göttingen is
a real university city. Therefore, Göttingen has many bars and cafes, and a nice (but small)
pedestrian zone. Furthermore there are some theatres, swimming baths and some lakes around
Göttingen. Of course a lot of university parties are held.
Within town bus and bike are the usual transportation means. And because Göttingen is just a small
city, a lot of students just walk to university.
Useful links:
Accommodation facilities: Youth Hostel, Habichtsweg 2, D - 37075 Göttingen, Tel: +49-551-57622;
Mitwohnzentrale, Rasenweg 8a, D- 37085 Göttingen, Tel: +49-551-19445; There are also many
student dormitories/hostels. Information is available at: Studentenwerk, Platz der Göttinger Sieben
4 , D- 37073 Göttingen, Tel: +49-551-395135, Possibility for students to find a job during their
studies: Arbeitsamt Göttingen (Municipal employment exchange), Bahnhofsallee 5, D- 37081
Göttingen, Tel: +49- 551- 520-0
University: Address of the law faculty: Juristischer Fachbereich, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 6, D37073 Göttingen, Tel: +49-551-397360
Language courses: Sprachlehrzentrum, Goßlerstrasse 10, D- 37073 Göttingen
The university organises summer courses in German for foreigners. Information can be obtained
from: Lektorat Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Burgstrasse 51, D- 37073 Göttingen, Tel: +49-551394385
43
ELSA Greifswald
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Greifswald
Founded in: 1992
Email: greifswald@elsa-germany.org
elsa-greifswald@gmx.de
Website: www.elsa-greifswald.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
There are many places of interest you can visit in the hanseatic and university city of Greifswal. Last
but not least a wooden bascule bridge and the ruins of a cistercian monastery in the suburbs of
Wieck and Eldena could arouse your interest. Caspar David Friedrich´s paintings made this ruins
world famous.
The Marketplce: The marketplace of Greifswald is considered to be one of the most beautiful
marketplaces in Germany. Actually, it consists of two places: the main marketplace forming a square
of about 100 by 100 metres and the fish market which is much smaller. The red-painted city hall is
situated between these two marketplaces and connects them to each other.
Gabled Houses: Space for building houses was scarce in the cities of the Middle Ages because a city
wall often limited the building grounds. For this reason the city and its inhabitants were forced to
build a lot of gabled houses close together if they wanted as many people as possible to live inside
the city walls. Some of these space saving gabled houses of past times have been preserved in the
city centre of Greifswald.
The Harbour: In past times you would have seen a lot of ships anchored in the harbour of
Greifswald which exported salt and corn to Sweden or Norway or imported goods from there. Until
1863, when Greifswald was connected to the railway network, the harbour on the river Ryck was the
city´s main and only worth mentioning link to the rest of the world. Today the small harbour of
Greifswald has not got any commercial or economical importance. It is rather a museum where you
can enjoy seeing some old ships. The Rampants: Greifswald´s medieval fortifications were built
soon after the foundation of the city in 1250. A wall, water filled moats and ramparts which
surrounded the city served to protect the inhabitants of Greifswald from a sometimes hostile
environment.
44
ELSA Halle
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Halle
Founded in: 1990
Email: elsa@mlujurs2.jura.uni-halle.de
Website: www.elsa-halle.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Halle is the largest city in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Its approximately 250 000 inhabitants and
administrative area of 135 km² make Halle the largest city in Saxony-Anhalt and fourth largest in the
East of Germany. The city lies on the banks of the river Saale and is fortunate in its transport
connections: the Leipzig/Halle airport, the junction of the A9 and A14 motorways (superhighways),
Intercity rail connections, the port on the Saale at Trotha. It is also the cultural capital of SaxonyAnhalt. In Handel‘s birthplace there is much to hear (the Handel Festival, the festival for children‘s
choirs), to celebrate (the Lantern and Salt festivals), to see (the State Gallery in the Moritzburg, the
old city cemetry, the buildings housing Francke‘s foundations, the Dom church, the library of the
Marienkirche), as well as performances to enjoy (the Opera House, four theatres and a variety
theatre). It is an important centre of science and technology. Situated in the Mitteldeutschland
region of Germany, with its rich industrial traditions, Halle and Leipzig, only 38 km (24 miles) away
from the nucleus of a wide area constituting an economic metropolis, in which service industries
and technology centres predominate. A considerable number of scientific institutions are also
located in Halle. The best known local products are Hallorenkugel chocolates, Kathi cake mix and
railway rolling stock built at Ammendorf. It is a town to live in. There are over 71 km² of water and
greenery within the city boundaries. 124 sports clubs with facilities in 63 places as well as five sets of
tennis courts are available. One can also, however, spend free time delightfully in the zoo, the
botanical garden, at the race course, on the Peissnitz island in the Saale, along the banks of the river
or in one of the five cinemas. Let us show you that much has already changed, and is changing from
day to day. The star shows every sign of being full of life. Let us start our tour on the Marktplatz,
the market square. The biggest square not only dominates the City of the Five Towers because of its
central position; 14 streets lead off from its 16 000 square meters.
45
ELSA Hamburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Hamburg
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: info@elsa-hamburg.de
Website: www.elsa-hamburg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Hamburg, 1,200 years old, is loved by its 1.7 million inhabitants, because of its city‘s stunning
location on the huge Elbe and Alster Rivers including the very famous lake Aster in the middle of
Hamburg. This Hanseatic City is one of the greenest ones in the north of Germany and very close
to the Northsea and Eastsea. The climate of Hamburg is known to be rough, which means normally
some kind of storm and a bit of rain, but as soon as the sun is peeping out of the clouds you will
feel the most comfortable atmosphere which can only be felt in a metropole like Hamburg!
Culturally Hamburg offers anything and everything starting at the Great Hall of Art in the city
centre and the State Opera, as well as lots of theatres, there is the `Speicherstadt`, an ancient brickbuilt warehouse complex, which s the historical centre of the port of Hamburg. Even today you will
be able to smell the roasted coffee and several exotic spices are laying in the air. Apart from that,
Hamburg is famous for the impressing churches like St. Michaelis, the harbour, with its sightseeing
boat trips and last, but not least, the music clubs on the Reeperbahn, where you can get an
impression of the nigh-life of Hamburg.
You see that Hamburg is influenced by different kinds of lifestyle, and you can be sure there will be
a lovely place to be for everyone. Might it be on the banks of the Alster to promenade along the
shores or in one of the theatres or musicals like The Lions king or the Dance of the Vampires…!
Useful links:
Tourist information, Burchardsstr. 14, 20095 Hamburg, Tel. : 0049+ (0)40-300 510;
Youth Hostels, Alfred-Wegener-Weg 5, 20459 Hamburg, Tel.: 0049+ (0)4-313 488
www.hamburg.de
www.hvv.de
www.uni-hamburg.de
www.jura.uni-hamburg.de
46
ELSA Hannover
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Hannover
Founded in: 1990
Email: hannover@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-hannover.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
1. The old Town Hall: It was built over a period of more than 100 years. The earliest part (from
1410) overlooks the Schmiedestrasse (Blacksmith Street), the later wing next to the market was
erected on the foundations of the 13th century trade hall.
2. City Centre: The centre is rather large for a city of half a million. It has grown over the centuries
between the old town down by the river, the Aegidientor in the west, the Steintor in the east and the
Central Station. The bomb raids of the Second World War turned most of the city centre into a
large heap of rubble. Hardly an old building was spared. So most of the centre was rebuilt in the
fashion of the fifties. The Bahnhofstraße, leading from the Central Station into the heart of the city
is a ―pedestrians only‖ shopping street on two levels: one can also walk along the ―Passerelle‖ in the
basement, built in the seventies. At the end of the Bahnhofstraße you reach ―Kröpcke‖, the most
central square in Hannover. It was named after a waiter who worked in (and later owned) the Café,
which is now ―Mövenpick‖. At Kröpcke the Bahnhofstraße meets the Georgstraße, a boulevard
named after one of the Hanovrian Kings of England. The Georgstraße opposite the opera house
has exclusive shops only on one side and a lot of room for promenades. It is here like to meet on
Sunday mornings in summer for their traditional ―Schorsenbummel‖. The Georgstraße on the other
side of Kröpcke is a pure shopping area with big stores. When you turn left at the Steintor (with the
impressive ―Anzeiger Hochhaus‖ built in 1927) you will reach the old town or what‘s left of it with a
lot of interesting small shops, pubs and restaurants. Next to the ―Marktkirche‖ (the largest of the
three churches in the old town) there is the old town hall, both built in red bricks, a characterstic
style of Northern Germany. Near the town hall is the market hall, built in the modest style of the
fifties but well worth a visit. It offers an enomous variety of international delicacies.
47
ELSA Heidelberg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Heidelberg
Founded in: 1987
E-mail: heidelberg@elsagermany.org
Website: www.elsa-heidelberg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
You can definitely lose your heart in Heidelberg. This town at the River Neckar has to offer a lot.
The historic inner city, the famous castle and its location right next to the Odenwald provide a
dreamlike atmosphere. This is well-known to tourists from all over the world. Especially Americans
and Japanese ―inhabit‖ the inner city. For most of them, Heidelberg is the prototype of a German
town. Thinking of Germany, thinking of Heidelberg, so to say. Heidelberg and its citizens reacted to
this tourist flow and the special interests of its international guests. International menus, special
shipping conditions for overseas guests, and a generally open and international atmosphere are
characteristic for this town. Yet Heidelberg is not only a tourist town. Almost as known as for its
tourists is Heidelberg known for its students. Only Tübingen has an equal reputation as ―the‖
student town in Germany. This is mainly because the University of Heidelberg is the oldest in
Germany. Admittedly, it was to Heidelberg‘s advantage that Sorbonne University lost many
academics due to the church schism. These qualified academics found their new home in
Heidelberg. And so the University started in 1386 with four faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine and
Arts. Today there are 15. Were it just a handful in the beginning of the university‘s history, now the
number of students in Heidelberg has risen up to 24,000. Law students, archaeology and all
humanity students are situated in the inner city, while scientists and medical students have their
places a little bit outside town. Free time: Every student has a right for free time, even in Heidelberg.
It is just a short way from the inner city to the ―Neckarwiesen‖, a beautiful place to relax, enjoy the
sun, playing volleyball etc... Or you climb up the Philosopher‘s Way which is rumoured to be the
solution if you read difficult books like Heidegger or Nietzsche. Or you just enjoy the beautiful view
from here over whole Heidelberg – which is here as great as from the Heidelberg Castle…
48
ELSA Jena
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Jena
Founded in: 1997
Email: info@elsa-jena.de
Website: http://www.elsa-jena.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Schiller, Goethe, Brentano LIVE!!! To go to a lecture of Schiller? To have Novalis, Hölderlin and
Brentano as fellow students? That was possible in Jena – at least around 200 years ago…In those
days, our town upon the Saale was considered to be the centrum of the classic-romantic movement.
Of course, these times have gone, but still, Jena and its university have much to offer for students.
Familiar atmosphere at the university The personal contact between students and professors is at
the heart of the concept of the University of Jena. Professors and students know each other and
work together which constitutes a unique atmosphere (maybe still inspired by the great alumni??)
And you get to know Jena during your studies, because the faculties are situated all over the town.
You don‘t need a car (since Jena is no metropole!), but you need good shoes, or a hardwearing,
tough saddle. Good opportunities for pub crawl: Pubs in Jena are always ( I repeat: always!)
crowded, no matter what time of the day. There are some to recommend, which we will show you
when you come here. The Café Stilbruch, situated in an old half-timbered house. There is one
mystery to it: How on earth can the waitresses serve drinks and foods without causing a disaster
when walking up and down the steep stairs? Jena is not filled with clubs and discotheques, but
people who love to hang around with friends in comfortable (and sometimes trendy!) pubs and
restaurants will feel like made for Jena. If our parents come to visit us, we definitely don‘t have any
problems showing them Jena, because Jena is rich with old and famous sights, with museums etc.
The best time of the year is definitely July and August – in front of the theatre, many movie nights,
concerts and plays are shown and the atmosphere is always very relaxed and people are generally in
a very good mood. And if you don‘t want to spend your whole time in Jena, wonderful towns in the
region like Erfurt, Weimar and Leipzig are also in reachable distance and worth a visit.
49
ELSA Kiel
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Kiel
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: kiel@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-kiel.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Welcome to Kiel, the city mainly associated with sailing. While walking through this city, you can see
something related to this sport and lifestyle on every corner, especially in summer when hundreds of
ships are crossing the ―Kieler Förde‖, an inlet of the Baltic Sea. Therefore, it is obvious to
understand why Kiel was the host of the Olympic sailing tournaments (1936 & 1972) twice. During
the last week in June, Kiel is the centre of the professional sailing world - every year. This traditional
event called the ―Kieler Woche‖ has been accomplished since 1882. With 1.800 boats and almost
6.000 participants, it is the biggest sailing-event worldwide. The ferry port is one of the biggest in
Germany with 1.800.000 passengers, who are travelling mainly to Scandinavia. Furthermore, the
Kiel Canal which connects the Baltic Sea with the North Sea, is extremely important for the harbour
and is more than one hundred years old. It is still
a waterway of mayor importance and also the most used man-made waterway in the world. Each
year, 37.000 ships cross the canal which is 100 kilometres long. Kiel offers more than only sailing
and water. As the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, one of Germanys 16 federal provinces, with a
population of 240.000 inhabitants, Kiel is a centre of cultural and trading activities with many
opportunities for shopping. Besides sailing, handball is the most popular sport in Kiel which
delights over 10.000 enthusiastic supporters of the local team ―THW Kiel‖ in the home ground
arena ―Ostseehalle‖ every game. The University of Kiel (1665) is probably one of the most
important educational institutions with about 20.000 students. The institute of oceanography
belongs to the university as well as the institute of global economy and several scientific research
institutions. Student life is destined to student parties and sport activities like in several other
university cities, but in summer you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful
beaches in Germany and sailing.
50
ELSA Konstanz
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Konstanz
E-mail: konstanz@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.uni-konstanz.de/elsa
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The city of Konstanz with it‘s around 78,000 inhabitants is one of the most significant cultural
centres of Baden-Württemberg. Numerous buildings and monuments from the Romantic, Gothic
and Baroque periods, stemming from the city‘s over 1000 years history, can be seen throughout its
charming Old Town. The city offers a wide cultural spectrum such as, one of Germany‘s oldest and
longest running theatres and the Southwest German Philharmonic Orchestra. Trips around Lake
Konstanz, into the Black Forest, or to the nearby Alps, ensure a wide and diverse range of
recreational activities all-year round and make studying in Konstanz a pleasurable experience. In
addition to that Konstanz provides a breathtaking nightlife, with plenty of pubs, bars, restaurants
and clubs where you can celebrate and make party all night long… It does not matter which kind of
music you prefer, the clubs all around Konstanz offer everything. Instead of dancing all night long,
you can also choose a smother version and just enjoy a glass of wine at one of the several cafés next
to the harbour side. In August you will have the chance to take part in a celebration which is widely
known over the boarders of Konstanz and its region. This special ―Seenachtsfest‖ is by far the most
famous attraction of the lake Konstanz. It takes place all around the shores and it comes to an end
in an amazing firework in the middle of the lake. If you are unable to come in August, you should
join us at least around February, when the ―Fasnet‖ starts. The ―Fasnet‖ in Konstanz is something
alike the ―Karneval‖ in Cologne, which is by sure well known in the whole world. For one week in
February the city of Konstanz changes into a state of emergency. Casual people on the street are
dressed up in special disguisions, all authorities and administrative bodies are closed and ―Fasnet‖processions are moving through the pedestrian precinct in order to banish the bad spirits of the
wintertime.
51
ELSA Leipzig
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Leipzig
Founded in: 1990
E-mail: elsa@rz.uni-leipzig.de
Website:
rzaix340.rz.uni-leipzig.de/~elsa
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The city of Leipzig is located in the free state of saxony, between Dresden and Halle. It is the
second largest city in the east of Germany, with some 500.000 inhibitants. Leipzig was founded in
the 7th-9th century as a Slav village-like settlement called Lipsk (this means „place of the limetrees‖). Throughout the centuries prospering city and one of Germany‗s cultural centers. Here, the
first daily newspaper in the world was published in 1650. Famous publishing houses like Reclam and
Brockhaus (today Germans‗s most renowned encyclopedia) started in Leipzig. Many famous
musicians and composers worked and lived in Leipzig: From 1723 to 1750 Johann Sebastian Bach
was organist and choirmaster of St. Thomas‗ Church and city musical director, in 1813 Richard
Wagner was born in Leipzig and from 1835 to 1847 Felix Mendelsohn. For more than one century
Leipzig has been host to some of Germany‗s biggest tradefairs, the most outstanding one being the
book-fair. The University of Leipzig was founded in 1409, making it the second oldest university in
Germany. It is home to 20.000 students that are enrolled in ist courses, 3.000 of them in the Law
faculty. If you choose to visit us in Leipzig, you will not only walk in the footsteps of Johann
Wolfgang von Goethe, who studied law here from 1765 to 1768, you will even be able to eat in his
favourite Restaurant, „Auerbach‗s Keller‖, which inspired him to write „Faust‖. You think this can‗t
be all? You are right: Leipzig‗s Nightlife is just as famous and demanding as its cultural heritage. We
are proud of our Honky Tonk Festival, which takes place twice a year, in May and November.
During the Honky Tonk Festival hundreds of band play in dozens of bars and Cafes until the early
morning. Leipzig is also home to Europe‗s largest student club, the „Moritzbastei‖, located
underground in a historic bastion. Leipzig‗s local ELSA Group is always eager to arrange Study
Visits, so come here and discover everything that did not fit onto this page!!
52
ELSA Lüneburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Lüneburg
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: lueneburg@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-lueneburg.org
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The town of Lüneburg is situated in Lower Saxony (Nordostniedersachsen) in the north of
Germany, 50 km south of Hamburg. Lüneburg is a small but picturesque town with approximately
70,000 inhabitants. The town is rich in tradition, has an over 1,000 year old history that is closely
connected with salt - ―the white gold of the Middle Ages‖. The salt-works were the basis for a
thriving trade, which made Lüneburg a rich and powerful Hanseatic town. The brick patrician
houses built in the North Gothic style testify to the prosperity of the town in the Middle Ages. Even
today salt plays an important role in Lüneburg‘s status as a health resort. The town centre boasts
many wonderful sights, all of which can be seen in a tour of the town. Whilst being a popular tourist
town, it also offers a modern shopping centre and a rich cultural life, which includes theatres,
concerts and museums. The 10,000 students at the two universities here also guarantee plenty of
music, cinema, and nightlife. Lüneburg, after Berlin, has got the second largest number of pubs per
capita in Germany! This is particularly popular in the summer where the street is full of people
sitting on benches soaking up the atmosphere. While being a typical student town with innumerable
pubs, clubs and sport facilities Lüneburg is still rather a quite town, surrounded by beautiful nature
such as the river Ilmenau, the forest Wilschenbruch and the landscape, the famous Lüneburg Heide.
Both the lake and the park invite to chill out and to enjoy relaxing sunbaths which is always a
perfect way to forget all the examinations and law books.
53
ELSA Mainz
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Mainz
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: elsa@elsa-mainz.de
Website: www.elsa-mainz.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate has more to offer than one might think. The town has
many sights from all epochs of the last 2,000 years, is the headquarters of two big public TV
broadcasters with its famous and convinces it visitors and inhabitants with impressive and high
standard cultural and leisure time possibilities. And if that is not enough for you, it is not far till
Wiesbaden (on the other side of the Rhine) and to Frankfurt/Main (25 kilometres). This is because
Mainz is situated in the Rhine-Main-Area, one of the most powerful areas economic-wise and one
of the cultural most attractive ones. Furthermore, international exchange programmes have a huge
importance to Mainz.. This is what Mainz has to offer, in detail: The number of pubs is nearly
impossible to count. The most famous sight is the Dome of Mainz. The Church St.Stephan is
famous for its fascinating blue shining windows, which were designed by Marc Chagall 1978-1985.
In honour of the town‘s most famous son, Johannes Gutenberg who was selected as the ―Man of
the Millennium‖. Events: And world-famous, there is one event: The Mainzer Fastnacht. This time,
always called the ―5th season‖ starts on the 11th of November at 11.11 a.m. and lasts till Ash
Wednesday. Furthermore, many wine festivals and other celebrations like the Johannisfest should
lure you into town.
54
ELSA Mannheim
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Mannheim
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: mannheim@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-mannheim.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
With a population of 327,000, Mannheim today is the second-largest city in Baden-Württemberg
and the economic hub of the Rhine-Neckar-Triangle. It can easily be reached from everywhere by
means of almost 100 long-distance trains per day and its close connection to Frankfurt‘s RhineMain-Airport, the largest one on the European continent and the ―low-far‖ airport Frankfurt-Hahn.
The University of Mannheim - The University of Mannheim is located at the same place where
Elector Karl Theodor founded the Academy of Sciences of the Palatinate in 1763. With its city front
extending over 450 m in length and its more than 1500 windows it is even larger than Versailles and
still displays an enormous splendour although it was almost completely destroyed during World War
II. By German standards, Mannheim is a relatively small university. Approximately 13,000 students
are enrolled, 1,400 of them
in the Faculty of Law. There are just eight faculties: Law, Business Administration, Economics and
Statistics, Social Sciences, Philosophy, Psychology and Educational Sciences, Linguistics and
Literature, History, Mathematics and Computer Science can be studied here. The legal and
economic studies are predominant, due to the fact that the university started out as a business
school after the war. The small size of the university entails some undisputed advantages: The
anonymity often prevalent at larger German universities can be avoided, and the possibilities of
getting to know the professors and working with them are far above average. The 1.2 million
volumes of the university library satisfy all possible demands, and good technical equipment
facilitates research: for instance, the major legal databases are directly accessible from the law library.
55
ELSA Marburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Marburg
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: marburg@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-marburg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Marburg is a little, but very nice town in the middle of the federal country Hessen, which is in the
heart of Germany, which is in the middle of Europe...
It has about 80.000 inhabitants, and nearly every third of them is a student. This means, that the
town is very young and lively! Marburg was founded in the last centuries of the first millennium, the
scientists do not know the exact date. So on the other hand the town is very old, too. Nicely placed
near the river „Lahn‖, the old city of Marburg stands on a hill with the castle of the „Landgraf‖ on
its top. Narrow lanes with framework houses, little pubs inside the houses and young people sitting
in front of the houses- very nice! The real character of a town is made by its inhabitants, in the case
of Marburg the whole city is shaped by the university and its students. Founded in 1527 as the first
Protestant university, the Philipps-Universität in Marburg an der Lahn looks back on a long history.
With 18.000 students and 7.500 staff members, it currently numbers among the mid-size German
universities.
In accord with its official mission, the Philipps-Universität strives to further the attainment of
knowledge and fulfill the responsibility of science and scholarship to society. The juridical faculty is
one of the four foundation faculties of the university. Its adress is the „Savigny-House‖ in the centre
of Marburg. The name „Savigny-House‖ has a meaning, of course: Friedrich Carl von Savigny was
the most important law scientist of Germany. It is its work, what we have to learn in civil law. Our
ELSA-Group has about 130 members and is still growing. In the summer of 1998 we made a
Seminar about the ICC, which had a high academic level. But usually we are a quite normal group,
and we like having parties!!
56
ELSA Munich
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Munich
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: mail@elsa-muenchen.de
Website: www.elsa-muenchen.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Munich is located in the south of Germany and is the Capital of Bavaria. It has around 1.4 million
inhabitants and is the third-largest city of Germany. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape with
many lakes and is close to the Bavarian Alps.
Social highlights and Sights:
Isartor (Isar Gate) - Most easterly of Munich‘s three remaining town gates, dating from the 14th
century. Careful restoration has recreated the dimensions and appearance of the original structure.
The Isar Gate accommodates the Valentin Museum. Karlstor (Charles‘ Gate) - Westerly town gate
from 14th century. Incorporated at the end of the 18th century into the square known as ―Stachus‖
(officially Karlsplatz). Today it marks one end of Munich‘s primary pedestrian zone. Altes Rathaus
(Old Town Hall) - Most easterly building on Marienplatz square, at the heart of Munich. Gothic
council hall and ballroom and the adjoining town hall tower have been reconstructed. Neues
Rathaus (New Town Hall) - Built 1867 - 1909 in Flanders Gothic style; its facade, over 300 feet in
length, features strikingly elaborate stone ornamentation. Its 260-foot tower with carillon is, with St.
Peter‘s Church and the twin towers of the Cathedral, one of the most distinctive features of the
city‘s skyline. Ludwigstraße - Magnificent ―showpiece‖ of Munich, extending from the Siegestor
(Triumphal Arch) to the Feldherrnhalle (Commanders‘ Hall); built under King Ludwig I in the first
half of the 19th century, it marked the transformation of Munich from a medieval town to an
imperial residence. Theresienwiese / Oktoberfest - The Theresienwiese is mainly known as the site
of the Oktoberfest, and is also referred to as the ―Wies‘n‖.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.muenchen.de/home/60093/Homepage.html
57
ELSA Münster
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Münster
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: info@elsa-muenster.de
Website: www.elsa-muenster.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Why should you choose Münster for a study visit? Because it is simply made for students! To begin
with, a quarter of its population of 280.000 are students, and obviously they influence daily life
immensely in this genuine student town. Münster has a quaint historical center with numerous old
buildings, small passage-ways and cozy cafés. There is the famous market-street dating back to the
11th century which surrounds the cathedral. The famous Westphalian treaty marking the end of the
30 Years War was signed in the community hall of Münster which attrackts many tourists every day.
Since Münster was always a predominantly catholic town, it has many old churches which are open
for visitors and often host concerts. The baroque castle is now part of the university, and especially
during the summer the park behind it with its cafe and pavillion is full of students. For people
interested in art, Münster has museums such as the recently opened Picasso Museum. But the
fascinating thing about Münster is the combination of this historical and cultural background and
the young and dynamic spirit of its university. The university of Münster is the third-largest in
Germany and especially famous for its law faculty which consists of 6000 law students. The
university is well integrated into the city since its buildings are spread all over, rather than being on
one isolated campus. The law faculty is right in the center of town, as is the castle which is used for
lectures and administration. Most students don‘t use buses or cars but go by bike, earning Münster
the distinction of being Germany‘s biking-capitol. Also, major cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne
and Bremen are close by. And the area surrounding Münster is known to have some of the most
beautiful countryside in Germany.
58
ELSA Osnabrück
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Osnabrück
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: osnabrueck@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-osnabrueck.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
At the heart of an economic region with 1.2 million inhabitants, that touches the borders of two big
German ―Länder‖ (Lower Saxonia and Northrhine-Westphalia) and of the Netherlands, Osnabrück
has played an important role for years. More than 1,200 years ago, Carl the Great founded
Osnabrück as a bishop‘s residence to connect the numerous old merchants‘ roads. Till today
Osnabrück is the junction between Scandinavia and Western Europe as well as the Netherlands and
Eastern Europe. With more than 150,000 inhabitants, Osnabrück is the centre point of Western
Lower Saxonia. It has an important role as a bishop‘s, university and industrial town. The metal
sector is still dominant in Osnabrück, while the paper industry and car manufacturing are important
as well. The town is well known with wanderers, hikers and people just wanting to spend a day
walking through a great landscape. Mental and cultural openness are characteristics of Osnabrück.
The town has a good amount of cultural and aesthetic events and the historic and award-winning
inner city lures people in masses to Osnabrück. Especially noteworthy is the ―Cultural Mile‖ whose
reputation goes beyond the borders of Germany. It consists of the new Felix-Nussbaum-House, the
annual European Media & Art Festival and presentations in the Dominican Church. One special
―highlight‖ was the exhibition ―1648-War and Peace in Europe‖, which could be visited in 1998
when the 350th year day of the Westphalian Peace was celebrated in Osnabrück and Münster.
Osnabrück tries to connect past and present. It was the ―Town of Peace‖ in 1648 and is now very
active in the field of peace movement.
59
ELSA Passau
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Passau
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: elsa-ev@uni-passau.de
Website: www.elsa-passau.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Passau is a nice, romantic and dreamy town in the southern east of Bavaria. With 50,000 inhabitants
and a wonderful scenery is it‘s town that you must visit! Not only the typical Bavarian cosiness
attracts many people, but also the three rivers called Inn, Ilz and Donau which surround the city.
You have the possibility to visit Austria. Even the border to the Czech Republic is not far away.
Passau is a real European city. That makes easy to forge links between European states. Twice a year
a cultural highlight takes place in Passau. We call it ―Dult‖, but for experts it is one of the most
suitable events to get to know Bavaria: fried sausages and Bavarian beer make this big party to a
cultural highlight in and around Passau. The next highlight in Passau is the ―St. Stephan´s
Cathedral‖. With a heigth of 69 metres and a length of 102 metres it is one of the most prominent
sights of Passau. But that‗s not all. Old narrow streets and a foundation of a former Roman camp
are significant examples which show the history of the town. That makes the city absolutely
beautiful. Our university is one of the most famous universities in Europe. There are six faculties
and 8, 000 students. The university was founded in 1978 and today it is famous for the education in
more than fifteen languages. Passau supports connections to 60 foreign universities all over the
world. The campus is monastery founded in the middle of 11th century. Our local group has about
100 members and celebrated its 10th birthday in 1999. Passau is known for being absolutely active.
The best time to visit Passau is May to July.
60
ELSA Pforzheim
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Pforzheim
Founded in: 2007
E-mail: president@elsa-pforzheim.de
Website: pforzheim.elsa-germany.org/de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Pforzheim is a town of nearly 119,000 inhabitants in the state of Baden-Württemberg, southwest
Germany at the gate to the Black Forest. It is world-famous for its jewellery and watch-making
industry. Because of that it gained the nickname "Goldstadt" or Golden City. It has an area of
98 km² and is situated between the cities of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe at the confluence of three rivers
(Enz, Nagold and Wuerm) and marks the frontier between Baden and Württemberg, being located
on Baden territory. The City of Pforzheim does not belong to any administrative district (Kreis),
although it hosts the administrative offices of the Enz district which surrounds the town.
Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Pforzheim - Hochschule fuer Gestaltung,
Technik und Wirtschaft) enrolls about 4600 students. It was formed in 1992 by way of merging the
former Pforzheim School of Design (Fachhochschule fuer Gestaltung) and Pforzheim Business
School (Fachhochschule fuer Wirtschaft) and additionally establishing the Faculty of Engineering.
The Pforzheim School of Design had its roots in the Ducal Academy of Arts and Crafts and
Technical School for the Metal Processing Industry, established 1877. The Pforzheim Business
School was the successor institution of the National Business College, which was established in
1963. The campuses of the Faculty of Design and the Faculties of Economics and Engineering are
located at separate sites in the city area. The Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences fosters
international exchange. Among other relationships, it is affiliated with the NIEBES Association and
has close academic ties to Osijek University of Croatia and academic exchange programs with many
institutions abroad, among them Auburn University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, in
Chicago, of the United States of America.
61
ELSA Potsdam
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Potsdam
Founded in: 1994
E-mail: info@elsa-potsdam.de
Website: www.elsa-potsdam.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Potsdam is the capital of Brandenburg and has a population of 140,000 inhabitants. It was first
mentioned in 993 AD and became a city in 1317. Potsdam obtained significance beginning in 1675
when elector Friedrich Wilhem was interested in the city and the closer area because of its excellent
hunting conditions. Therefore Potsdam became the second residence of the Hohenzollern in
addition to Berlin. Friedrich the Great used Potsdam as a garrison city in the 18th century and made
it famous all over the world by means of Castle Sanssouci. Because of its wonderful and historical
castle, nearly 2 million tourists visit the city annually. The castles „Orangerie‖, „Charlottenhof‖,
„Babelsberg‖ and „Cecilienhof‖, which became famous because of the historic signing of the
„Potsdam Agreement‖ by the Allies in August 1945, are worth mentioning in particular. In addition,
castle „New Palace‖, whose highlight is the „Castle Theatre‖, known as one of the most beautiful
theatres in Germany, is of great significance. Concerts, theatre-plays and opera performances take
place there regularly. But Potsdam has some other nice places, too. For example, there is the „Dutch
Quarter‖, built by Dutch settlers in the late 17th century. Today it is popular because of many
pleasant bars. The immediate environments of Potsdam are dominated by the river Havel and a lot
of wonderful lakes. Potsdam is also known as a green city with large parks and many deep forests.
The best known park is the one around Sanssouci, followed by Park Babelsberg in which one part
of the University Potsdam is located. And if these sights are not enough, take the train and you will
be in Berlin in just 30 minutes.
62
ELSA Regensburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Regensburg
Founded in: 1990
E-mail: buero@elsa-regensburg.de,
s&c@elsa-regensburg.de
regensburg@elsa-germany.org
Website: www.elsa-regensburg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The most interesting thing about Regensburg that‘s therefore worth being mentioned in advance is
the fact that the city has not been destroyed during World War 2 which means that today over 1200
historical (mainly medieval) buildings in the Old Town testify to its glorious past. Especially in the
12th and 13th century, Regensburg developed a flourishing economy with trading connections to
cities as distinguished as Paris, Venice and Kiev. At this time, Regensburg was remarkably rich and
obtained a very large population. The Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages is
still very prominent today in the appearance of the old part of the city. The HIGH CATHEDRAL
OF ST PETER is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Europe. In 1245, Emperor
Frederick II bestowed on the city the fundamental right of ―self-government‖ with the privilege of
―setting up a Mayor and a Council‖ (Regensburg remained a free imperial city until 1803). In 1806,
the HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE was dissolved at Regensburg. In the course of events, Regensburg
was occupied by French troops under NAPOLEON in 1809. In 1810, NAPOLEON forced
Chancellor Dalberg to hand over the spiritual principality which eventually meant the attachment of
the city to the Kingdom of Bavaria. Obtaining a superior position in the area, Regensburg did not
only become the capital of the new-founded county ―Regenkreis‖ but hardly two decades later
(1838) gained the status of the capital of the district ―Upper-Pallatinate and Regensburg‖ whose area
roughly corresponds with the present administrative district called ―Upper-Palatinate‖. In 1946,
Regensburg finally reached its classification as a major city. The foundation stone of the fourth
Bavarian university was laid in 1965. Today, over 15000 students from all over Germany are
studying at Regensburg University, about 1000 students from abroad enrich our campus culture.
The university consists of 12 faculties with about 46 subjects to apply and sign up for.
63
ELSA Rostock
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Rostock
Founded in: 1992
E-mail: mail@elsa-rostock.de
Website: www.elsa-rostock.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Rostock is a town for almost 800 years now, yet it is a young town. Formerly a very important
member of the Hanse, this town has both conserved its roots and was/is always open to innovation
and trends. Especially the students contribute to the latter. The ―Alma mater‖ Rostock was founded
in 1419 and it the oldest university in the East Sea region. Rostock‘s importance can be attributed to
the Baltic Sea. Its name to the Warnow, the river. ―Roztoc‖ is Slav and means ―water division‖, the
division the Warnow draws between the port and Warnemünde. When you come to the city centre
of Rostock, you will soon notice that almost all houses have brick facades. They seem to be almost
holy here. Gable houses of the different epochs and the numerous and impressive churches tell the
story of the wealth of the merchants in the middle ages. Visitors will see from far away the landmark
of Rostock, the St.Petri Tower, which is 117 metres high. St.Marien (Gothic style) is the juwel of the
town and is situated right at the New Market. Being at the Astronomic Clock (1472) at 12 a.m. is a
must for every Rostock visitor, and you will see why… Only a few steps away you will find the
Town Hall that has an incredible 7 towers and is built in the baroque style, something unusual in the
otherwise Gothic-dominated town. The wide, fine and white beach makes Warnemünde to a
fashionable and chic resort. The small fisher houses, the captains‘ houses, the splendid villas along
the promenade and the 100-yearold lighthouse belong to Warnemünde and Rostock as much as the
smell of fresh and smoked fish. The people of Rostock are Northern Germans, which is sometimes
associated with unapproachable. But that will be soon forgotten, once you come here. Rostock has
quite a decent cultural life, many pubs and bars, museums and theatres. The world-famous Hanse
Sail in August which has around 1 million visitors each year, many boat races and regattas,
numerous markets, public festivals etc. make life in Rostock very lively and eventful.
64
ELSA Saarbrücken
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Saarbrücken
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: vorstand@elsa-saarbruecken.de
Website: www.elsa-saarbruecken.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Saarbrücken, the capital of the Saarland is situated in the South-west of Germany, only a few
kilometres from the french border. This town really is the crossroads between french and german
ways of life. Just take a streetcar at the main station. For those who don´t have enough power to
make this journey on a sunday morning (after a long night at the pubs of Saarbrücken), don´t worry,
the bakers in Saarbrücken get french baguettes and croissants from their colleagues in France every
morning. But it isn´t only its geographical sitaution which explains the french flair of the town. Just
have a short look on the turbulent history of the Saarland. Switching sides repeatedly between
Germany and France, the Saarland was still politically halfautonomous
after the second world war and was linked to France by its currency and an economic union. It has
definitely been influenced by our french neighbours!
As well as the town, the University of the Saarland has been fathered by two cultures. Founded in
1948 with the help of the French Republic, the University has grown to a bilingual faculty orientated
towards Europe. Many fellows of the Master‗s program are well-known personalities working for
the european courts and institutions. Talking about parties... if there happens to be no party at the
University, you meet at the St. Johanner Markt, the center of the old part of the town. Around the
market you find a great variety of pubs, cafés, restaurants and bars. If you prefer an alternative
atmosphere, just go to the „Nauwieser Viertel‖ the students‗ quarter next to the market.
65
ELSA Trier
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Trier
Founded in:
E-mail : info@elsa-trier.de
studyvisits@elsa-trier.de
Website: www.elsa-trier.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The city is on the right bank of the river Moselle, but the rest of the town spreads over the left
riverbank and down to the southwest. Trier lies close to the borders of Belgium, France and
Luxembourg. Moreover, Cologne and Frankfurt, two of the biggest and most beautiful cities in
Germany, are to be reached only in two hours. Trier is the oldest city in Germany. It's an invention
of the Middle Ages, but it has an historical background as it was the first place in Germany which
could really be called a city. Augusta Treverorum, as Trier was called later, was founded in the year 16
B.C. by the Romans under the regime of Emperor Augustus near the original sanctuary of the Celtic
Treverer. Significant symbols of Trier´s long history are the Porta Nigra, the Roman Bridge,
Constantine's Basilica, the Imperial Baths and Karl Marx´s birthplace. Trier´s cultural offer is
completed by theatres, museums (Landesmuseum Rheinland-Pfalz) and pubs and bars full of
students which inspire the old town with colourful life. Since 1945 Trier has been part of the state
Rhineland Palatinate in Germany and has today about 100.000 inhabitants. The University of Trier,
first founded in 1473, was refunded in 1970 as a Campus-University after being closed by Napoleon
in 1798. About 2000 of the 11.500 students study law in a very modern and well equipped law
school which is known for the FFA, an international linguistic program for law students. The
University´s Campus-Area, which was erected in 1975, is one of the most beautiful ones in
Germany.
Useful Links:
Information about the city of Trier : www.trier.de
Information for international students:
www.uni-trier.de/internationales/internationales.htm
66
ELSA Tübingen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Tübingen
Founded in: 1989
E-mail: elsa@uni-tuebingen.de
Website:
www.elsa-tuebingen.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Since the foundation of the Eberhard-Karls University in 1477, Tübingen has managed to keep the
atmosphere of an old University town. With 80.000 inhabitants and 23.000 students, it is a young
and vivid town, in which tradition and modern lifestyle are moulded together. In the heart of the
town, the well-maintained medieval city-centre, which only pedestrians have access to, a lot of cafés
and bars await the visitors, and during the summertime, young people gather at the market place to
drink and chat all night long. During the many warm days, students seek refuge under the shady
willows at the river Neckar or enjoy punting along the stream. A delicious highlight is to anker along
the shore and have a barbeque in the long punt-boats. Popular events are the punt-boat race and the
brasilian music festival. The Law Faculty is almost as old as the University. Its long tradition of
influential scientists and its neoclassicistical buildings may give the impression that Tübingen is
some kind of Grand Dame beyond her best years. This feeling may arise when visiting the Neue
Aula, which contains the legal library in a 4-floor maze. In fact, Tübingen has a respectable number of
reknowned professors in a variety of legal areas. Due to their research, Tübingen maintains its
position in the premier league of german law faculties. Therefore it´s no surprise that students from
other german states as well as from abroad find the path through the hills to Tübingen.
67
ELSA Würzburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Würzburg
Founded in: 1990
E-mail: mail@elsa-wuerzburg.de
Website:
www.elsa-wuerzburg.de
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The city of Würzburg (130.000 habitants) is located in the region of Franconia, which is in the north
of the German providence Bavaria. Würzburg is the centre of a large and beautiful wine growing
area and thus in connection with Würzburg people often think of ―Frankenwein‖ in its typical,
world- famous form, called ―Bocksbeutel‖. The environs of Würzburg are influenced by the
beautiful wine growing areas, where you can go for a walk or relax in a great atmosphere. Not only
the environs, but also the centre of Würzburg is an interesting place worth looking at and visiting.
Since Würzburg was in the middle ages one of the most powerful clerical centres of Germany, the
townscape is still influenced by the numerous churches. It is nearly impossible to walk 400 metres
without seeing a church. Probably the most famous one is Dom St.Kilian, which stands for German
architecture during the 11th and 12th century. If you are in Würzburg, it is a shame if you miss out
visiting the Residence. Due to its splendid ceiling frescos and sculptures of Tiepolo and
Riemenschneider, Europe‘s most magnificent Mirror Hall and the beautiful royal gardens, the
Residence of Würzburg was awarded to be UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. If you want to visit
the landmark of Würzburg, the Festung Marienberg, you have to walk a long, but very romantic way
along a route through a ―wine field‖ up to the top of the hill. But if you succeed, you will get the
most impressing view over Würzburg. Other historic towns in the south of Germany, like Bamberg
(70 km), Rothenburg ob der Tauber (45 km) or Nuremberg (85 km), are also not far away from
Würzburg and worth a day trip. Due to the high number of students (ca. 25.000) Würzburg is highly
influenced by the students‘ way of life. In the daytime the numerous cafès are places where you can
easily relax and meet each other between lecture and learning. As the Law Faculty is in the centre, it
is a stone‘s throw from there to the shops and stores.
68
ELSA Greece
ELSA Athens – ELSA Komotini – ELSA Thessaloniki
ELSA Athens
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Athens
Founded in: 1990
E-mail: sc@elsathens.org
Website: www.elsathens.org
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Athens, one of the oldest capitals of the world, waits for you to explore every aspect of it! This city
can promise a wonderful stay full of new experiences concerning not only history, but also the
authentic Greek lifestyle! The first thing one pays attention to, when coming to Athens, is of course
the Parthenon, monument of enormous archaeological, cultural and political significance. As
strolling around on the small alleys of Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio, one can discover the hidden
treasures of beauty: white houses that remind those of a Greek island, churches of one thousand
years old and archaeological monuments that leap up as an oasis in front of the eyes of the ―thirsty‖
traveller. But Athens isn‘t characterized only by its great past of the golden century of Pericles it‘s
also a modern city full of life: theatres, museums of modern art, exhibitions of sculpture and
painting, pubs, bars and clubs create the image of a city that never sleeps and it‘s always ―up to date‖
to all the developments. In the last few years, this ―menu‖ of attractions has been expanded with the
addition of excellent restaurants, amazing shopping centres and a thriving art scene, which includes
new concert halls and dozens of art galleries! Athens hosts about 4.5 million people, or 40% of
Greek population and it‘s the absolute centre of political, social, cultural, financial and commercial
life of the country. The city is built in a basin defined by three mountains to the north and east and
by the Saronic Gulf to the south and west. It also boasts one of the best climates in the world, with
almost year-round sunshine, very mild winters, hot summers and rarely extreme weather conditions.
With the sea on its fingertips and the mountains on the suburbs, Athens is a desirable destination at
any time of the year!
Useful links: www.cityofathens.gr, www.gnto.gr
69
ELSA Komotini
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Komotini
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: kkrimizis@yahoo.gr (VP S&C)
presidentelsathens@yahoo.gr
Website: www.elsakomotini.gr
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Komotini, with a population of 43,326 residents, is the capital of the Perfecture of Rodopi and the
administrative seat of East Macedonia and Thrace Region. Particularly, it is situated between
Thessaloniki (the second largest city of Greece) and Istanbul, in the north of Greece close to the
Bulgarian and the Turkish borders. It is a contemporary economical and administrative centre, an
urban centre which manages to combine the historical elements with the modern rhythms of
development. One can observe the long- lasting history of Komotini at every corner of the city.
Locals are harmonically co-existing with a muslim minority for the past few decades. Every
neighborhood indicates a different period of time, with the co-existence of different religions and
cultures, traditional and modern elements. Moreover, Komotini‘ s beauty includes churches,
mosques, mansions and neo- classic restored houses, modern multi- storey constructions,
picturesque back- streets etc. More practically, we can give you some tips by saying that most of the
restaurants and clubs are situated in the main square, while life in general is not very expensive. For
30 years now, the Democritus University of Thrace is situated in Xanthi, Komotini,
Alexandroupolis and Orestiada. Especially in Komotini, the university has its headquarters and 7
departments including about 15,000 students. The campus of Law school in particular is situated
about 3 kilometers away from the town and is one of the newest and most contemporary
universities of Greece. The status of the studies is high, while it stands out for both its postgraduate and under- graduate studies in European and International Law. Lastly, social state
includes the free nutrition and accommodation for a number of students (and ERASMUS ones) and
also free transfer of all students to the campus. (Since undergraduate studies in Greece are free).
Concluding, the multi- faceted city of Komotini offers various kinds of entertainment and night life.
70
ELSA Thessaloniki
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Thessaloniki
Founded in: 1998
Permanent contact information
E-mail: vpseminars@elsa-thessaloniki.gr
Website: www.elsa-thessaloniki.gr
Geographical data
Located in northern Greece, near Bulgaria and
Turkey
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Thessaloniki: The metropolitan centre of Northern Greece with a history of 2,300 years. If Athens is
the city of classical antiquity and its monuments reflect the spirit of ancient Greece, Thessaloniki
resonates the wealth and magnificence of the Byzantine empire.
However, its age-old presence goes beyond this dimension. The city that is open to two worlds, the
Orient and the Occident, has always been a stopover for the peoples that went through it; Byzantines,
Franks, Ottomans, and Jews left their mark on its architecture, its cultural heritage, the histories and
traditions of its people, but they also took something from the city ambience with them. Thessaloniki
has been a crossroads of ethnicities and religions, whose remnants are reflected on the numerous
monuments that are dispersed in the historic centre of the city.
As a cultural, economic and commercial centre, it has known significant development during the
Roman and Byzantine times, and during the Ottoman rule. But especially after its liberation, in 1912,
the multinational city of Thermaikos Gulf continued its rapid development so as to become the
second city of the Greek state, with a population of over 1,000,000 inhabitants.Thessaloniki also hosts
the largest university in Greece The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with some 90.000
students.The city is also known for its warm and sunny climate
Social highlights and Sights :
The symbol of the city is the White Tower located in it‘s heart.A visit to the museums,such as the
archeological museum,is always fascinating.The main attraction is the centre of the town,where you
can feel the spirit and the warmth of Thessaloniki.Other important highlights are the International
Film Festival and the International Trade Fair.Another important factor for visiting Thessaloniki is the
well-known and exciting nightlife the city has to offer.
Useful Links :
www.auth.gr, www.thessalonikicity.gr
71
ELSA Hungary
ELSA Budapest – ELSA Pécs – ELSA Szeged
ELSA Budapest
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Budapest
Founded in: 2001
E-mail: vpsc@elsabudapest.hu
info@elsabudapest.hu
Website: www.elsabudapest.hu
Geographical data: Budapest is located in
the northern & centre of Hungary.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and also in the middle of the country, therefore we have good –
both air and ground – transport ation and connections. The capital is divided in the middle by the
river Danube, the western part is covered by hills and the eastren part is flat. There can be couple of
days spent just for sightseeing. To name just a few attractions: beautiful old-town on the hills, giving
you a perfect view on the Danube and the flat part of the city; the hundred year old Parliament on
the riverside; the Hero square with two gorgeus museums and a huge monument; and the eights
bridges over the Danube. Budapest is also a cultural city, which offers great social activities like
cafes, museums, bars, pubs and clubs. The hungarian people are nice and friendly, famous for their
hospitality and almost everybody speaks at least one foreign language, so visitors won‘t have any
communication problems. The weather is changing throughout the year from the really hot summer
to the pretty cold winter, so you can enjoy the whole scale of temperatures here. The capital is easily
accessible via train, airplane and car.
Useful links: The following countries have to obtain a Visa to enter Hungary: Russian Federation,
Ukraine, Georgia, Republic of Macedonia and Kazakhstan.
City information: www.english.budapest.hu,
Accomodation information: www.budapestinfo.hu/en/index.html
72
ELSA Pécs
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Pécs
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: elsapecs@yahoo.com
elsapecs.ajk.pte.hu
Website: http://elsapecs.ajk.pte.hu
Geographical data: Pécs is situated in
the south-western part of Hungary
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Pécs is the fifth largest town in Hungary, with a population of about 180,000. Lying in the South of
Transdanubia, close to the border with Croatia, it has a mild, almost Mediterranean climate. Its
history dates back over 2,000 years, and the name of the old Roman town, "Sopianae" is still found
in the names of institutions and products. Although its development suffered several setbacks
throughout the centuries, such as the Tartar invasions, or the Osman-Turkish Rule, it has not only
survived, but developed into a pleasant, modern town, rich in historical monuments, an
administrative, cultural, and educational center with a lot to offer to those who wish to live or study
here.
Pécs is also the seat of Baranya County, a region with many attractions for visitors: the Mecsek Hills,
the Mecsek-Siklós-Villány wine region, the spa of Harkány, the Holiday Village of Hegyszentmárton,
the fascinating old villages, and historic castles (Siklós, Szigetvár, Pécsvárad, etc …)
Social highlights and Sights:
The town is famous for its museums, galleries, the festivals and cultural events it hosts. The
National Theatre, the Philharmonic Orchestra, and the internationally renowned Ballet Ensemble
offer interesting programs in addition to the Summer Festival, the International Culture Week in
Pécs (ICWiP), the Pécs Days.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.law.pte.hu – University
www.pecs.hu - Town
www.pecs.hu/varosnezes - Sightseeing
www.mapquest.com
73
ELSA Szeged
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Szeged
Founded in: 1999
E-mail:info@elsaszeged.hu
Website: www.elsaszeged.hu
Geographical data: Szeged is situated in the
southern-eastern of Hungary
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Location/Population: Central Europe - Szeged lies on Hungary's south-eastern border, just on both
banks of the river Tisza. Szeged is the forth biggest city in Hungary, Szeged is home to around 160
thousand people. Aside from local residence, the city also takes in about 10,000 students, who all
attend the University of Szeged.
Short description of the City: Szeged offers an experience unequal to any visitor of the city. Its
sights, like the Votive church, the Synagogue, the Hero's Arch, give such a distinct character to the
city, that it is safe to say: Szeged is the gem of the Great Plains. The renovated shops, cafés and
beautiful buildings of the Karasz street give it a Mediterranean feel, which makes strolling though
the downtown area a delight. On the Klauzál square, which virtually splits the pedestrian only street
in half, one can enjoy the delicious pastries of the famous Virág confectionary shop. Szeged is not
only famous for its colorful history, the spice paprika and its interesting sights. The University of
Szeged with its more than 15 thousand students give the city a youthful atmosphere. The climate is
very favorable. Szeged is well known for its hot, sunny summers, while the winters are usually mild
with occasional cold spells. Szeged gets an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, no wonder
the city is often called the City of Sunshine.
Useful links:
http://www.u-szeged.hu (Universirty of Szeged)
http://www.juris.u-szeged.hu / (University of Szeged, Law faculty)
http://www.szegedvaros.hu (Official Website of Szeged)
http://www.cometohungary.com/ (Turist information about Hungary)
http://www.cometohungary.com/html/varos.php?varos_id=132&varos_nev=Szeged
74
ELSA Iceland
NG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Iceland
Founded in: 1989
Email: elsa@elsa.is
Website: www.elsa.is
Geographical data: The National Group is
located in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is
present at the Universities in Reykjavik, Akureyri
and Bifrost, all four law faculties of Iceland
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, with two universities that both have members in ELSA Iceland,
Háskóli Íslands (the University of Iceland) and Háskólinn í Reykjavík (the University of Reykjavik).
Other two universities have law faculties and students that are members of ELSA. .
Social highlights and Sights:
Reykjavik has a very rich social and party life. You can take a trip in the city to see its sights and
beautiful surroundings or you can just take a day trip out sight the city and visit the blue lagoon or the
golden circle, where you see geyser, beautiful waterfalls and the first parliament. It only takes few
hours to visit glaciers and to go horse-riding or river-rafting, and of course you can not forget the
northern-lights.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.hi.is – Háskóli Íslands
www.ru.is – Háskólinn í Reykjavík
www.unak.is – Háskólinn á Akureyri
www.bifrost.is - Bifröst
75
ELSA Italy
ELSA Cagliari – ELSA Ferrara – ELSA Milano – ELSA Napoli – ELSA Padova – ELSA Palermo –
ELSA Reggio Calabria – ELSA Rome – ELSA Siena – ELSA Santa Maria Capua Vetere – ELSA Torino –
ELSA Trento – ELSA Treviso
ELSA Cagliari
LG/City:
ELSA Cagliari
Founded in:
1993
Permanent contact information:
http://www.elsacagliari.it/
Geographical data
Island in the middle of the Mediterranian
Sea
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia, a region of Italy. Cagliari's Sardinian name Casteddu
literally means the castle. It has about 160,000 inhabitants, or about 400,000 including the suburbs
Cagliari has been inhabited since ancient times. It occupies a favourable position between the sea
and a fertile plain, and is surrounded by two swamps and is close to high and green mountains Some
testimonies of prehistoric inhabitants were found in Monte Claro and in Cape Sant'Elia.Under the
name of Karalis it was established around the 7th century BC as one of a string of Phoenician
colonies in Sardinia, including Tharros .Cagliari has a Mediterranean Climate, with hot dry summers
and very mild winters. Its climate is comparable to that of Southern California, but it is often
refreshed by north-westerly winds. It is close to other beautiful seaside locations, such as Maddalena
Beach, Chia or Villasimius,
Social highlights and Sights:
The old part of the city (called Castello, the castle) lies on top of a hill, with a wonderful view of the
Gulf of Cagliari (also known as Angels Gulf). Most of its city walls are intact, and feature the The
Cathedral was restored in the 1930s turning the former Baroque façade into a Medieval Pisan style
façade, more akin to the original appearance of the church. In Castello is also the Sardinian
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Archaeological Museum, the biggest and most important regarding the prehistoric Nuragic
civilisation of Sardinia. Finally, Castello hosts many craftsmen workshops in its tightened and scenic
lanes.The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria was built by the Aragonese in 1324-1329 during the
siege to the Castle in which the Pisan had taken shelter. It has a small Gothic portal in the façade
and in the interior houses a wooden statue of the Madonna, which was thrown off by a Spanish ship
and landed at the feet of the Bonaria hill. The cloister of the convent is home to the Marinery
Museum.The other early districts of the town (Marina, Stampace, Villanova) retain much of their
original appeal and still seem to function as distinct villages within the town.
Cagliari has one of the longest beaches in an Italian town. The Poetto beach stretches for 13 km and
was famous for its white fine-grained sand. Cagliari is a tourist city, and especially in summer a lot of
clubs and pubs are goals for youth and tourists. Cagliari has some peculiar gastronomic traditions.
Many dishes are based on the wide variety of fish and sea food available, for example, burrida.
Although it is possible to trace influences from Spanish cuisine, Cagliaritanian food has a distinctive
and unique character. Very good wines are also part of Cagliaritanians' dinners: excellent wines are
in fact produced in the nearby vineyards of the Campidano plain.
Useful links (VISA requirements) or other:
Cagliari: www.comune.cagliari.it
Tourist information www.visit-cagliari.it
ELSA Ferrara
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Ferrara
Founded in: 1999
Permanent contact information
www.elsaferrara.it
vpsc-elsaferrara@elsaitalia.it
Geographical data: Italy, Emilia Romagna
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Ferrara is a city in Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy, capital city of the Province of Ferrara.
It is situated 50 km north-northeast of Bologna, on the Po di Volano, a branch channel of the main
stream of the Po River, located 5 km north. The town has broad streets and numerous palaces
dating from the 14th century and 15th century, when it hosted the court of theHouse of Este. For
its beauty and cultural importance it has been qualified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
Modern times have brought a renewal of industrial activity. Ferrara is on the main rail line
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from Bologna to Padua and Venice, and has branches to Ravenna, Poggio Rusco (for Suzzara)
and Codigoro. In 2006, due to its important historical significance, Ferrara became the headquarters
of the ItalianHermitage Museum, as the result be the fifth city in the world to have linked his name
with the Russian museum. From this union was born the Hermitage-Italy Foundation.
Social highlights and Sights: Some Cultural events, only tribunal present, appellate court 50 km from
there. Close to Bologna, eldest University in the world.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: from EU countries, ID required.
ELSA Milano
LG/City:
Name of Local Group: ELSA Milano
Founded in: 1989
Permanent contact information :
Mail: info@elsamilano.it
Website: www.elsamilano.it
Geographical data:
Northern Italy and capital of Lombardy
Description:
Milan is the capital of Lombardy and has a population of 1.3 million people. It is renowned as the
world‘s capital of design and fashion and it‘s also the biggest industrial city of Italy with many different
industrial sectors.
Milan has an ancient city centre with high and interesting buildings and ―palazzos‖, which are one of
the main reasons why people from all over the world come to visit this glamorous city. The word
Milan derives from the ancient Latin name of the city, Mediolanum. This name is borne by a number of
Gallo-Roman sites in France, such as Mediolanum Santonum (Saintes) and Mediolanum Aulercorum
(Evreux) and appears to contain the Celtic element -lan, signifying an enclosure or demarcated
territory (source of the Welsh word 'llan', meaning a sanctuary or church). Hence, Mediolanum could
signify the central town or sanctuary of a particular Celtic tribe. The German name for the city is
Mailand, while in the local Western Lombard dialect, the city's name is Milán.
Milan‘s origin goes back to 400 B.C., when Gauls settled and defeated the Etruscans.
In 222 B.C. the city was conquered by Romans and was annexed to the Roman Empire. After 313
A.D., the year of the Edict of Tolerance towards Christianity, many churches were built and the first
bishop was appointed: Ambrogio was such an influential person that the church became the
Ambrosian Church (7 December is a holiday to honour Sant‘Ambrogio). In 1300 the Visconti family,
who were noblemen from Bergamo, Cremona, Piacenza, Brescia and Parma, ruled and brought a
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period of glory and wealth to the city. The Duomo, a church famous all over the world, was built in
1386 and became the symbol of Milan.
After the Visconti family, the Sforza family took on the power and finally Milan got peace after many
years of war against Venice and Florence. Under the Sforza duchy the city began the development of
sciences, art and literature. Ludovico il Moro (Ludovico Sforza) called Leonardo da Vinci and ―il
Bramante‖ to his court.
Climate:
Winter in Milan is relatively mild but foggy, with temperatures ranging from zero to 8 degrees Celsius.
Summer can be very humid with brief thunderstorms and temperatures range from 14 to 29 degrees.
Social highlights and sights:
Milan offers a big variety of buildings, monuments and museums. The most important church is the
Cathedral, called Duomo, which is the third largest church in the world. It is overall made of marble,
with immense statues, arches, pillars and pinnacles. From the roof you can get a beautiful overview of
the city. Another very famous church is Santa Maria delle Grazie, built between 1466 and 1490 and
modified by Bramante. In the Refectory there is one of the most famous paintings of Leonardo da
Vinci: the ―Last Supper‖. Milan has many historic palazzos also, like the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
which is situated in the south side of Piazza Duomo. The Sforza Castle is one of the symbols of Milan
together with the Madonnina and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. All those sights together are just
few reasons for a visit.
Once a year, December 7th, the Festival of Sant‘Ambrogio takes place in Milan when the city
celebrates its saint who is Saint Ambrose (Sant‘Ambrogio). This day, the day of Saint Ambrose, there
is the fair called ―O bei! O bei!‖ The festival overlaps the opening of the opera season at the world
famous opera theater ―Teatro alla Scala‖. Another typical event is the Carnevale Ambrosiano where
people celebrate wearing the typical costume of the city.
As Milan will be hosting the world‘s most exciting electronic exposition, EXPO 2015, the city is
undergoing a urban re-design that aims to rehabilitate all of the disused industrial areas on the
periphery in order to be able to host this famous event as a modern and renovated city.
ELSA Napoli
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Napoli
Founded in: 1990
Permanent contact information
www.elsanapoli.it
Geographical data: Southern part of Italy
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Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Naples is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples. The city is known
for its rich history, art, culture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its
existence; it is over 2,800 years old. Naples is located halfway between two volcanic areas, the
volcano Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, sitting on the coast by the Gulf of Naples.
Founded by the Ancient Greeks as "Νεάπολις", Neápolis (New City), it held an important role in
Magna Graecia and then as part of the Roman Republic in the central province of the Empire. The
city has seen a multitude of civilizations come and go, each leaving their mark and now the historic
city centre is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Naples was the capital city of a kingdom which bore its name from 1282 until 1816 in the form of
the Kingdom of Naples, then in union with Sicily it was the capital of the Two Sicilies until the
Italian unification.
The city proper has a population of around 1 million people, while the population of urban area is
estimated by Eurostat to be 2.25 million.
The city is synonymous with pizza, which originated in the city. A strong part of Neapolitan culture
which has had wide reaching effects is music, including the invention of the romantic guitar and the
mandolin as well as strong contributions to opera and folk standards. There are popular characters
and figures who have come to symbolise Naples; these include the patron saint of the city Januarius,
Pulcinella, and the Sirens from the epic Greek poem the Odyssey.
The central and main open city square or piazza of the city is the Piazza del Plebiscito. It was started
by Bonapartist king Joachim Murat and finished by Bourbon king Ferdinand IV. It is bounded on
the east by the Royal Palace and on the west by the church of San Francesco di Paola with the
colonnades extending to both sides. Nearby is the Teatro di San Carlo, which is the oldest and
largest opera house on the Italian peninsula. Directly across from San Carlo is Galleria Umberto, a
shopping centre and active centre of Neapolitan social life in general. Naples is well-known for its
historic castles: the ancient Castel Nuovo is one of the most notable architectural representatives on
the city, also known as Maschio Angioino; it was built during the time of Charles I, the first ever king
of Naples. Castel Nuovo has hosted some historical religious events: for example, in 1294, Pope
Celestine V resigned as pope in a hall of the castle, and following this Pope Boniface VIII was
elected pope here by the cardinal collegium, and immediately moved to Rome. The castle which
Nuovo replaced in importance was the Norman founded Castel dell'Ovo. Its name means Egg Castle
and it is built on the tiny islet Megarides, where the Cumaean colonists founded the city. The third
castle of note is Sant'Elmo which was completed in 1329 and is built in the shape of a star. During
the uprising of Masaniello, the Spanish took refuge in Sant'Elmo to escape the revolutionaries.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.esteri.it/visti/
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ELSA Padova
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Padova
Founded in: 1994
Permanent contact information:
www.elsapadova.it
info@elsapadova.it
Geographical data: Northern Italy, in
Veneto, next to Venice
Description
Padua (Padova) is one of the most important art cities in Italy. Not to be missed are the medieval
city walls, the great civil and religious buildings, and the foundation of the University in 1222, that
left an indelible mark on the town and attracts masters and students from all of Europe.
Social highlights and Sights:
Caffè Pedrocchi --Built like a classical temple, the Caffè Pedrocchi has been a famous meeting place
for students and intellectuals since it opened in 1831. It is designed like a classical temple and lined
with empire mirrors and velvet banquettes. Today the café also functions as an arts complex and
exhibition center.
Cappella degli Scrovegni--Contains the most complete cycle of frescoes ever attributed to Giotto
(1267-1327), who created it at the height of his powers. The interior of the chapel is entirely covered
with beautiful frescoes of scenes from the life of Christ.
Corte del Capitaniato--A 14th-century art school (open for concerts) that contains frescoes which
include a rare portrait of the poet Petrarch.
Duomo and Baptistry--The 12th-century baptistery of the Duomo contains one of the most
complete medieval fresco cycles to survive in Italy, painted by Giusto de‘ Menabuoi in 1378.
Battistero del Duomo--The Romanesque Baptistery (1075), named after St. John the Baptist, holds
the finest cycles of frescoes painted by the Florentine painter Gius' Menabuoi in 1375-1378. The
cycle begins with the wonderful Paradise and continues with the stories of St. John the Baptist, the
Stories of Mary, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. Around the altar in 43 decorative
squares are depicted the events prophetically presented by the Apocalypse of St. John the
Evangelist. The plan is square-shaped, with the high circular drum of the cupola, a small portico,
and another cupoletta. It is decorated with arches and pilaster strips.
Padua University--Founded in 1222, this is Italy‘s second oldest university.
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Piazza dei Signori--This piazza is bordered by attractive arcades that house small specialty shops,
cafés, and old-fashioned wine bars.
The Palazzo del Monte di Pietà--Contains 16th-century arcades and statues enclosing a medieval
building.
Piazza delle Erbe--There are some excellent views to be had over the marketplace from the 15thcentury loggia which runs alongside the 13th-century Palazzo della Region.
Palazzo della Ragione--There are magnificent frescoes in this medieval court of justice.
Bo Palace--This large group of buildings, erected between 1542 and 1601, around the Medieval Inn
of the Bo (the Ox), has been rearranged several times and with modern additions from 1920-1940, is
the main seat of the University, founded in 1222. Particularly interesting are the Old Courtyard
(mid-16th century), the masterpiece by Andrea Moroni; the Room of the Forty, with Ga's chair, who
taught in Padua (Padova) from 1592 to 1610; the Aula Magna, rich with coats of arms and
decorations; and the famous Anatomy Theater, by G. Fabr'Acquapendente, the oldest in the world
(1594). The other Academic Rooms contain frescoes, curios, and old and modern works of art.
Botanical Garden--Founded in 1545 as the Simple Garden of the Medical Faculty of the University
and laid out by A. Moroni. It is the oldest botanical garden and holds an extremely important
collection of rare plants.
Walls and Gates--The first walls, built during the Commune eve, ran along the Bacchiglione and the
navigable canals, delimiting the ancient Roman ―island.‖There are only few remnants of them, such
as Altinate Gate and Molino Gate. Particularly interesting from an artistic point of view are Venice
(Venezia) or Portello Gate, built in 1519 according to a design by Guglielmo Bergamasco; the S.
Giovanni Gate built in 1528; and the Savonarola Gate, built in 1530, both fine works by G.M.
Falconetto.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.padovanet.it
ELSA Palermo
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Palermo
Founded in: 1987
Permanent contact information:
presidente@elsapalermo.it
Website: www.elsapalermo.it
Geographical data: Italy; north west of the
island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of
Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
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Description
Palermo is a historic city in Southern Italy, the capital of the autonomous region Sicily and the
Province of Palermo. The city is noted for its rich history, culture, architecture and gastronomy,
playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old. .The city was
founded by the Phoenicians, but named by the Ancient Greeks as Panormus meaning all-port.
Palermo became part of the Roman Republic and eventually part of the Byzantine Empire, for over
a thousand years. For a brief period it was under Arab rule where it first became a capital. Following
the Norman reconquest, Palermo would become capital of a new kingdom from 1130 to 1816 the
Kingdom of Sicily. Eventually it would be united with the Kingdom of Naples to form the Two
Sicilies until the Italian unification of 1860.The population of the Palermo urban area is estimated by
Eurostat to be 855,285, while its metropolitan area is the fifth most populated in Italy with around
1.2 million people. In the central area, the city itself has a population of around 670 thousand
people, the inhabitants are known as Palermitans or poetically panormiti, the languages spoken by its
inhabitants are the Italian language and the Sicilian language. The area attracts significant amounts of
tourists each year and is widely known for its colourful fruit, vegetable and fish market at the heart
of Palermo known as the Vucciria.. Palermo enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate / Subtropical
with mild, wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers.
Social highlights and Sights:
The religion of Roman Catholicism is highly important in Palermitan culture, the patron saint of the
city is Saint Rosalia, her feast day on July 15 is perhaps the biggest social event in the city.
Some of the most important things to see are:
-Palazzo dei Normanni,that is one of the most beautiful Italian palaces and a notable example of
Norman architecture. It houses the famous Cappella Palatina.
-Palazzo Abatellis, with the Regional Gallery, that was built at the end of the 15th century for the
prefect of the city, Francesco Abatellis. It is a massive though elegant construction, in typical
Catalan Gothic style, with Renaissance influences. The Gallery houses the famous Annunziata by
Antonello da Messina.
-The Teatro Massimo ("Greatest Theatre"),thet was opened in 1897. Closed for renovation from
1974 until 1997, it is now carefully restored and has an active schedule.
-The Teatro Politeama ,that was built between 1867 and 1874.
-Quattro Canti,that is a small square at the crossing of the ancient main roads (now: Corso Vittorio
Emanuele and Via Maqueda) dividing the town into its quarters ('mandamenti'). The buildings at the
corner have diagonal baroque facades so that the square gets an almost octagonal form.
-Piazza Pretoria,thet was planned in the 16th century near the Quattro Canti as the site of a fountain
by Francesco Camilliani, the Fontana Pretoria.
-The Cathedral,that has a heliometer (solar "observatory") of 1690, one of the number built in Italy
in the 17th and 18th centuries. The device itself is quite simple: a tiny hole in one of the minor
domes acts as Pinhole camera, projecting an image of the sun onto the floor at solar noon.
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Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.palermoweb.com www.palermo-sicilia.it
www.palermotourism.com
ELSA Reggio di Calabria
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Reggio di
Calabria
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: Infoelsareggiocalabria.it
www.elsareggiocalabria.it
Geographical data: Reggio di Calabria is
located on the toe of the Italian peninsula
and is separated by the Strait of Messina
from the island of Sicily. It is situated on
the slopes of the Aspromonte, a long,
craggy mountain range that runs up
through the center of the region
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Reggio di Calabria is a city located in southern Italy and the capital of the Province of Reggio
Calabria. It is the largest and oldest city in the region and is the second oldest city in Italy overall.
The third economic center of mainland Southern Italy, it is well known as a port and university
city.It is called the "city of Bronzes", for the Riace bronzes, testimonials of its Greek origins; the
"city of Bergamot", which is exclusively cultivated in the region; as well as the "city of
Fatamorgana", an optical phenomenon visible only from the Reggio seaside in Italy. Founded in 720
BCE by the Ancient Greeks as Rhegion (meaning "it breaks away"), the settlement was a well
established part of Magna Graecia. Also as Reggio is a port city, it has a fishing industry. The beaches
of the city have helped make it a popular tourist destination. Reggio di Calabria possess a typical
Mediterranean climate.
Social highlights and Sights: The Riace bronzes, that can be seen at the important National
Museum of Greater Greece, are some of the main touristic destinations in Reggio; as the
Lungomare Falcomatà, a seaside promenade located in the downtown, is a crowded swimming
destination and main symbol of the summer movida.Other important sights are the Cathedral, the
largest religious building in Calabria, the Aragonese Castle and the Church of the Optimates in
Byzantine-Norman style.
City: www.comune.reggio-calabria.it
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ELSA Roma
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Roma
Founded in: 1986
Permanent contact information (including
e-mail and Website) www.elsaroma.it
Geographical data Roma, Italy
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Rome is in the Lazio region of central Italy on the Tiber river (Italian: Tevere). The original
settlement developed on hills that faced onto a ford beside the Tiber island, the only natural ford of
the river. The historic centre of Rome was built on seven hills.
Rome enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate that is characteristic of the Mediterranean coasts
of Italy. It is at its most comfortable from April through June, and from mid-September to October;
in particular, the Roman ottobrate are famously known as sunny and warm days.
By August, the temperature during the heat of the day often exceeds 32 °C (90 °F). Traditionally,
many businesses closed during August, and Romans abandoned the city for holiday resorts. In more
recent years, however, in response to growing tourism and changing work habits, the city is
increasingly staying open for the whole summer. The average high temperature in December is
about 13 °C (55 °F), but subzero lows are not uncommon and although it is rare, snow can fall in
Rome in December, January and February staying for a period of hours rather than a whole day or
more.
At the time of the Emperor Augustus, Rome was the largest city in the world, and probably the
largest built until the 19th century, today there are 2.800.000 people.
Much like the rest of Italy, Rome is predominantly Catholic.
Social highlights and Sights:
the Colosseum (70–80 AD), the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trajan's Column, Catacombs, the Circus
Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Ara Pacis,
the Arch of Constantine, the Pyramid of Cestius, the Bocca della Verità, Piazza del popolo, Piazza
Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Campo de' Fiori, Trastevere, Fontana di Trevi , St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine
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Chapel, Vatican City
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp for VISAS info
http://en.turismoroma.it/ general info about tourism in Rome
ELSA Siena
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Siena
Founded in: October 2006
Permanent contact information:
Mail: presidente-elsasiena@elsaitalia.it
Web: www.elsasiena.it
Geographical data: Middle of Tuscany,
close to the tirrenic coast in the center of
Italy.
Description
Siena first settlement was built by the ―Saina‖ etruscan tribe in 900-400 BC. Then the Emperor
Augustus founded in the same site a town called ―Saena Julia‖, according to a legend about the
founding of the city by Saenius, son of Remus who founded Rome with the brother Romulus. For
this reason statues rapresenting a she-wolf suckling two twins can be seen all around Siena.
With longobards and frankish invasions the city knew a period of economic and cultural expansion,
bounding his aristocracy with longobards and romans one.
But it's during the XIII° century that the city was shaped as we can see it today. The Cathedral, the
―Palazzo Pubblico‖, and the world wide famous ―Piazza del Campo‖ were built during that period.
Also the University was founded in 1240, one of the oldest in the world. With Florence and
Bologna, Siena has been one of the main centre of italian ―Renaissance‖. Traditions and citizens'
love for the city contributed to conserve the beauty of the city as 700 years ago. For it's architectural
beauty and traditions has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Social highlights and Sights:
Since the XIII° century the history of Siena was bounded to the university. Over 14000 of the
inhabitants of the city are students from other part of Italy. For this reason it's called by students
and media ―the campus city‖.
Culture, arts and traditions are the keywords to understand Siena.
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Siena has two divided communities: students and citizens. The second one are organized in 17
―neighbourhood‖ called contrade, with social and cultural activities for their members. But the main
aim of this social structures are two horse races called ―Palio‖, in the past organized to decide
political assessment.
For hosting two different communities social and cultural life is rich although Siena is a small city.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.comune.siena.it
ELSA Santa Maria Capua Vetere
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Santa Maria Capua Vetere
Founded in: 2007
Permanent contact information:
elsasmcv@elsaitalia.it
Geographical data: town and commune
in the province of Caserta, part of the
region of Campania (southern Italy).
Description
In the area several settlements of the Villanovian civilization were present in pre-historical times,
and these were probably enlarged by the Oscans and Etruscans. In the 4th century BCE Capuae was
the largest city in Italy after Rome.
The city was damaged by Vandal ravages but later recovered and became the seat of an independent
Lombard principate. However, during the struggle of the succession to the Duchy of Benevento, it
was destroyed by a band of Saracens in 841 CE. The survivors mostly fled and founded the modern
Capua in the site of the ancient River port of Casilinum.
What is now Santa Maria Capua Vetere started to grow slowly when several countryside residences
appeared around the old Christian basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Pietro in Corpo and
Sant'Erasmo in Capitolio. King Robert of Anjou made Santa Maria Maggiore one of his summer
residences.
Social highlights and Sights:
The main other landmark of Santa Maria Capua Vetere is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore,
founded, according to the tradition, by Pope Symmachus in the 5th century. The church had
originally a single nave, but was enlarged by Lombard Prince Arichis II in 787. Another renovation
was carried out in 1666 by Cardinal Robert Bellarmine, with the addition of two further aisles; the
current Late Baroque appearance dates to the 1742-1788 works, during which the precious mosaic
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area of the apse was destroyed.
Outside the town, in S. Maria Capua Vetere, there is the amphitheatre, built in the time of Augustus,
restored by Hadrian and dedicated by Antoninus Pius, as the inscription over the main entrance
recorded. The exterior was formed by 80 Doric arcades of four storeys each, but only two arches
now remain. The keystones were adorned with heads of divinities.
The interior is better preserved; beneath the arena are subterranean passages like those in the
amphitheatre at Puteoli. It is one of the largest in existence; the longer diameter is 170 m (185 yd),
the shorter 140 m (152 yd), and the arena measures 75 by 45 m (83 by 49 yd), the corresponding
dimensions in the Colosseum at Rome being 188, 155, 85, 53 m (205, 170, 93 and 58 yd).
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.comune.santa-maria-capua-vetere.ce.it
ELSA Torino
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Torino
Founded in: 1985
Permanent contact information
info@elsa-torino.it, www.elsa-torino.it
Geographical data: Italy, Piedmont, North
West
Description
Turin is an ancient city, which was Italy‘s first capital, and is now a great industrial district. Each
moment in history has left its mark on the city, creating a legacy of culture, architecture and
monuments. The Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games showed the world an unexpected city,
surprising not only people who previously couldn‘t have found the city on a map, but even
surprising those who were already familiar with it. The success of the Games was just the first,
important step of an intense process of transformation that the city has been undergoing for a while
now.In fact, since the 1990s Torino been following a path that has transformed it from an industrial
capital - a sector which continues to play a fundamental role in the territory‘s economy - into a pole
of innovation, culture and improved quality of life. From an area dedicated to material production
into a center of creation and the sharing of knowledge: these are the new ambitions of a city with an
illustrious history, grand traditions and an extraordinary geographical position, for Torino is located
one hour from the mountains and one hour from the sea and it is – in the words of the great
architect Le Corbusier – ―the city with the most beautiful natural position.‖
Turin has a continental climate: winters are cold but dry, summers are mild in the hills and quite hot
in the plains. Rain falls mostly during spring and autumn; during the hottest months, otherwise,
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rains are less usual.
Social highlights and Sights:
Torino is a city that is accustomed to beauty: from the extraordinary Baroque and Belle Époque
buildings to historical masterpieces like the the royal residences which UNESCO has declared a
―Patrimony of Humanity‖ (like the very central and recently renovated Palazzo Madama, or Venaria
Reale, the Italian "Versailles") and the Egyptian Museum, the most important in the world after
Cairo‘s. But this rich heritage hasn‘t hindered the city and its artists from looking forward, in
constant pursuit of new expressive forms. Today Torino is recognized as one of the major
European capitals of Contemporary Art, thanks to a tightly-woven fabric of public and private
initiatives; collections and foundations; museums and galleries; events and manifestations. Add to
this a high number of galleries and important open air manifestations. The phantasmagorical
National Cinema Museum has found its home inside the Mole Antonelliana.
In the city with the most beautiful natural position – as Le Corbusier noted – new projects will
restore to the people an environment that is even more pristine. Even famous philosophers like
Rousseau and Nietzsche were in agreement – when they defined Torino as one of the most
charming cities around!
Torino has a new queen: the night. Entire neighborhoods have been reborn to offer not just one,
but a thousand opportunities for seeing friends, getting together, dancing, staying out late.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp ;http://www.turismotorino.org/index.php
city maps: http://www.comune.torino.it/canaleturismo/en/map.htm
Watch the video "Torino always on the move" at www.youtube.com/torinoplus
ELSA Trento
LG/City:
Name of Local Group: ELSA Trento
Founded in: 2005
Permanent contact information
elsatrento@yahoo.it
www.elsatrento.blogspot.com
Geographical data:
Trentino- Alto Adige,
Nothern Italy
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Description
Location/Short description of the City:
Trento lies on the Adige Valley, under the Dolomite Mountains and lakes nearby.
The township of Trento is geographically very large and encompasses the town centre as well as
many suburbs of extremely varied geographical and population conditions (from the industrial
suburb of Gardolo, just north of the city, to tiny mountain hamlets on the Monte Bondone).
Various distinctive suburbs still maintain their traditional identity of rural or mountain villages.
Trento lies in the Adige Valley, once glacial on the southern of the Alps foothill range and is run by
the Fersina and Avisio which join the Adige River (the second longest river in Italy). The valley is
also surrounded by lakes including Lago di Garda, Lago di Levico, Lago di Caldonazzo and Lago di
Toblino. The valley was settlement of different populations: the Rhaetians,Veneti, Etruscans, Cimbri
and the Gauls.
Historical Background:
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Trento was ruled by Osthrogotes, Byzantines,
Lombards, Franks and eventually became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1027, the Emperor
created the Prince-Bishopric of Trento, who wielded both temporal and religious powers;
In the 16th century the city hosted the Council of Trent (1545-1563) which gave rise to the
Counter-Reformation.
Prince-bishops ruled Trento until the Napoleonic era, when the Bishopric was secularized and then
annexed to the Habsburg territories. Trento experienced modernization of administration and
economy with the first railroad in the Adige valley opening in 1859. During the late 19th century,
some intellectuals joined the cause of Italian irredentism to liberate the city, which despite its ethnic
Italian majority, was still belonging to the Austrians.
After World War I, the Italian-speaking province of Trento and the mostly German- speaking
province of Bolzano were annexed to Italy.
Since the end of the World War II the region has enjoyed a special autonomy from the central
Italian government, which secured prosperous growth.
Trento hosts a research and conference center thanks to its prestigious university and research
centers, such as Fondazione Bruno Kessler, the Centre for Computational and System Biology and
ECT.
Social highlights and Sights
Trento has been the place for many meetings, expositions, international festivals and traditional
feasts. The city of Trento is famous for its high-quality services, tourism, agriculture, food and wine
industry.
The township of Trento is sorrounded by the Alps mountain range system, most of them hosting
ski- stations. The Adige valley boasts a unique natural and artistic heritage, which makes it the ideal
location for those who love trekking and excursions.
All these characteristics have made the city a centre of attraction for students from all over the
world. Nonetheless, the city has preserved its identity and is rated as one of the most comfortable
cities in Italy
Trento houses interesting monuments. Its architecture has a unique style influenced by both Italian
Renaissance and Germanic Gothic art. The city centre's Late-Medieval and Renaissance buildings
have been restored to their original pastel colours and wooden balconies. Part of the medieval city
walls is still visible in Piazza Fiera. These walls once encircled the whole town and were connected
to the Castello del Buonconsiglio.
In the nearby town of Rovereto there's MART museum of modern art, whose collection amounts to
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more than 12,000 works, one of the richest collections of modern art in Italy.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.visittrentino.it/en
ELSA Treviso
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Treviso
Founded in: 2002
Permanent contact information
elsatreviso@libero.it
www.elsatreviso.it
Geographical data: northeastern part of
Italy, Veneto (30 km far from Venice)
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Treviso is an attractive town in the Veneto region of north-east Italy, with a population of around
80,000. With its meandering waterways and tranquil atmosphere, it also makes a good base for
exploring the area (including Venice), or for enjoying a quiet Italian break.
The Roman Tarvisium, inhabited since the Bronze Age, became a municipality between 49 BC and
the 1st Century AD. Over the Medieval Age various important Italian families fought to conquer
Treviso which joined the Republic of Venice in late 1300. In 1797 Napoleon‘s armed forces took
power. It passed under the rule of Austria, then released in 1866, when the Italian Bersaglieri (light
infantry), entered the city. During World War I, it suffered air bombings and more during World
War II when heavy American bombing destroyed many public buildings and monuments of great
historical and artistic interest.
Rebuilt and restored, the town centre is a rambling maze of streets lined with arcaded walkways.
Looking up, you'll see fragments of the painted frescoes which once decorated Treviso's houses.
The town is circled by a town wall and by waterways. Treviso markets itself as a ―città d'acque‖ as
water is an important feature of the townscape. The river Sile runs to the south of the centre, and
canals carry water around the town, lined with houses or grassy banks, weeping willows,
waterwheels and little parks. The town's defensive walls, moat and imposing gateways are still
impressive sights.
The town is home to the clothing empire Benetton, which has a large store behind the Palazzo dei
Trecento in the town centre. Unlike Venice, this town doesn't depend on tourism – you won't find
tacky tourist shops, silly hats or bullying tour guides, just a well-off Italian town going about its daily
business.
Treviso has a standard Central European Climate, with cold, rarely snowy winters, mild springs,
mild Autumns and pretty hot summers.
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Social highlights and Sights:
The centre of Treviso offers different amenities, historical and social wise. Treviso's smartest
shopping street, Via Calmaggiore, stretches from Piazza dei Signori towards the Duomo, between
the lengthy rows of arches which characterise Treviso's arcaded streets. Piazza dei Signori is a
pleasant square with a street running along one side and cafés with outdoor tables along the other.
The dominant building here is the historic town hall, the Palazzo dei Trecento. The Duomo is the
historic cathedral with a domineering neo-classical portico outside and crypt inside, which contains
extensive fragments of coloured medieval frescoes.
The main Treviso museum is the Museo di Santa Caterina, a former church and convent which has
recently been restructured to house the Civic Museum, the town's art gallery and archaeological
collection. Cloisters inside the entrance lead through to the church, decorated with lovely patches of
fresco which have been restored to vivid colour.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Treviso: www.comune.treviso.it/ www.provincia.treviso.it/
Airport: www.trevisoairport.it
Visa, embassies, foreign affairs: www.esteri.it/MAE/IT
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ELSA Kazakhstan
ELSA Astana
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Astana
Permanent contact information:
e-mail: elsaastana@mail.ru
Geographical data: the capital of the Republic of
Kazakhstan
Number of inhabitants: 665.800
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The city was founded in 1832, when the river Yesil in the tract Karaotkel was founded fortress
Akmola. July 16, 1863 Akmola was officially declared a district town. In December 1960 the city
became the center of Virgin Territory, which included all the northern region of Kazakhstan. Prior to
1961, he was called Akmola, from 1961 to 1992 Tselinograd, and from 1992 to 1998 Astana. The
administrative significance of the city, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its current name
Astana city received in 1998. The city is located in the north of Sary-Arka, on the right bank of the
river Yesil. Historically, it is a hub connecting Europe and Asia. Astana today: the largest transport
hub, linking the main artery - automobile, railway and airlines.
Astana is located in northern Kazakhstan. The relief of the city is a low terrace. The climate is
continental. Winter: cold, long, with little snow in some years severe. Summer: moderately dry,
characterized by hot, dry weather. Average July temperature +20 ºC. The hydrographic network of the
city represented only Yesil River and its minor intermittent right tributaries, passing through the
territory of the city and Sarybulak Aschylyozen. Within a radius of 25-30 km around Astana, there are
numerous fresh and salt lakes.
Kazakh Humanitarian Law University is a recognized leader in the field of legal science in Kazakhstan.
It has a highly qualified teaching staff. Many professors are members of various academic societies:
National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, IAS HS, Academy of Humanitarian Sciences of
Kazakhstan, International Academy of Economics "Eurasia", Academy of Social Sciences of
Kazakhstan, Academy of Legal Sciences, etc.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.astana.kz
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ELSA Lithuania
ELSA MRU – ELSA VDU – ELSA Vilnius
ELSA MRU (En. ELSA Mykolas Romeris University)
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA MRU
Founded in: 1999
Permanent contact information:
e-mail: info@elsa-mru.org; sv@elsamru.org
Homepage:
www.elsa-lithuania.org
Geographical data: University in
Vilnius, Capital of Lithuania
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Today, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most frequently visited cities of Eastern Europe.
It draws attention, not only because of its unique architectural character, but also by its cultural events
and attractions. Vilnius, as the capital of Lithuania, is the home of the President, the Seimas, the
Government and the Supreme Court. Diplomatic missions, educational, cultural, financial, research,
and health care institutions are based there.
The historical centre of Vilnius, the Old Town, is one of the largest old town centres in Eastern
Europe (covering almost 360 hectares). The Old Town is situated in a picturesque valley of two rivers
– the Vilnia and the Neris, at the crossroads of trade roads, next to the ford, which was guarded by
Vilnius castle in the olden times.
Climate. The average annual temperature is +6.1 °C (43 °F); in January the average temperature is
−4.9 °C (23 °F), in July it is +17.0 °C (62.6 °F).
ELSA Mykolas Romeris University is the local group which acts in the Faculty of Law of Mykolas
Romeris University. It is a modern and dynamic European university with a creative and efficient
research and academic community. It is the second largest university in Lithuania. ELSA Mykolas
Romeris University is an active local group which has about 150 members. Come and meet us!
Social highlights and Sights:
It would be hard to arrive in Vilnius on a day when not much is happening. And even harder to find
yourself in Vilnius with nothing to do. Vilnius is regularly visited by top performers in the classical
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music and jazz fields, and also by ‗rising stars‘ of popular music. One after the other we see a line-up
of events in music, theatre, cinema, and dance. There are festivals, city events, opening nights of
theatrical performances, sporting competitions. Once you find out about an event that interests you,
don‘t miss it! Vilnius can truly be called the entertainment centre of Lithuania. Not least of all because
it is home to the country‘s largest concentration of concert halls, sports arenas, theatres, cinemas, bars,
clubs, and casinos.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.vilnius.lt; http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/
ELSA VDU (En. ELSA Vytautas Magnus University)
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA VDU
Founded in: 2008
Permanent contact information:
e-mail: info@elsa-vdu.org
Homepage:
www.elsa-lithuania.org
Geographical data: in the centre of
Lithuania
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Kaunas is located in the centre of Lithuania at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, the
Nemunas and the Neris. It is the second largest city in Lithuania and a former temporary capital.
Kaunas is a fast-growing modern city with 6 universities, 2 academies and 3 affiliates of other
universities. One if the Universities - Vytautas Magnus is seen as Artes Liberales University with its
unique system of liberal studies, openness to the world, dissemination of liberal thought and high
quality of studies.
Kaunas is also an attractive centre of business and industry as well as science, studies and culture. This
city is famous for its history, cosy parks, theatres, museums, remarkable and wonderful Old Town,
interwar spirit as well as active, young and ambitious people. There are a lot of amazing places like
stone castle of 14th century, Pazaislis Monastery complex, which contains interesting examples of 17th
century baroque architecture, one of the oldest cathedral or the longest pedestrian street in Lithuania
called Laisves Avenue. Well known basketball club Zalgiris is playing in Kaunas. Moreover, Kaunas is
the birthplace or childhood home for many of the country's top basketball stars.
95
Climate in Kaunas is continental, with warm summers and cold winters. During the summer, the
average monthly high temperatures rise up to 20–23°C. In the wintertime, Kaunas is familiar with
around zero degree temperatures and with frequent snowfall.
ELSA VDU is the youngest local group of ELSA Lithuania, established in 2008, which acts in the
Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas. However, it grows and becomes stronger every day, at the
moment having more than 50 active members. We wait for you to visit Kaunas and our local group!
Social highlights and Sights:
If you visit Kaunas you can meet 3000 devils in the Devil Museum. Enjoy Jazz Festival or Classical
music during the Pazaislis music festival. Be the first to discover the bird flight from the roof of
Resurrection church, feel free and be brave to try professional acrobatic flights, wake a pilot inside
yourself. Believe in the second ―religion‖- basketball and shake the famous Europe basketball players
by the hand. Indulge water activities like yacht regattas or water biking. Of course relax at SPA, leisure
and entertainment centre and do many other exiting things.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.studykaunas.eu/, http://visit.kaunas.lt, www.kaunas.lt
ELSA Vilnius
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Vilnius
Founded in: 1990
Permanent contact information:
e-mail: info@elsa-vilnius.org; sv@elsa-vilnius.org
Homepage:
www.elsa-lithuania.org
Geographical data: Capital of Lithuania
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Today, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most frequently visited cities of Eastern Europe.
It draws attention, not only because of its unique architectural character, but also by its cultural events
and attractions. Vilnius, as the capital of Lithuania, is the home of the President, the Seimas, the
Government and the Supreme Court. Diplomatic missions, educational, cultural, financial, research,
and health care institutions are based there.
The historical centre of Vilnius, the Old Town, is one of the largest old town centres in Eastern
Europe (covering almost 360 hectares). The Old Town is situated in a picturesque valley of two rivers
– the Vilnia and the Neris, at the crossroads of trade roads, next to the ford, which was guarded by
Vilnius castle in the olden times.
Climate. The average annual temperature is +6.1 °C (43 °F); in January the average temperature is
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−4.9 °C (23 °F), in July it is +17.0 °C (62.6 °F).
ELSA Vilnius is the local group which acts in the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University. Vilnius
University is the first and the oldest institution which prepares law specialists in Lithuania. It was
established in 1641 under the privilege of Vładysłaus Wasa, the King of Poland and the Grand Duke
of Lithuania. ELSA Vilnius is an active local group which has about 100 members. Come and visit us!
Social highlights and Sights:
It would be hard to arrive in Vilnius on a day when not much is happening. And even harder to find
yourself in Vilnius with nothing to do. Vilnius is regularly visited by top performers in the classical
music and jazz fields, and also by ‗rising stars‘ of popular music. One after the other we see a line-up
of events in music, theatre, cinema, and dance. There are festivals, city events, opening nights of
theatrical performances, sporting competitions. Once you find out about an event that interests you,
don‘t miss it! Vilnius can truly be called the entertainment centre of Lithuania. Not least of all because
it is home to the country‘s largest concentration of concert halls, sports arenas, theatres, cinemas, bars,
clubs, and casinos.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.vilnius.lt; http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/
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ELSA Luxembourg
NG / City
ELSA Luxembourg
Founded in: March 2009
Permanent contact information:
e-mail: board@elsa-luxembourg.org
Homepage: www.elsa-luxembourg.org
Geographical data: Capital of Luxembourg
“Moien!” Modern Life meets the history of the “Gibraltar of the North”
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the world‘s only remaining sovereign Grand Duchy, with its
population of half a million people (world rank 175 out of 194) is situated in the Western part of
Europe and is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. The earliest evidence in writing of
historic Lucilinburhuc (i.e. Luxembourg) is dated to the year 963 A.C., when Siegfried, Count of the
Ardennes, and founder of the Luxembourg Dynasty, had a castle built on the territory of the presentday capital of Luxembourg. Since it lies on the cultural divide between Romance and Germanic
Europe, Luxembourg has a strong cultural heritage from its rich history and the diverse flows of
invasion and immigration. As part of this heritage, three languages are officially recognized: French,
German, and Luxembourgish. As for the fact that Luxembourg is a founding member of the
European Union, NATO, the United Nations, Benelux, and the Western European Union, the city of
Luxembourg gathers a great number of institutions and agencies of inter alia the European Union or
the EFTA (e.g. the 3 European Courts of Justice, of First Instance, and of European Union Civil Service,
departments of the European Commission and of the European Parliament, the European Court of Auditors, the
European Investment Fund and European Investment Bank, the EFTA Court, …).
In 1994, Luxembourg City was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. In addition, the two
largest and well integrated immigrant communities, Portuguese and Italian, have brought their
respective languages and contribute to a dynamic and diverse cultural environment in Luxembourg.
This mixture of nationalities and culture is reflected into museums, restaurants, the arts and major
events and manifestations. Mobility and international flair are the key words to describe living in a
small European country like Luxembourg that has a special charm with its small restaurants and pubs
in the old town, but also in the surroundings of the uptown and downtown of Luxembourg, where
people from the various institutions and the financial sector meet. Luxembourg has a high-income
economy (an estimated GDP of $81,100 per capita in 2008) and low inflation and unemployment
rates. The Luxembourg financial sector comprises more than 150 credit institutions and only ranks
second to the United States when it comes to investment funds. Companies like Skype, Amazon,
Paypal and eBay established their headquarters in Luxembourg thanks to a liberal legal and tax regime.
ELSA Luxembourg, which was founded in March 2009, is looking forward to welcoming you to our
multicultural capital Luxembourg.
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ELSA Malta
NG / City
Name of Group: ELSA Malta
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: s_c@elsamalta.org
Website: www.elsamalta.org
Geographical data:
Malta is located in the heart of the Mediterranean
Sea, just south of Sicily. Malta is an island of just
316 square km.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Malta‘s climate can be said to be bi-seasonal, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Summer
time is our peak tourist season, when hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic travellers come to Malta
to learn English, enjoy the fine weather and the lovely beaches.
Social highlights and Sights:
Malta‘s social life is rather unique, mainly because it is concentrated in one area – Paceville. Paceville is
a concentration of bars, clubs and discos, frequented weekly during winter and nightly during summer,
by youths of between the ages of 16-25. Malta has a lot to offer as regards heritage, because its
strategic position has meant it was colonised by many of the World‘s great powers; from the
Phoenicians, to the Arabs, Romans and all the way to the British. Malta‘s capital city is Valletta.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.mta.com.mt/ - website of the Malta Tourism Authority
http://www.foreign.gov.mt/ - website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.airmalta.com – National Airline website
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ELSA Montenegro
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Montenegro (Podgorica)
Founded in: 1987
E-mail: elsa_montenegro@cg.yu
Website: www.elsa.cg.ac.yu
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Montenegro belongs to central Mediterranean, i.e. Southern Europe. On the southeast, it borders
with Albania; from the south, the Adriatic Sea separates it from Italy, and on the west its neighbors
are the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the north it borders with Serbia
(another part of SCG). The terrain contrasts are connected with the climate. While we have
Mediterranean climate at the Montenegrin coast, in the nearest hinterland, only a couple of
kilometers of air line away, we have continental climate. The Dinarski mountain range with the
mounts of Orijen, Lovcen and Rumija rises steeply above the coast and like a giant backdrop
prevents the coastal climate to penetrate to the continental region.
Podgorica, situated on the banks of six rivers, is developing the characteristics of a modern
European city. It is the metropolitan and administrative center of Montenegro. After looking at its
new buildings, a visitor may think the city has just appeared on the banks of the Moraca, Ribnica,
Zeta, Sitnica, Mareza and Cijevna rivers. Behind the modern city you can easily notice the signs of a
long tradition. Just walk down any street in the city center, like Hercegovacka or Njegoseva (centers
of Podgorica‘s night life). ocated at 44 meters above sea level, and only a hundred kilometers away
from the famous coast resorts and the very attractive winter tourist center on Bjelasica. In only a
two-hour drive, water skiing can be replaced by skiing on snow! Not far away from the city is
Skadar Lake, which together with the sunny Zetska valley is a real garden of heaven. Mediterranean
climate and ambiance, soft winters and warm, dry summers. The climate provides excellent wines, like
Vranac and Procorden as well as the excellent ―rakija‖ or grape brandy, called ―water of life‖.
Podgorica is also academic centre of Montenegro. Two international airports in Montenegro:
Podgorica and Tivat.
Useful links: www.visit-montenegro.org, www.podgorica.cg.yu
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ELSA The Netherlands
ELSA Amsterdam – ELSA Leiden – ELSA Maastricht –
ELSA Nijmegen – ELSA Rotterdam – ELSA Tilburg
ELSA Amsterdam
LG/City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Amsterdam
Founded in: 1990
E-mail: elsa@jur.uva.nl
Website: www.elsa-amsterdam.nl
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Amsterdam locates in the heart of Europe and is the capital of the Netherlands. It has many
fascinating neighbourhoods to explore, from red light sleaze to bohemian chic to stately grandeur. The
city seems to thrive on its mix and, despite hordes of tourists, still manages to be typical Dutch. The
old crooked houses, the Albert Cuyp market, the cobbled streets, the tree-lined canals and the
generous parks (the social highlights) all contribute to the atmosphere. Amsterdam peaks with people
every single day but Queen's Day, on 30 April, is the day to be in Amsterdam - there's a free market,
street parties, live music and lots of beer. Amsterdam's summer months are wonderful, as the weather
turns soft and balmy and the whole city seems to live outdoors. Spring is pretty damp, but redeemed
by the delightful profusion of bulbs in the window boxes and markets. Amsterdam will impress you
with their great selection of canalside pubs, hip-as-hell clubs, jazz venues and experimental theatre.
Drop into a proeflokaal (brown cafe) for a couple of genevers (Dutch gins) or an ale or two.
Useful links:
The Netherlands are very amenable to cycling as there are dedicated bike paths throughout the
country. You can hire bikes as transport for a very low price - http://www.macbike.nl/
The extended nightlife of Amsterdam - http://www.amsterdamhotspots.nl/lounge.html
Easy internet guides to Amsterdam http://homepages.cwi.nl/~steven/amsterdam.html
ttp://www.flybirdy.com/View.aspx?URL=http://www.visitamsterdam.nl/&Name=Amsterdam&View=
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ELSA Leiden
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Leiden
Founded in: 1998
E-mail: elsa@law.leidenuniv.nl
Website: www.elsa-leiden.nl
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Leiden is located in the heart of the Randstad and cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague
and Utrecht are but a stone‘s throw away. Schiphol, our international airport, is also just fifteen
minutes away. Leiden is easily reached due to its central location be it by car or by public transport.
Leiden is near by the sea, that means Leiden has a sea-climate, in winter it‘s about -3 to 10 degrees and
most of the time it‘s raining, during the summer it‘s about 25 degrees, a comfortable climate.
Social highlights and Sights:
A visit to Leiden is not complete without a walk to the Burcht (Leiden‘s citadel). You can virtually see
the whole city from this old refuge. You will see the many canals, church spires, narrow alleys,
monumental buildings and private almshouses that define Leiden. Visit Leiden and walk on the
cobblestones of narrow streets, take a tour along our canals and enjoy the historical façades,
monuments and museums, such as:
Naturalis National Museum of Natural History
De Lakenhal Municipal Museum of Leiden
Museum Boerhaave National Museum of the History of Science and Medicine
National Museum of Antiquities National Museum of Ethnology
National Museum of Coins and Medals
Molen de Valk Museum, Windmill
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.leidenuniv.nl
www.leiden.nl
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ELSA Maastricht
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Maastricht
Founded in: 1992
E-mail: elsa@studver.unimaas.nl
Website: www.elsa-maastricht.nl
Geographical data : Province of Limburg, in the
south of the Netherlands
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Maastricht is located in the south of the Netherlands, close to Liege and Aachen. It has a more
southern, relaxed atmosphere than other parts of The Netherlands, and attracts many international
tourists not only for its rich history (founded by the Romans) but also for its beauty. The city center is
split in two by the river Maas, with the train station located in the smaller part of the center. Its climate
is relatively moderate, in summer temperature varies around 23°C, during winter around 10°C. The
history of Maastricht goes back to c. 50 B.C., when the Romans built a settlement by the main road,
near a ford in the river. This makes Maastricht the oldest city of the Netherlands. The city's name is
derived from the Latin 'Mosae Trajectum', the site where the river Maas could be crossed. This
settlement grew to become a walled castellum, which was abandoned towards the end of the fourth
century A.D. Before long the town was felt to be too cramped, and at the beginning of the 14th
century construction work on a new series of walls was commenced. The city was important
strategically, and had to withstand many attacks during its history. Nowadays, the city‘s name is
particularly known as the Maastricht Treaty was signed here, establishing the European Union in 1992.
The centre of the city is especially attractive, due to its wealth of historic buildings; some 1450
monuments are protected by law.
Useful link:
www.unimaas.nl
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ELSA Nijmegen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Nijmegen
Founded in: 2007
E-mail: info@elsanijmegen.nl
Website: www.elsanijmegen.nl
Geographical data : Province of Gelderland, in
the east of the Netherlands
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Located in the east of the Netherland by the river Waal, Nijmegen is the oldest city of the
Netherlands. It used to be home to the Romans and later, the Emperor Charlemagne, whose castle
was here in the imperial town. It is situated close to the German border, on the banks of the river
Waal. The 'Valkhof' is the highest point in the city. Formerly a castle erected by Charlemagne, it
overlooks the river. The typically Dutch polder landscape and rolling hills provide a beautiful
panorama. The Romans settled here because of the splendid strategic view of enemy territory across
the river. For similarly strategic reasons, kings and other rulers chose Nijmegen as their place of
residence.Until a century ago, Nijmegen was a fortified town, its surroundings being the scene of
fierce battles. However, in 1879 the old city walls were torn down, as they posed an increasing
handicap to the city's prosperity. A period of spectacular growth ensued, and within several decades
the railway bridge across the Waal was constructed, and gas, electricity and water mains were installed
in the city. The Second World War is a black page in Nijmegen's history. On February 22, 1944, allied
forces bombed the city by mistake, and 800 people died. But a few months later, Nijmegen was
liberated thanks to the well-known Operation Market Garden, which freed the southern part of the
Netherlands on September 17, 1944. In the post-war period, much was done to rebuild the city. A
new city centre arose in which the remaining monuments of Nijmegen‘s rich history occupy a special
position.
Social highlights and Sights:
Nijmegen has many little bars which are well visited the whole week, mostly by students. In addition
to that, Nijmegen has many parks to relax in and the more active people can take a great hike through
the beautiful landscape of the ‗Oijpolder‘.
Useful links:
Municipality website: www.nijmegen.nl
University: www.ru.nl
104
ELSA Rotterdam
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Rotterdam
Founded in: 1992
E-mail: info@elsarotterdam.nl
Website: www.elsarotterdam.nl
Geographical data: the south-west
of the Netherlands
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Rotterdam was founded in the mid 13th century after a dam had been constructed in the River Rotte
on the site of the present Hoogstraat. Rotterdam received municipal rights in 1340. Over the centuries
Rotterdam grew from a fishing village into an international centre of trade, transport, industry and
distribution. At the beginning of the Second World War, on 14 May 1940, virtually the entire city
centre was devastated by a German bombardment. After the war, reconstruction of what had been
destroyed was given the highest priority. Now, many years later, a new, modern city centre has risen
from the ashes. The avant-garde architecture is famous at home and abroad. The city that is so unlike
Holland's other cities. Located on the mighty Maas River. Rotterdam is the largest port in the world.
Being the ''Gateway to Europe'' Rotterdam has a hinterland of 500 million inhabitants. Its
international orientation as a port and the regeneration of its city centre has made Rotterdam a
business city without parallel.. City with an abundance of attractions, festivals and museums.
Rotterdam has a mild, maritime climate. Summers are generally warm with changeable periods.
Winters can be fairly cold with the possibility of snow but the summers are generally warm.
Social highlights and Sights:
Dutch Students in Rotterdam often go out to party in ‗de oude haven‘ where there are a lot of
different types of bars but also at ‗het stadhuisplein‘ is a place where most parties are at. Furthermore
there is also a pub called ‗Concordia‘ near the Erasmus International house where international
students gather each day for happy hour but also for cheap meals.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.frg.eur.nl/english/education
105
ELSA Tilburg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Tilburg
Founded in: 1995
E-mail: elsa@uvt.nl
Website: www.elsatilburg.nl
Geographical data: the south of The Netherlands
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Tilburg is located in the southern, and most sociable, part of Holland. Tilburg is a pretty large city with
many different aspects. In the centre of the city are, besides all the shops, many bars, cafe‘s and
restaurants for the students. The further from the center you go, the more green you will find. Our
campus is located at the edge of a small forest and there are little canals enough. The climate is not
perfect. The winters are pretty cold (0-10 degrees) and the summers are not that hot (20-30 degrees).
But it could be a lot worse!
Social highlights and Sights:
When you visit Tilburg, you have to pay a visit to at least a few of the bars at the ‗piusplein‘. There are
all the student cafe‘s and it‘s always very sociable over there. There‘s also a theater and there are some
nice churches to visit. Besides that we have the Willem II stadium which is the stadium of our premier
league soccer team Willem II. Right next to Tilburg is a Safari park which is also nice to visit. And of
course, if you visit Tilburg in august, you will be able to visit the Tilburg Fair, the largest fair in
Europe. Besides the fun things, there are also a lot of interesting law firms and companies to visit. A
few companies (Interpolis for example) have very large offices in Tilburg and they are always
interested to receive (foreign) students.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.tilburguniversity.nl
http://www.tilburg.nl/english
106
ELSA Norway
ELSA Bergen – ELSA Oslo – ELSA Tromsø
ELSA Bergen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bergen
E-mail: bergen@elsa.no
Website: www.elsa.no/bergen
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Bergen is one of the largest cities in Norway, and one of four cities that actually has an university.
This city is one of the oldest cities in Norway, founded by Olav Kyrre in 1070. The city has always
been a center of trade, and is still known as a "Hansa-town", just like the german cities of Lübeck
and Hamburg. To learn more about Bergen visit http://www.bergen-guide.com.
The University of Bergen is mainly situated in several houses on a hillock named Nygårdshøyden.
On the tip of this hill you find "Dragefjellet", where the faculty of law lies and gives you a view
towards the ocean. The name "Dragefjellet" is ambiguous in norwegian. It may mean Dragon
Mountain. But rest assured, there are no dragons here. The real meaning is Kite Mountain. The
name was given in the olden days, because the wind conditions made it an excellent place to fly
kites. More information about the University of Bergen? www.uib.no
Social highlights and Sights:
The seven mountains; Fløyen and Ulrikken, the aquarium.
107
ELSA Oslo
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Oslo
Founded in: 1983
E-mail: oslo@elsa.no
Website: www.elsa.no/oslo/
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is situated at the head of Oslo Fjord surrounded by forested ridges and
is both a municipality and a county.
The city‘s many astonishing features are unusual for a European capital. The city limits encompass
wilderness areas as well as an array of restaurants almost unparalleled in Scandinavia.
Oslo is filled with paradoxes. For this reason, visitors perceive Norway‘s capital as an interesting city
with an abundance of things to see and do – regardless if the visitor‘s purpose is shopping, tourism,
business meetings or conferences, or a brisk, refreshing winter experience on dog sleds through
Oslo‘s wilderness.
The city is beautifully situated at the head of Oslo Fjord surrounded by forested ridges, and this very
location
gives
Oslo
unexpected
qualities
for
a
national
capital.
The arable fields, vast forests and untouched nature areas surrounding the city are only twenty
minutes from the centre. They provide recreational opportunities that are frequently taken
advantage of by the city‘s inhabitants, as well as increasingly by visitors, in summer and winter alike.
Do you know of any other capital where you can go skiing and kayaking, make excursions to a
nearby island or go skating – all within the city limits?
Oslo‘s climate is actually better than our northern latitude might indicate. This is due to the Gulf
Stream bringing warmth from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean and up the coast of
Norway.
Social highlights and Sights:
Frognerparken, Holmenkollen, Grunerløkka, Akershus castle, The Royal Palace, Karl Johan,
Hovedøya, Kon-Tiki museum, Nobel peace center. www.visitoslo.no
108
ELSA Tromsø
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Tromsø
E-mail: tromso@elsa.no
Website: www.elsa.no/tromso
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Tromsø is the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle and is home to the
world‘s northernmost university, brewery and cathedral. The city lives on education, research,
administration, fishing exports and satellite technology. The centre of the north has 62,000 residents
and the Municipality of Tromsø covers an area of 2558 km². Around 50,000 live in the centre of
Tromsø, while the remainder is scattered throughout the whole municipality. Tromsø centre is the
largest wooden city north of Trondheim, and has a rich architectural inheritance in the Imperial style
of the 1800s, richly interspersed with both beautiful and not so nice buildings from later periods.
The Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965, is the city‘s most recognisable feature.
Midnight sun - the Midnight Sun is visible from around May 21 to around July 21. Between
November 21 and January 21, the sun disappears under the horizon and we experience the Polar
Nights. It is not completely dark during the middle of the day, and the light and colour in the sky is
amazing when the weather is favourable
The night is young - Tromsø is swinging! Did you know that an entire third of Tromsø's citizens
could go out on the town at the same time – and there'd still be room for a few more? The heart and
soul of the town's social atmosphere are the many cafés around Storgata where people meet after
work, or in the evenings – to meet, talk, and just be together! A quick glass or two on a Friday
afternoon might last until 3am or 4am the next day. On Saturdays, Storgata is a hive of activity, and
the temperature on the dance floors is tropical! There's something for every taste in Tromsø,
whether you prefer the trendy and minimalist, or homelike and rustic. "Party animals" come in all
shapes and sizes, and there's no age limit for having a good time! Dress code is not important: just
come as you are – that's what we do!
109
ELSA Poland
ELSA Bialystok – ELSA Gdańsk – ELSA Katowice – ELSA Kraków – ELSA Lodz – ELSA Lublin –
ELSA Olsztyn – ELSA Opole – ELSA Poznań – ELSA Rzeszów – ELSA Slubice – ELSA Szczecin –
ELSA Toruń – ELSA Warszawa – ELSA Wroclaw
ELSA Bialystok
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Białystok
Address: Wydział Prawa Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku, ul.
Mickiewicza 1, 15-213 Białystok
Website: www.bialystok.elsa.org.pl
E-mail: bialystok@elsa.org.pl
Geographical data: Białystok is located in the eastern part of
Poland, next to the boarder with Belarus.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
With its population of approximately 300.000 inhabitants, Bialystok is very much north-eastern
Poland's largest city and the administrative, economic and educational centre of the region. Bialystok is
located at the hub of such important international overland routes as those running from western to
eastern Europe, or the Berlin-Warsaw-Sankt Petersburg-Moscow railway line, along with the Via
Baltica transport route that crosses the Baltic states before reaching Warsaw. This, together with
Bialystok's neighbouring on Belarus, Lithuania and Russia, fosters the development of economic and
cultural relations with both eastern and western European countries. Not far from the city, there are
several border crossings handling freight and passenger transport alike.
Social highlights and Sights:
Bialystok has for centuries been a multicultural, multinational and multireligious place owing to its
location and historical factors. This shaped the city's specificity epitomized by the openness,
hospitality and friendliness, and contributed to the richness of its cultural life.
Bialystok is the seat of many cultural institutions, culture promotion associations and artist unions.
Artistic ambitions, far from being traditionally formulaic, are shared by both local artists and driving
forces of the city's cultural life.
Beautifully located at the hub of quintessentially tourist-attractive region, Bialystok functions as a base
from which to explore different corners in the whole province. The city boasts the accommodation,
catering and entertainment infrastructure that is without equal in the region and equally excellent in
terms of Poland's highest standards.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.bialystok.pl
110
ELSA Gdańsk
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Gdańsk
Address: Faculty of Law and Administration, ul.
Jana Bażyńskiego 6, 80-309 Gdansk
room nr: 4042
Tel: +48 58 523-29-53
e-mail: gdansk@elsa.org.pl
homepage: www.elsa.gda.pl
Gdańsk is located in the Polish Seaside – at Baltic.
Description:
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
In its "golden age" the city enjoyed the specific status of a municipal republic. It was also a melting pot
of cultures and ethnic groups. The air of tolerance and the wealth built on trade made culture, science,
and art. flourish. Today, works by outstanding Gdansk masters can be admired in museums, churches,
and galleries. These collections, as well as the historic sites of enchanting beauty witness a thousand
years of the city's continued existence. The breakthrough events of the most recent turbulent period
are documented in the multi-medial exhibition.
Social highlights and Sights and our SV offer:
Walking in our city and getting to know its history etched in the monuments will give you many
magical moments and true emotions. Gdansk is a pearl of bourgeois architecture, boasting beautiful
houses and a unique market. If you enjoy spending your free time actively, our attractions are just what
you are looking for. The choice is wide: cycling and walking paths, kilometers of beaches and one of
Poland's largest zoos. Gdansk is an active city for active people. Our Local Group has more than 50
people. We operate at the Faculty of Law and Administration University of Gdansk. We are one of the
strongest groups, as demonstrated by entrusting us the organization of many nation-wide projects,
which were enthusiastically welcomed.
111
ELSA Katowice
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Katowice
Address:
Europejskie Stowarzyszenie Studentów Prawa
ELSA Katowice
Wydział Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu
Śląskiego
ul. Bankowa 11b pok. 3.49
40-007 Katowice, Polska
telefon no.: +48 32 359 18 57
homepage: www.elsakat.webd.pl
e-mail: iwonaromaniec@yahoo.com
Katowice is located in the southern part of
Poland – in the heart of Silesia.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
During the mid 1800‘s settlers of the Polish province of Upper Silesia founded a small village which
they called Katowice. Discovery of extremely rich coal deposits and the introduction of the Berlin
Railway contributed to the rapid industrial and economic development of the now sprawling
metropolis. Katowice has since been the central hub to an area of Poland rich in culture, architecture,
and academics.
The province of Upper Silesia is located in Poland‘s Silesian highlands. It is bordered to the south by
Slovakia and to the southwest by The Czech Republic. The climate is temperate with temperatures
ranging from -5 degrees Celsius in the winter months to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. The spring
and fall seasons are mild and very enjoyable.
Social highlights and Sights:
Upper Silesia itself has been settled dating back to the early 1300‘s. During this time the area has
changed sovereignty time and time again. This tumultuous past allowed the area to evolve with a vivid
mix of cultural influences. These influences are perhaps best noted in the beautiful mish mash of
architecture. Castles, universities, cathedrals, and museums from ancient to modern inundate the city.
For those looking for a bit of entertainment, Katowice boasts a wide variety of options. The city is
rich in museums, and sports facilities. There is a zoo, multiplex cinema and even a planetarium. When
the lights go down, Katowice opens the doors to its exciting night life. There are a wide array of Pubs,
Discos and music clubs from which to choose.
112
ELSA Kraków
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Kraków
Address:
Biuro ELSA Kraków
ul. Bracka 12/216
31 - 005 Kraków
Main Square, Cracow
Homepage: www.krakow.elsa.org.pl
Permanent contact information: Send e-mail to
President or VP S&C ELSA Kraków. Contact on the
homeopage.
Geographical data:
In the southern part of Poland, one of the most
beautiful cities of Poland.
Description
Cracow (polish transcription Kraków) is one of the best known polish cities in the whole Europe. It is
because of its strategic position in both geographical and historical meaning. For many years it used to
be the Capital of Poland. It is placed in the south of Poland what gives perfect possibilities to contact
with the most important places in the Central-Europe.
Now Cracow is very tourist – oriented. In 2006 we have welcomed 9 million tourists not only from
Poland but from the whole Europe. It is also one of the biggest academic cities with its university
founded in fourteenth century. Cracow has 750 mln citizens but with large amount of student society,
tourists and buissnesmen what gives much bigger number of inhabitants.
Visiting Cracow gives you an opportunity to feel the atmoshere of an old academic city. You can see
University buildings placed in the heart of The Old Town. When you visit Cracow, the obligatory
point during your stay is to go to the castle – Wawel, which is the most well known castle in Poland.
Cracow is also famous for its great number of unique churches. The city offers you many facilities, like
museums, theatres, cinemas as well as amazing nightlife with lots of clubs, pubs, restaurants and
discos. If you prefer to spend your time in an active way you can do some sports, to start with pools
through skating ending with swimming.
All in all Cracow is your best choice when visiting Poland.
Be our guest!
www.krakow.elsa.org.pl
www.cracow-life.com
113
ELSA Lodz
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Łódź
Address:
Uniwersytet Łódzki
Wydział Prawa i Administracji
ul. Narutowicza 59a
90 - 131 Łódź
e-mail: elsa-lodz@wp.pl
homepage: www.elsa.sul.uni.lodz.pl
Łódź is based in the middle of Poland – it is
one of the biggest cities.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Lodz is the second biggest City of Poland. It is in the very centre of the country, so it‘s very easy to get
to all different cities. You can come to Lodz by train, coach or plane as airport is nearly in the city
centre. Shouldn‘t be difficult to find accommodation as there are about 11 hotels and 2 youth hostels.
City is relatively cheap in comparison to different big cities in Poland. It‘s got a mild climate with
warm summer and not very harsh winter.
Social highlights and Sights:
Lodz is called ‗The Second Manchester‘ for some reasons – the two cities were built in more or less
the same time and their history has much in common. Lodz, Polish ‗Promised Land‘ was the city of
factories, the main textile producer in this part of Europe in XIX and the beginning of XX century.
It‘s very easy to feel the atmosphere of old manufactures and to notice traces of previous Lodz
inhabitants – Jews, Germans and Russians. Lodz is called ‗a city for connoisseurs‘ – it takes some time
to aprreciate its beauty – especially old, narrow streets, tenement houses, cementaries and the longest
commercial street in Europe – Piotrkowska street – favourite place of Lodz inhabitants.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://en.cityoflodz.com/index.php (English version)
http://www.lodz.pl/
http://www.lodzcity.pl/
114
ELSA Lublin
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Lublin
Address:
Plac Marii Curie- Skłodowskiej 5
UMCS Wydział Prawa
20- 031 Lublin
e-mail: lublin@elsa.org.pl
homepage:www.elsa.prawo.umcs.lublin.pl
Lublin is located in the south-eastern Part of
Poland. It is a middle size, but really cozy city.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Lublin, administrative centre of the voivodship and the capital of the Lublin Region, and home to 365
thousand inhabitants, is the biggest town in Eastern Poland. The location of the town atop loessial
rolling hills of the Lublin Upland in the valley of the Bystrzyca and its tributaries is one of its assets.
During the 5th and 7th centuries the inhabitants of Lublin grew in numbers, and by 1317 Lublin was
granted municipal status. In 1474 Lublin became the capital of the voivodship, a role it has
continuously played to this day. During the years of the first Republic, Lublin, which was centrally
located, was inhabited by different nationalities and religious denominations that constituted a rich and
varied community.
Social highlights and Sights:
Established in the Middle Ages, the Old Town (Stare Miasto) is one of the finest urban complexes of
its kind in Poland. It stands proudly on a picturesque loessial headland above the valleys of the
Bystrzyca and Czechówka rivers offering an unmatched panoramic view of the whole complex, most
of which has been preserved in its original shape. In addition to the Market Square (Rynek), the Old
Town Hall and the surrounding fine burgher houses, narrow and winding streets and alleys, you can
see the Dominican Church and Monastery Complex, Po Farze Square, Grodzka and Cracow Gates
and the Trinitarian Tower - one of the most characteristic city landmarks.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.um.lublin.eu/en
www.lublin.elsa.org.pl
115
ELSA Olsztyn
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Olsztyn
Address:
Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski
Wydział Prawa i Administracji
Dziekanat Studiów Stacjonarnych Prawo
ul. Warszawska 98, pok. C
10-702 Olsztyn
e-mail: olsztyn@elsa.org.pl
homepage: www.olsztyn.elsa.org
Olsztyn is placed in a beautiful and cozy part of
Poland – in Warmia.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Olsztyn is a quite small, but very beautiful city. We have eleven lakes and magnificent forests around
the city. Thanks to that, we have many tourist atracctions, specially in the summer. The climate is
labile – the summer can be very hot, but in winter we have frost and it is snowing.
Social highlights and Sights:
We have also many interesting monuments, for example castle, where Copernicus lived, High Tower,
where was the prison and Astrological Observatory. In the one part of Olsztyn, Old City, we have
many pubs and disco.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.olsztyn.elsa.org.pl
http://olsztyn.naszemiasto.pl
116
ELSA Opole
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Opole
Address:
Wydzia Prawa i Administracji
Uniwersytetu Opolskiego
ul. Plebiscytowa 5, pok. 211, 45-038 Opole
e-mail: e-mail of Board members (from the
website)
Opole is situated in the south-western part of
Poland. In the western end of Silesia.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The name Opole originates - putting aside legends - from the Old Polish word "opole", which means
an ancestral territorial community. It is also possible that the name derives from the simple word
"pole" (―a field‖). Opole is situated on the Odra River. Today, the city with a population of about
130,000 people and covering 9,600 ha, is an important national transport junction, the capital of a
voivodeship (county) with 11 poviats (districts), and the seat of the municipal and regional authorities.
It functions as a regional administration, culture, education, science (3 colleges), production and
services centre. Opole is a city that has a balanced economic structure, is harmonious, attractive and
increasingly friendly towards its residents and visitors. It is also becoming more and more beautiful.
Simply put, it is a good place to live. Its appearance is increasingly determined by the contrasted
combination of the past and the present. The weather conditions are temperate.
Social highlights and Sights:
The centre of Opole preserved historical urban pattern which has been shaped from the turn of the
12th and 13th centuries and referred to as Silesian chessboard.
Localization of the Town Hall, initially in a wooden merchant's house, dates back to the 13th century.
Current architecture originates from 1936.
The only remaining part of the gothic prince's hall is a keystone with the prince's emblem (now in
Opole Silesia Museum).
There are four higher education schools in Opole: the Opole University, Opole Polytechnic, Higher
Vocational State School (Medical School) and the private High School of Management and
Administration. National Festival of Polish Song has been held annually since 1963. Each year new
regular events, fairs, shows and competitions are held.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Wroclaw Internet Service: http://www.opole.pl/ver/en/index.html
University: http://www.uni.opole.pl
Faculty of Law, Administration and Economy: http://www.prawo.uni.opole.pl
117
ELSA Poznań
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Poznań
Address:
ul. św. Marcin 90 pok. 310
61-809 Poznań
telefon no.: +48 61 829 42 14
e-mail: poznan@elsa.org.pl
homepage: www.poznan.elsa.org.pl
Description:
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
With a history of over 1000 years Poznan and its surrounding areas are a real paradise for tourists.
Apart from numerous historic monuments to see, Poznan today is an important centre of industry,
commerce, culture and sports as well as university education and science. It is also one of the leading
cities in Poland in terms of economy.
Social highlights and Sights:
Cultural Poznan offers a great variety of theatres, a philharmonic hall, choirs and orchestras as well as
many museums, galleries and exhibition halls. The city is the venue of several major festivals and
music contests including the Malta International Theatre Festival, the Modern Dance Biennial or the
International Sculpture Triennial. On Malta, as it is a very special part of Poznan and city‘s biggest
leisure centre, there is always something interesting to do - you can swim in summer and ski in winter.
The area around the lake is an attractive place to go for a walk or a bike ride.
The weather in western Poland can vary dramatically within a day and between the seasons so take sun
glasses as well as an umbrella.
Party-goers can expect all-night entertainment in every corner of the city. Most of the clubs are
situated around the Old Market Square, so the very centre of the city. You can easily choose in various
clubs, discos and pubs differing with climate and music.As a population of Poznan consists of about
25% students, every night and especially every Thursday the whole city is pounding with life.
ELSA Poznan was set as the fourth local group in Poland and we are one of our country‘s most active
groups. We have about 80 members (this number is still rising!) and we do our best to take part in all
programs, which take place according to the activity of the association. We are proud of being
organisers of many successful projects, e.g. the XL NCM of ELSA Poland, the Lawyer's Days and
having a lot of experience in organization of Bilateral and Institutional Study Visits.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.poznan-life.com
www.poznan.pl
www.pcb.poznan.pl
118
ELSA Rzeszów
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Rzeszów
Address:
Wydzia Prawa ł i Administracji UR
ul. Wyspiańskiego 4, pokój nr 08
35 - 111 Rzeszów
telefon no.: +48 17 8721951
e-mail: rzeszow@elsa.org.pl
homepage: www.elsa.itl.pl/www
Description:
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Rzeszów, the capital of Podkarpackie Voivodship is placed in South-Eastern Poland, near borders
with Ukraine and Slovakia (~90 km). It's cultural and economical centre of this region.There are more
than 170,000 people and about 60,000 students (8 universities) what gives us one of the highest ratio
in Poland.
Social highlights and Sights and our SV offer:
Starting from 3 theatres, museums, a philharmonic, galleries, then 3 cinemas (one more is being built)
we have to end on many pubs and discos located in the right centre of city, where you can dance and
drink spending all your time but a small amounts of money;). When you search for a quiet, calm places
Rzeszów is a solution too. There is always a bench somewhere, all the city is green and boulevards
placed at the banks of river Wislok are one of the most beautiful places in our city. We can't forget
about many interesting places in Rzeszów:
-
The Town Hall, dated from the 15th century
-
The 16th century Castle of Lubomirski Family
-
The Church of the Bernardyni Fathers
-
Underground Route for Tourists
-
Monument of Revolution Act – one of the most recognizable symbols of Rzeszow, see the
picture to know why;)
Just come and visit us to meet people full of passion in a beautiful town. Sharing experiences, learning
local drinks and enhancing your knowledge about polish history and law system are only few good
things that can happen to you. See you soon!!
119
ELSA Slubice
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Słubice
Address:
Collegium Polonicum
ul. Kościuzki 1
69-100 Słubice
telefon no.:
e-mail: elsa-slubice@euv-frankfurt-o.de
homepage: www.elsa-slubice.euv-frankfurto.de/ index2.html
Słubice is placed just „on‖ the PolishGerman boarder (western part of Poland).
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Given its proximity to Germany, the town is an important transport hub of the A2 autostrada to the
German Bundesautobahn 12, part of the European route E30 from Warsaw to Berlin. Słubice is
closely linked to its German sister city west of the Oder-Neisse line. It shares many of its urban
amenities with Frankfurt (Oder) and both towns collaborate on various projects.
City is surrounded by Puszcza Rzepinska, which is a large woods complex, part of Lubuskie Forests.
Climate is different as in other part of country. Becouse of forests and influence of an ocean air,
Slubice is the warmest city in Poland. That‘s why it‘s almost never gruond-frosts. Also the plants aer
more like in west Europa.
Social highlights and Sights:
Slubice is known becouse of the cooporarion of Universities from Frankfurt(Oder), Poznan and
Wroclaw <Collegium Polonicum, Europa University Viadrina> which gives him the statute of
students city.
Every year the City Kulture Centere organize Trans Vocale Festival which centre on different kinds of
music and artists from many countries as well as from Poland.
Notable are bike-roads along the Odra river and all forests as well.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.slubice.pl/?a=temat&id=31&d=&m=&r=
http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%82ubice
http://slubice24.pl/
http://www.powiatslubicki.pl/
120
ELSA Szczecin
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Szczecin
Address:
Wydzia Prawa i Administracji, Uniwersytetu
Szczecińskiego
ul. Narutowicza17a pok.019
70 - 240 Szczecin
telefon no.: +48 91 444 28 49
e-mail: elsa_szczecin@mec.univ.szczecin.pl
homepage: www.mec.univ.szczecin.pl/elsa/
Szczecin is located in the north-western part of
Poland, near the Polish-German boarder.
Description:
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Szczecin is the capital of Western Pomerania and the largest Polish city located in the vicinity of three
European countries: Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Our city is situated at the second of the biggest
rivers of Poland – Odra. The city was modelled on Paris, with a number of star-shaped squares, and is
known as the ―city of greenery‖. Obviously there is a reason to it. There are very few towns in Poland
with comparable greenery, water areas and climate favourable for both living and tourism. The urban
built-up areas contain green enclaves as well as parks featuring rare tree and bush species, and one of
the largest cemeteries - the Central Cemetery. The squares in Szczecin are planted with many varieties
of magnolia that bloom in spring.
Social highlights and Sights and our SV offer:
Szczecin is one of those cities with over a thousand years of tradition and turbulent history. The city's
beginnings goes back down to the 8th century, when Slavic settlers established a borough on the
present Castle Height. The crucial milestone of Szczecin's history was Location Act, released in 1243.
It introduced Magdeburg Law and some important economic regulations. Summing up… Szczecin is a
charming and unique green city spotted with original buildings. It has a great potential and is
developing in many areas of life. There are monuments and clubs, so everybody will find something
interesting here. This is what Szczecin students say.
121
ELSA Toruń
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Toruń
Address:
Dom Studencki nr 11, pokój 214
Gagarina 33
87-100 Toruń
telefon no.: +48 56 612 57 90
e-mail: through the website
homepage: www.elsa.umk.pl
Toruń is based in the middle part of country – it
is a middle – sized, but really lovely city.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate: Toruń is one of the most
beautiful cities of Poland. Picturesquely located on the both banks of the Vistula River, at a site of
intersection of ancient trade routes, it has been propagating its traditional economy and openness to
the world for nearly 800 years. The gothic buildings of Toruń's Old Town, which won the designation
of World Heritage Site from UNESCO in 1997, present proof of Toruń's centuries-old economic,
cultural and intellectual ties with the leading cities of Europe associated in the Hanseatic League..
Social highlights and Sights::
The fabulous gothic Old Town could be the answer. It seems to be really magic, especially when you
are able to sightsee it at night, when you have a chance to feel as if you were in another world. The
Old Town has not been changed for centuries. Here you are able to find one of the most beautiful
Polish panoramas - the illuminated medieval part of the city seen from the Vistula River side. In
Toruń the greatest european astronomer - Nicholas Copernicus who described the heliocentric theory
was born. In the city centre there is the monument of him, which is the best meeting place of young
people. As well you can visit Nicholas Copernicus Birth Home, silent arches of St. Johns Cathedral where the great astronomer was baptised and a lot of another places, which are connected with this
great man. An other choice for you, when you are hungry for history could be the tomb of princess
Anna Wazowna in Saint Mary church and The Town Hall of unique beauty, whose courtyard
remembers the "Torun Mutiny" drowned in blood in 1724. Oh, there is really so many places to visit!
What is more Thorn is on the UNESCO list.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.torun.pl/portal/index.php?lang=en
www.torun.elsa.org.pl
122
ELSA Warszawa
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Warszawa
Address:
Uniwersytet Warszawski
Wydzia Prawa i Administracji
ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28
00-927 Warszawa
telefon no.:
e-mail: elsa.warszawa@gmail.com
homepage: www.elsa.wpia.uw.edu.pl
Warszawa is the capital of Poland. It is based in
the middle part of the country.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Warsaw, the capital and the heart of Poland is located on the Vistula river roughly 370 km from both
the Baltic Sea coast and the Carpathian Mountains. Its history and climate impress the visitors, while
its uniqueness interests them. In Warsaw, influences of Western and Eastern Europe culture cross.
Here historic buildings, palaces, churches and architectural complexes, destroyed during the War, have
been reconstructed with great care. UNESCO appreciated Warsaw Monuments and its relics, and
honored the City by putting the Historic Centre of Warsaw on the World Heritage List.
What is more, lovers of culture and art, as well as those looking for entertainment, will find much to
enjoy in Warsaw.
Social highlights:
City is renowned as a centre of cultural tourism thanks to numerous theatrical and musical venues,
many events and festivals famous world-wide. But what is more important, Warsaw is one of the most
important education centers of Poland and with almost 250,000 students with all sorts of students
organizations, the social life just can not be boring:) the city is all the better for it, with its
cosmopolitan choice of restaurants, cafes, night clubs, bars & pubs, shops and places to have fun.
About us:
We are the group of almost 80 students from 5 universities and schools of higher education with a
faculty of law. We love to learn new things and have fun together. We are friendly and eager to
arrange Study Visits, so if you want to have the time of your life, come and visit us. We can promise
you, that you won‘t regret it :)
Useful Links:
About Warsaw : http://www.e-warsaw.pl/index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw
123
ELSA Wroclaw
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Wrocław
Address:
ul. Więzienna 10/12, room 110C
tel. (0-71) 375 28 08
50 - 138 Wrocław
e-mail: wroclaw@elsa.org.pl
homepage: www.wroclaw.elsa.org.pl
Wrocław is one of the biggest and most popular
cities in Poland. It is based in the south-western
part of the country.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Wroclaw, as a capital of Lower Silesia, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. It is
situated at the bottom of Sudety mountains, upon the Odra River. Being crossed with many side
streams of the river, it is known for its 12 islands and over one hundred bridges. As Poland's fourth
largest city, with the population of 700000 inhabitants, Wroclaw is a center of industry,
communications, transport, education, and the arts. A great medieval architecture of Wroclaw reveals
its interesting history. Wroclaw belongs to the biggest university centres in the country. The city‘s
intellectual life is focused around 13 academic schools including Wroclaw University and technical
University. But the city is not only valued for its historical and architectural attributes. It is perhaps
best known throughout Poland as ―the meeting place‖. An impressive number of various clubs, inns
and pubs accumulated around the centre create a vivid ambiance, and brings here many students and
visitors from all around the world. The weather conditions are: temperate, but still probably the
warmest town in Poland when it‘s summer, and pretty snowy during the winter.
Social highlights and Sights:
Wroclaw is a town never to be board of. As a multicultural metropolis it attracts not only with a great
number of architectural wonders, exhibitions and regular tourist places but also offers many different
festivals, concerts and cultural events. As for the cultural attractions One of the cultural attractions is
certainly the Panorama of Raclawice, a gigantic rotunda accommodating a 120 metres wide and 15
metres high panoramic, painting which is a must when visiting Wroclaw, represents the battle of
Raclawice fought on 7 April 1794. The city with its charming historical centre, parks, good
restaurants, hotels and friendly people is a pleasant place to visit.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Wroclaw Internet Service: http://www.wroclaw.pl/ms/english/
Wroclaw University: http://www.uni.wroc.pl/
Faculty of Law, Administration and Economy: http://www.prawo.uni.wroc.pl/
124
ELSA Republic of Macedonia
NG / City
Name of Group:
ELSA Republic of Macedonia
Founded in: 1997
E-mail:
dirbilateral_elsa_rm@yahoo.com
Website: www.elsa-rm.org.mk
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Macedonia‘s capital is a synthesis of old and new, of antiquity, modernity and a future rich with
possibility. In its varied architecture, the city of Skopje attests to a long history of great civilizations
and turbulent events. Here one can find sleek modern hotels above cobblestone Ottoman streets,
stately neoclassical homes right around the corner from grand old Yugoslav-era buildings, chic cafes,
shopping malls and brightly-colored new offices, as well as the more humble brickwork of Byzantine
churches. The world‘s best cities all contain at least one secluded natural escape. Skopje has two – a
long, tree-lined park along the river, and the forested hills of Mt. Vodno, which overlooks the city
from the southwest and offers excellent hiking and wilderness serenity within walking distance of
downtown Skopje. The summit of Mt. Vodno is also crowned by the enormous Millennium Cross
that presides over the city. From here one gets even more magnificent views of Macedonia‘s capital.
Social highlights and Sights:
Old Railway station – first railway station on the Balkans, and at that time was the most beautiful
facility on the Balkans; the monument of Mother Teresa; The house of Mother Teresa; the Stone
Bridge – monumental building in the centre of the city, and the most striking monument in our
country and on the Balkans, built in the beginning of the VI century; Daut Pasin Amam – monument
of
the
Islamic
architecture
from
the
XV
century;
the church St. Spas, built at the end of the XVII century, and place were the relics of the great
Macedonian
Revolutionary
Goce
Delcev
are
kept
(1872-1903);
the Fortress Kale – the most outstanding tourist attraction of the city Skopje;
Old Skopje market place.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.mnr.gov.mk, www.sep.gov.mk, www.gov.mk, www.exploringmacedonia.com
125
ELSA Romania
ELSA Bucharest – ELSA Cluj Napoca – ELSA Constanta – ELSA Craiova – ELSA Iasi – ELSA Oradea
– ELSA Sibiu – ELSA Timisoara
ELSA Bucharest
LG / City
Bucharest
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Bucharest
Founded in: 1990
Permanent contact information
bucuresti@elsa.ro
Geographical data
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Location: Wallachia, southeast Romania.
Population: 2,354,510 (city).
Ethnic mix: 97.5% Romanian, 1.4% Gypsy, 0.3% Hungarian, 0.19% German, 0.16% Jewish, 0.09%
Serbian, 0.05% Russian, 0.04% Greek, 0.03% Turkish, 0.03% Armenian, 0.3% other minorities,
including mainly Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Poles, Tartars, Czechs, Slovaks and Croats.
Religion: 96.5% Greek Orthodox, 1.4% Roman Catholic, 0.4% Greek Catholic, 0.1% Protestant, 1.6%
other minorities including Unitarian, Jewish and Muslim.
Time zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Average January temp: - 2.4°C (28°F).
Average July temp: 22.8°C (73°F).
Annual rainfall: 530mm (21 inches).
Social highlights and Sights:
1.Museums: The National Museum of Fine Arts, The Geological Museum, The National History
Museum, The "Grigore Antipa" Museum of Natural History
2. Sights: The Palace of the Parliament, Victoria Palace, Romanian House of the Senat
3. Events: European Film Festival, National Theatre Festival, DAKINO Film Festival,
International Jazz Festival,
4. Spare time&nightlife: The Beer Wagon, Manuc Inn, Cismigiu Gardens, Kristal Glam Club,
Green Hours 22 Club Jazz Café, The Office, Jukebox
126
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
1. www.mae.ro – the site of the Foreign Affaires Ministry
2. www.bucuresti.ro
ELSA Cluj-Napoca
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Cluj
Founded in: 1997
Permanent contact information (including e-mail
and Website):
http://www.cluj-napoca.elsa.ro
cluj-napoca@elsa.ro
Geographical data: Cluj-Napoca is situated in the
north western part of Romania, at the ―core‖ of the
historical province of Transylvania, at 330-430 m
altitude where three distinct physical- geographical
units: the Western Carpathians, the Somes plateau and
the Transylvanian lowland join.
Description
Cluj-Napoca lies on the two banks of the Somesul Mic river – one of the important rivers of Romania,
being bordered by hills with heights between 500 and 830 m : Feleacu Hill – 759 m, Peana -832 m,
Hoia Hill – 507 m. Annual air temperature variation is specific of the moderate continental climate,
having the maximum value in July (average temperature 18,2 C), and the maximum one in January
(average temperature -2,4 C). Administrative territory has a surface of 179,5 kmp. Population : over
400.000 inhabitants. The population of the city is 46,1 % of the total population of the Cluj County,
and 67,9 % of the urban population.
Tourist attractions:
The building of the Ethnographical Museum of Transylvania, the Tailors‘ Bastion, the Old Palace of
the City Hall, the building of the National Art Museum ( Banffy Palace), the National Museum of
Transylvanian History, the National Theatre and the Romanian Opera House, the monument of
Mathias Corvinus (son of the Romanian leader Iancu de Hunedoara and of Elisabeta Szilagy; born in
Cluj, King of Hungary between 1458-1490), the Statue of ―Lupa Capitolina with Romulus and
Remus‖, symbol of Latinity, a present made by Rome to our municipality, the Memorandists‘
monument – dedicated to the fight of the Transylvanian Romanian for national freedom, so as to pay
homage to their leaders who were sentenced in Cluj in 1894.
Spare time and nightlife: Bowling Club, Club Fullton, Club Diesel, Obsession Club, Euphoria,
Kharma, Q Caffe, Mozart Caffe, Napoca 15, Caffe River, Vanilla, Quo Vadis Caffe.
Useful links: www.clujnapoca.ro , www.cluj4all.com/
127
ELSA Constanta
LG / City - Constanta
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Constanta
Founded in: 2000
Permanent contact information
(including e-mail and Website)
- elsa-cta@yahoogroups.com
Geographical data
Constanta is located in a region of
Romania called Dobrogea
(http://www.dobrogea.ro) which is the
land between the Danube River to the
west and Black Sea to the east. The
history of the city goes back to 657 BC
when it was the Greek controlled town
of Tomis
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
According to the 2002 census, the population of Constanţa city proper (the Municipality) was 310,471.
Constanţa has four distinct seasons: the summer is warm, dry and sunny, the autumn starts late
September and it's long and relatively warm, the winter is much balmier compared to other cities and
spring arrives early but it's very cool. In the vicinity there are mineral springs, and the sea-bathing also
attracts many visitors in summer. The chief local industries are tanning and the manufacture of
petroleum drums. Mamaia is a beach resort immediately to the north.
Social highlights and Sights:
Sights: Constanta Casino, Army Club, Palace of Justice, Greek Church, Great Mosque, Roman Catholic
Cathedral
Museums: Museum of National History and Archaeology, Museum of Romanian Folk Art, Museum of
Art, The Naval Museum, Military History Museum, Natural History Museum — includes Aquarium
and
Plannetarium
Arts / Shows: Drama Theater, Ballet Theater, Ovidius Theater, Fantasio — Dance Theater, Marionette
Theater
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.turism-constanta.ro
www.constanta.ro
128
ELSA Craiova
LG/City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Craiova
Founded in: 1996
http://craiova.elsa.ro
craiova@elsa.ro
Geographical data
Located in the south-west of
Romania, at a distance of
250km from the capital city of
Romania, Bucharest.
Craiova, the former citadel Pelendava on the Jiu plain, has gained a specific social and economical life
being known as Craiova more before the first documentary testimonial on the 1st of June 1475 by
Laiota Basarab Waivode. Craiova become later the chair of Kingship for the "Craiovesti", the place
were Mihai Viteazu, for a short time, was the first King of Walachia, Moldavia and Transylvania; from
these places Tudor Vladimirescu gathered his brave soldiers (pandours) and still here the first interim
government of the 1848 revolutionaries has found ephemerally lodging. The people of the citadel took
part in the national emancipation struggle, and, then, in the Romanian nation affirmation: 1859 - the
modern Romanian state, 1877/1878 - state independence, 1918 - Romanian unitary national state.
The educational of all degrees is running in 174 institutions, in the educational process being 70,000
peoples,
around
20,000
students
and
7,200
children
in
the
kindergardens.
The cultural dimension of contemporary Craiova is displayed by prodigious institutions like: The
National Theater, The University, The Lyric Theater "Elena Theodorini", The Theater for Children
and Youth "Colibri", "Oltenia" Philarmonic, The "Oltenia" Museum, The Art Museum, The Memorial
Museums "Traian Demetrescu" and "Elena Farago", etc.
Useful Links :
http://www.craiova.ro/craiova/servlet/portal?actionCommand=Welcome&lang=en
http://www.primariacraiova.ro/
http://www.craiova.ro/
http://www.mae.ro – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
129
ELSA Iasi
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Iasi
Founded in: 2000
Permanent contact information:
http://www.iasi.elsa.ro/
E-mail:iasi@elsa.ro
Geographical data
Size: 37 sq. miles (96 sq. kilometers) Elevation:
312 ft. (105 meters)
The county lies on a plain between the Siret River
and the Prut River. Also the Bahlui river (the city
of Iaşi lies on its banks) and Jijia River crosses the
county.
Town, capital of Iasi County. It is located on Bahlui River sides, at the intersection of the Central
Moldavian Plateau with Moldavia‘s Plain; 349,605 inhabitants (2001); Inhabited since: 400 BC First
documented: 1387 AD.The climate is temperate-continental, characteristic to the Central Europe (hot
summers, cold winters), very distinct seasons, abundant snowfalls.
Tourist attractions:
The Culture Palace, built by architect I. Berindei, in a Neo-gothic style. A network of 36 through
impressive halls and corridors; Cantacuzino-Pascanu Palace, today hospital; the Old University (the
former Callimachi Palace) was first the Treasurer Ion Cantacuzino‘s home, and later was bought by the
authorities, and offered to the Ruler Alexandru Callimachi; Golia Monastery Church; Galata Monastery
Church; Three Hierarchs Monastery; the Princely Church; the Metropolitan Cathedral; the Roman
Catholic Cathedral; many churches from the 18th-19th centuries, interesting both due to the
architecture, and their paintings; memorial houses – George Toparceanu, Otilia Cazimir; Memorial
Museums – Mihail Kogalniceanu, Mihail Sadoveanu; the Etnography Museum; relevant architecture for
the 19th century – the University, Canta House, Bals House, Ghica House, Gane House, Alexandru
Ioan Cuza Palace etc.; Dosoftei House; Copou Park; Botanical Garden etc.
And for those young at heart Iasi has a wide variety of clubs( XS, Qvinta,Byblos,Sundays...)two malls
(Iulius Malll and Moldova Mall) plus bars,pubs,swimming pools and anything you can think of..
Useful Links
AIRPORT.6 km from the city centre. Transport is provided by TAROM.. Tel: 0232.271.570. TAROM
Office:
2,
Arcu
Street,
tel:
0232.217.027,
0232.267.768.
http://www.tarom.ro/romana/index.php
RAILWAY STATION.2 km away from downtown. Information on tel: 0232.215.600. CFR Office: 911, Piata Unirii, tel: 0232.242.620
http://www.cfr.ro/calatori/
130
ELSA Oradea
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Oradea
Founded in: 1997
Permanent
contact
information
oradea@elsa.ro
Adress: Str. Gen. Magheru nr. 26 cam
308
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Location:Western Romania (County: Bihor), at the junction of the roads connecting Central and
Northern Europe with South-eastern part of the continent, 10 km away from Bors, the biggest customhouse on the Western border.
Size: 13.5 sq. miles (35 sq. kilometers), Elevation: 492 ft. (150 meters)
Population: 230,000 - Population ethnic structure 70.3% Romanians, 27.6% Hungarians, 2.1% Other
(Germans, Jews, Slovaks, Gypsies, etc.)
Population religious structure 59% Orthodox, 3.3% Greek-Catholic, 11.2% Roman-Catholic, 16.3%
Neo-Protestant, 3.6% Baptist, 4.6% Pentecostal, 2% Other
Inhabited since: 300 BC. First documented: 1113 AD.
Time Zone: Seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (GMT + 2)
Climate: Temperate, four distinct seasons: pleasant temperatures during Spring and Fall, hot Summers,
cold Winters
Social highlights and Sights:
1. Main Attractions
Museums: Cris Museum; Arts / Shows: State Drama Theater, Puppets Theater; Other: The Fortress of
Oradea, Episcopal Palace, Black Eagle Palace, The Roman-Catholic Cathedral, Moon Church Cathedral
of the Orthodox Diocese in Oradea, Lotus Market, Crisu Market; Clubs & Bars: Lords, Down Town,
Escape, Heat, Bali, Chanson, Blue Monday, Irish Pub, Columbus, Ciuperca
2. Nearby Attractions
Baile Felix Spa (4 miles), Baile 1 Mai Spa (5 miles), Ruins of the Earthen Fortress in Biharea (8 miles),
Town of Barsa (20 miles), Village of Botfei (30 miles), Moneasa Spa (40 miles),
3. Annual Events, October: Wine Festival, Beer Fest — Beer Producers Show, Traditional Handicrafts
Fair
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
1. www.oradea.ro
2. www.romaniatourism.com/orade
131
ELSA Sibiu
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Sibiu
Founded in:
14 October 1996
E-mail: elsasibiu@gmail.com
Website: www.sibiu.elsa.ro
Geographical data: The City of
Sibiu/Hermannstadt is situated in the Eastern
Europe, in the center of Romania at the
crosspoint of the 45°48' parallel, northern
latitude with the 24°29' meridian eastern
longitude.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Sibiu/Hermannstadt is located in the South of Transylvania, on the northern slopes of the Carpathian
Mountains (Fagaras, Lotru and Cibin ranges), 413 meters above sea level. The city, which is the capital of
the County of Sibiu, enjoys a mild climate.
Sibiu, a city of 170,000 people, seems quite large for its population, even though most tourists won't have
to venture outside the conveniently-walkable city central area. In fact, try to walk as much as you can, as
only in this way can you sample Sibiu's more remote gems, hidden behind lanes in the middle of the city
and crooked, cobbled alleys taking you a step back in history.
Social highlights and Sights:
The Council Tower was built in the 13th century being the first time mentioned in a document dated
1370. Its name is related to the next building, which was the first Town Hall of the city. The tower became
the entrance gate of the second fortified walls. Nowdays it is one of the city's landmarks.
The first iron-cast bridge in Romania built in 1859 over the street that connects the upper town to the
lower town.
The Complex of ASTRA Museums group together ethnography and anthropology museums: Electricity
Museum ,The Village Life Museum, Museum of Transylvanian Civilization and Museum of Saxon
Ethnography ―Emil Sigerus‖, Museum of Non-European Etnography,Steam Locomotives‘ Museum
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.sibiu2007.ro
132
ELSA Timisoara
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Timisoara
Founded in:
1996
Permanent contact information (including email and Website)
www.timisoara.elsa.ro
e-mail : timisoara@elsa.ro
Geographical data
Timisoara is the most western like Romanian
city, situated within 40 miles from Hungary
and Serbia alike.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
This city prides itself with its elegant baroque squares, churches of many faiths and a pedestrian only,
downtown being an excellent place to wind down. You'll find a mind-boggling selection of beer patios,
cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. Timisoara should be a reference point of a tolerant place, of a
community with higher purpose because it is also a place for ethnic diversity.
Social highlights and Sights:
- The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral(1936-1940) was designed by a renowned architect in
keeping with the traditional Romanian architecture of the Moldavian style.
- The Banat Museum "The Huniade Castle", built in the 15th century; rebuilt in
1856 Iancu de Hunedoara Square
- Old City Hall (1731-1734) erected on the foundations of a former Turkish Bath
- The "Baroque Palace" ("The President's Residence", 1733)The Union Square
- The Dicasterial Palace (1855-1860) Strada Eugeniu de Savoia
- The National Theatre (1872-1875) Victory Square
- The Roman Catholic Cathedral (the Dome) was built in 1736 by the Viennese architect Fischer
von Erlach junior.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.mae.ro – the site of the Foreign Affaires Ministry; www.timisoara.ro
133
ELSA Russia
ELSA Bashkortostan – ELSA Izhevsk – ELSA Kaliningrad – ELSA Samara – ELSA Saratov – ELSA
St.Petersburg – ELSA Tatarstan – ELSA Veliky Novgorod
ELSA Bashkortostan
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Bashkortostan
E-mail: ELSA-bash@yahoogroups.com
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/ Social highlights and Sights:
Ufa is one of the Russia‘s largest cities with the population of over 1mln people. It is the capital of the
sovereign democratic republic of Bashkortostan. What makes Ufa peculiar is the combination of old
architecture being live history and the rhythm of metropolis, which is reflected in modern buildings. It‘s
a truly multi-faceted city.
Places of interest:
The Monument of Friendship, The Salavat Yulaev Monument (it is located on the high bank of the
Aghidel river, and the view opening from this place is just marvelous), The Bashkir State Opera and
Ballet House (staging nearly all famous operas and ballets and by all means worth visiting), The Youth
Theatre, The Russian Drama Theatre, The Bashkir Academic Drama Theatre, variety of parks with all
kinds of monuments, alleys and all that refreshing stuff.
Following the collapse of the Kazan Khanate, Bashkiria (now Bashkortostan) voluntarily joined the
Moscovite Russian State. The Bashkirs approached Tsar Ivan the Terrible with a request to construct a
fortress to protect the land. In summer 1574, a fortress on the high right bank of the Aghidel river was
founded. Nearly simultaneously the fortress started to be called "Ufa", most probably, derived from
ancient Turkish "ufak", meaning "small". As time went on, Ufa was turning from a service classinhabited fortress into political administrative and business centre of the area. After the Peasant revolt
of 1773-75 Ufa`s status of a fortress diminished and in 1802 Ufa became the principal town of the
province. The republic is one of the largest industrial centres thanks to the availability of rich natural
resources. In 1932 the first oil fountain burst forth, thus bringing life to various branches of industry
and forming the foundation of the republic's economic potential. During the WWII years Ufa became
one of the major cities with a multi-industrial economy. In 1949 the Council of Ministers of the
republic endorsed the Master Plan for Reconstruction and Development of the capital of
Bashkortostan. That date may be considered as the starting point of the present-day Ufa.
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Useful Links:
Home page about Bashkortostan: http://www.bashedu.ru/bashkortostan/bash_e.htm
ELSA Samara
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Samara
Founded in: 2006
E-mail: elsa_samara@mail.ru,
team-21@mail.ru
Website: www.elsa-russia.org
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/ Social highlights and Sights:
Samara is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It was founded by merchants in 1586. It developed
quickly and became one of the biggest cities on the Volga river. Now it is a famous industrial, cultural
and educational centre.
During the Second World War a lot of factories, plants and a part of government institutes were
evacuated in Samara. It was planed that Stalin and other soviet chiefs will remove to Samara. Specially
for them was build an underground command center. Now it is a museum « Bunker of Stalin».
A nature in Samara Region is really cool: Volga - the biggest and the most beautiful river in the
european part of Russia, Ghiguli Mountains, Ghigulevskij Reserve with rare plants, a lot of lakes.
Quay in Samara is the most beautiful one among the Volga cities and towns.
In Samara there are many enterprises of oil chemistry, machine engineering, food and light industry. A
major spacecomplex is based in Samara too. There is a biggest automobile plant in Russia «VAZ».
Samara is a busy city with heavy traffic. The underground was found in 1987.
Samara is a city where you can see history and beauty in stone. There are many old buildings of
different periods of architecture, including classicism, gothic, modern. The old cathedrals of Samara
have been restored and some new ones are being built.
Time by train from Moscow and St. Petersburg:
From Moscow 16-18 hours, from St. Petersburg 34-35 hours. In Samara you can see the most
beautiful and the most comfortable modern railway station in Russia.
Nearest airports:
Samara has its own airport. You can travel to almost every european city from the Samara airport.
Useful Links:
Home page about Samara: www.samara.ru
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ELSA Saratov
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Saratov
Founded in: 2001
E-mail: elsa-saratov-sv@yandex.ru
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The Saratov region is a unique historical and cultural region of Russia. It was established as a fortress
in the summer of 1590.
In this city you can strongly feel the connection of the past and future. Here, in Muzeinaya square,
there is a memorial of architecture, the Saint-Trinity Cathedral (Syvato-Troitskiy Sobor), built in the
late 17th-early 18th century. Not far from Sokolovaya Mountain, where there is a memory of Peter I
and Yemelyan Pugachov. Together with the Volga, the city moves in constant motion it expands
buildings, organizes public services and amenities and develops industry, science and culture.
Saratov is famous for: the first National Circus which was established in 1873; the third conservatory
in Russia in 1912; the tenth university in 1909; the first theatre for children in 1918 where founded in
Saratov; and the Radishchev Museum which was opened in 1885 there was not an art gallery accessible
for everyone in Russia.
Here on the bank of Volga Yuri Gagarin, a student of the Saratov aeroclub and industrial secondary
technical school, took his first flight. Amazingly, he "descended" precisely to the Saratov land after his
legendary flight in space.
During trip to this amazing city one can see: Governmental Institutions - District Court of Saratov,
Government, Saratov State Academy of Law and Saratov State University; Museums - Radishchev
Museum, Study of local lore museum; Night life - ARS club, Jumanji club, Grand Michel club, Duma
club. And main sightseeing attractions: Conservatory, Prospect Kirova Street (like famous Arbat
Street in Moscow), Sokolovaya Mountain with Victory Park and etc.
Useful Links:
Different aspects of Saratov life: http://www.sgtpp.renet.ru/region/eng_geograph.html
Home page of Saratov Government: http://saratov.gov.ru//index.html?lang=en
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ELSA Tatarstan
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Tatarstan
Founded in: 2006
E-mail: elsa-tatrstan@mail.ru
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/ Social highlights and Sights:
Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, one of the regions of Russia. It is situated at the North-West of
Tatarstan. The city has stretched along two banks of the Kazanka river – at its influx to the Volga.
Kazan is one of the oldest cities in Russia. In august 2005 it celebrated its millennium. It is a famous
industrial, cultural and educational centre.
Kazan is a city where you can see history and beauty in stone. There are many old buildings of different
periods of architecture, including classicism, gothic, modern. The city is a place of residence of 1.2 mln
people and more than 100 nationalities and it combines the unity of two parts – the East and the West
with great harmony. This fact explains diversity of confessional and religious associations located on its
territory: Moslems, Christians and some others.
Capital of Tatarstan refers to class ―A‖ (like Moscow and St-Petersburg) by its historical-cultural value
and heritage preservation. Kazan Kremlin is on the list of ―World Heritage‖ monuments of the
UNESCO. And main sightseeing attractions: M. Dzhalil Tatar Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, G.
Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre, Kul Sharif Mosque, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Raifskii
monastery, and etc.
During trip to this beautiful city one can see: Governmental Institutions - Constitutional Court of the
Tatarstan, Arbitration court of Tatarstan, High Court of Tatarstan, The Council of Ministers, Kazan
State University; Museums - A.M.Gorky Literature Memorial Museum, Kazan State University History
Museum, RT (Republic Tatarstan) Communication History Museum, Academicians Arbuzovs HouseMuseum; Night life - Doctor club, The Hermitage, Arena club, Jolly Roger, Sahara club and etc.
Useful Links:
Home page about Kazan: http://www.kazan1000.ru
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ELSA Serbia
ELSA Belgrade – ELSA Kragujevac – ELSA Nis – ELSA Novi Sad
ELSA Belgrade
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Belgrade
Founded in: 1987
E-mail :
elsabelgrade@yahoo.com
strale.elsa@hotmail.com
Website: www.elsa.org.yu
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
ELSA Belgrade is one of the four local groups that form ELSA Serbia & Montenegro. The oldest
and the biggest of all four Local Groups, ELSA Belgrade is trying to live up to its reputation by its
projects and accomplishments and to be central Local Group of National organization. The
residence of our local group is on The Faculty of Law in Belgrade, 67 Kralja Aleksandra Boulevard,
and the area of our practice is The City of Belgrade. Belgrade (Beograd) is the capital of Serbia,
having about 1,6 million inhabitants. It is located in the south-east of Europe, in the Balkan
Peninsula, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe
and since ancient times it has been an important traffic focal point, an intersection of the roads of
Eastern and Western Europe. Belgrade is the capital of Serbian culture, education, science and
economy. As a result of its tumultuous history, many nations live in Belgrade for centuries, and the
majority of the population make Serbs (86%) of Orthodox persuasion. The official language is
Serbian, while foreigners are recommended to use English in communication.The climate in
Belgrade is moderate continental, with an average daily temperature of 11.4oC.Belgrade is in the
Central European Time (CET) zone (GMT+1 hour). Summer time counting lasts from end of
March until end of October (GMT+2 hour).
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ELSA Kragujevac
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Kragujevac
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: tijanarosic@yahoo.com
Geographical data: The City of Kragujevac
is placed in the hart of Serbia in the place
called Sumadija (Forestland).
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Kragujevac was founded in 1476. The history of the city is rich with events that changed the course
of the history, economy and culture of this part of the world and the Balkans. The history of our
city runs deeper than the history of the capital City of Belgrade. After a lot of wars, during which it
has been devastated many times, the city began to prosper in 1818 when Prince Miloń Obrenović
proclaimed it the capital of the new Serbian State, and began to lay first foundations of Serbia. The
first Constitution was proclaimed here in 1835 and the first idea of independent electoral
democracy. Apart from the political influence of the time, Kragujevac became the cultural and
educational centre of the state. Most important institutions built were: The First Grammar School
(Lyceum), the first Pharmacy, the first theatre and the first printing press...Today, Kragujevac is far
away from the position it used to have, but its true potential which lies in an opportunity to become
a student centre of the region, still exists.
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ELSA Nis
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Nis
Founded in: 1987
E-mail: elsa_nis@yahoo.com
Geographical data:
The City of Nis layed on the river of
Nisava and present the crossroad
between the west and east, the rest of the
Europe and Middle east.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
The city of Niń was founded as a Roman settlement called Naissus. It was a birthplace of the
famous Emperor Constantine, founder of Constantinople, and on the outskirts of the city there is
an archeological site with ruins. Strategic position of Niń, on a crossroad between the west and the
east, the rest of the Europe and Middle East, has always provided it with a significant role in trade,
economy and politics. Niń of today is, as I said, a developed cultural, economic and university center
of Serbia. It is the second biggest city in our country, with over 300.000 inhabitants, 14 000 of it students at ten faculties of Niń‘s University. There are a lot of cultural events going on throughout
the year – exhibitions, theatre plays, film festivals, presentations and performances, primarily offered
at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Gallery 77 (Museum of Modern Art), Gallery ―Serbia‖,
National Theatre, and what makes us in ELSA very happy – Students‘ Club at the Faculty of Law,
where we participate in creation of the cultural life of Niń.. Second is the biggest jazz festival in this
part of Europe, with decades of tradition. Niń is a center when it comes to our judiciary system as
well. We havethe Municipal Court, The Commercial Court, The County Court and The Appellate
Court. Also, High Military Court was situated here before matters concerning the Military were
transferred into the jurisdiction of civil courts. Being on a crossroad, it is very easy to access – you
can choose to use a highway, a railway or an airport. The climate in Niń is temperate-continental
with average temperatures going from -0,2˚C in winter to 21,2˚C during summer and with not much
of precipitation, which makes it great for being outdoor during most of the year. Just 20 minutes
walk from the city center, Nińava‘s bank is wild and unspoiled – perfect for jogging, biking or a
quick escape from the city jostling. Then, just 15 minutes by city bus line away, there is Nińka Banja,
a spa with thermo-mineral water.
140
ELSA Novi Sad
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Novi Sad
Founded in: 1987
E-mail: elsa_novisad@yahoo.com
Website: www.elsans.org
Geographical data: Novi Sad is located in the southern part
of Europe, on the left bank of the river Danube
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate/Social highlights and Sights:
Novi Sad is located in the southern part of Europe, on the left bank of the river Danube as the
capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. It was established 300 years
ago, namely in 1694, although first archaeological findings revealed the traces of settlements dating
even earlier than 3000 years BC. On February 1st, 1748 the Empress Maria Theresa announced the
proclamation of the "free royal city" which she named Novi Sad, in Serbian, or Neoplanta - in Latin,
Uj-vidégh- in Hungarian and Neusatz- in German. In the middle of the 19th century, being still
under the Austro-Hungarian rule, on the border with the Turkish Empire, Novi Sad grew into a
significant economic centre anda cultural, national and political centre of all the Serbs and that is
why poets called it the Serbian Athens. People who live here are very proud of this nickname. It is
the city of culture, museums, galleries, libraries and theatre.
Today Novi Sad is economic, cultural, science, education, health and administrative center with
more than 350 000 inhabitants
Novi Sad University was established in 1960. It has 13 faculties today, several schools of advanced
learning and academies of pedagogy.
There is a saying that in Novi Sad, because of the traditional hospitality, famous gourmet,
abundance of food, wine, music and many good restaurants – is not easy to be a guest! Additional
information about Novi Sad can be found at the web presentation of Tourist Information Center of
Novi Sad at www.novisadtourism.com.
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ELSA Slovakia
ELSA Banska Bystrica – ELSA Bratislava – ELSA BVŃP – ELSA Końice – ELSA Trnava
ELSA Bratislava
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Bratislava
Founded in: 1990
E-mail: vpsc@ba.elsa.sk
Website: http://flaw.uniba.sk/
Geographical data: west part of Slovakia, capital
city of Slovakia
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate: Bratislava is one of the youngest
capitals in Europe and few people know that during the time it was called Pressburg or Pozsony it was
one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was a mixing pot of various
nations and nationalities who lived together in peace and harmony. There is a saying that a true
‗Pressburgian‘ speaks four languages: Slovak, German, Hungarian and Mishmash. Even as recently as
the 1980s you might hear how older Pressburgians in the street would say two words in German, two
in Hungarian and two in Slovak all in the space of one sentence. That is what we mean by
―mishmash‖. Bratislava‘s location on the banks of the River Danube and at the crossroads of ancient
trading routes right at the heart of Europe predestined it to become a meeting point of various
cultures. It was the home of the Celts, the Romans, and the Slavs ... The reign of Maria Theresa is
regarded as a golden era in the city‘s history. She was crowned Queen of Hungary in St. Martin‘s
cathedral in Pressburg, just like the 10 other kings and 8 royal partners over the course of 300 years
when Pressburg was in fact the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. Nowadays Bratislava is
experiencing a boom once more. Buildings are popping up, deals being made, people studying, and
everything is on the move. Experts regard it as one of the most dynamically developing and most
prospective regions in Europe. It welcomes tourists, business people, and investors, who are attracted
to this blooming city and its lively atmosphere.
Social highlights and Sights: Bratislava is justly considered as the city of music. In the past, the giants
of music like Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel acted here. The present ballet and
opera of the Slovak National Theatre are world-known by their classical performances and brought up
the opera stars like Peter Dvorský, Lucia Popp or Edita Gruber. The historical buildings of the opera
of the Slovak National Theatre or the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra – Reduta are often used for the
organization of many cultural and social events. Besides music and opera in Bratislava are situated
more than 20 galleries with permanent expositions of the ancient and modern art and many interesting
temporary exhibitions. Among the cultural attractions can be seen the original „Passage― - the similar
one cannot be found anywhere in the world. Annually in Bratislava are held many cultural events.
Among them the best-known are Bratislava Music Festival (BHS), Bratislava Jazz Days (BJD), very
popular are the events held in exteriors. One of the most visited is Bratislava Coronation Ceremony.
The greatest event is still the magnificent celebration of New Year (New Year‘s Eve Party), having the
nickname „Welcome to Partyslava―.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.bratislava.sk www.flaw.uniba.sk www.skonline.sk www.dpb.sk
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ELSA Kosice
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Kosice
Founded in: 1993
E-mail: president@ke.elsa.sk
Website: ke.elsa.sk
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Końice is the second largest city in Slovakia. It is also the main center of the Końice self-governing
region, in which are concentrated the most attractive tourism destinations of Slovakia. Końice is
situated in the east of the country, just 20 kilometers from the Hungarian border, 90 kilometers from
the Ukraine, and 80 kilometers from the Polish border.
Social highlights and Sights:
It is home the most eastern Gothic cathedral in Europe - The cathedral of St. Elizabeth * Zoo Końice
covers the most land of any zoo in Central Europe - 288 hectares * The center of town is the largest
memorial reservation in Slovakia * The narrow rail children`s railway in the Cermel valley is the oldest
in Slovakia, and at this time the only one in operation * The Botanical Garden is the largest in Slovakia,
covering 30 hectares, and its collection of over 1000 types of cactus place it at the forefront of wolrd
botanical gardens * The Końice International Marathon of Peace is the second oldest in the world running since 1924 * Końice was the first town in the world to receive its own coat-of-arms - back in
the year 1369 * The oldest middle school in Central Europe was founded in Końice in 1872.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.mzv.sk
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ELSA Slovenia
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Ljubljana
Founded in: 1986
Permanent contact:
e-mail: elsa.ljubljana@uni-lj.si
homepage: http://www.elsa-ljubljana.org
Geographical data:
Situated in Ljubljana – the beautiful capital city of
Slovenia.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The University of Ljubljana is situated in the centre of Ljubljana near the main market, the castle and
the Dragon bridge. Ljubljana itself is situated in the centre of Slovenia meaning both the coast and the
alps are only a good hour drive away. The climate is mediteranean in the summer and almost alpine in
the winter.
Social highlights and Sights:
The main attractions in Ljubljana are located in the city centre and especially the old town. The most
notable attractions are the Ljubljana Castle (with its virtual museum in the tower), the Tripple Bridge,
the Dragon Bridge, the market, the National and University Library (NUK), the Tivoli, the Skyscraper
(used to be the tallest skyscraper in central Europe), Križanke and of course the Old Town itself. It is
also possible to see some of the remains of the old Roman city of Emona and visit the numerous
galeries and museums.
As far as social life is concerned there is plenty of bars, pubs and clubs in the city ranging from the
standard cafes and teahouses to theme and underground clubs (e.g. Metelkova). Ljubljana is very big
on jazz, so the jazz enthusiasts should not be surpirsed if they find themselves in a live jazz jam
session in the streets during the summer or in the jazz cafe (e.g. Gajo). There are also numerous open
air festivals and concerts.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Ljubljana tourism info: http://www.ljubljana.si
A free student-driven internet cafe: http://www.cyberpipe.org
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ELSA Spain
ELSA Barcelona – ELSA Cordóba – ELSA A Coruña – ELSA Valencia
ELSA Barcelona
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Barcelona
Founded in: 2005
E-mail: barcelona@elsaspain.org
Geographical data: Barcelona is located northeast of the Iberian peninsula, on the
Mediterranean coast.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
ELSA Barcelona is in ESADE University, Marqués de Mulhacén st., 60-62 (very close to the Thyssen
Bornemiza Museum in Pedralbes Monastery, metro: L3 Palau Reial). Barcelona, population 4 million,
has both sea and mountain. There are 36 museums, 40 theatres, and heaps of activities to enjoy
leasure. The weather is easy all year round, going form 8 ºC in winter to 38 ºC in summer. Barcelona
is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalunya, which implies a varied number of public
institutions and quite a lot of law-related activity.
Social highlights and Sights:
The Gaudi architecture (Pedrera and Batlló buildings, Sagrada Familia), the Gothic district and its
Cathedral, Ramblas st., Plaça Reial, Passeig de Gràcia, the Port Vell, the Barceloneta beach, the Güell
Park, the Born and Raval neighbourhood, Montjuic gardens, the Boquería market, and Feria de
Barcelona. Also, there are plenty of interesting museums: Piscasso, Miró, Modern Art, Contemporary
Art, The Pedrera Collection, Thyssen Bornemiza are some of the major ones.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
No visa required for Schengen and EU citizens
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ELSA Córdoba
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Córdoba
Founded in: 2007
E-mail: cordoba@elsaspain.org
Geographical data:
Córdoba is located in
the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula,
in the heart of the Autonomous Region
of Andalusia.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Cordoba is a city in Andalusia, Spain, the capital of the eponymous province, situated in a depression
on the banks of the Guadalquivir at the foot of Sierra Morena.
Today is a city of moderate size, however, the old city contains architectural reminders of when
Cordoba was the capital of Andalusia province during the Roman Empire and the Caliphate of
Cordoba during the Muslim period, which ruled much of Iberian peninsula. According to
archaeological evidence that the city seems to have reached about half a million people around the
tenth century, being the largest city, educated and affluent around the world. While the chroniclers of
the tenth century, so too came to say that the city had about one million inhabitants.
The mosques, libraries, baths and souks, abounded in the city, in gestation the foundations of
European renaissance. We are talking about a city in which, while Europe was plunged into darkness,
she revealed in the light of literature and the sciences, counting the city sewer and lighting during the
period of greatest glory Caliphate. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
in 1984, is a candidate for European City of Culture for 2016.
About the climate, Córdoba has a continental Mediterranean climate, with influences Atlantic. The
winters are mild, with some frost and summers are very hot, with significant fluctuations and daily
maximum temperatures are the highest in Europe, surpassing every year 40 ° C on many occasions.
Although the minimum are cooler, the mean temperature exceeds 27 ° C in July and August (the
highest in Spain and Europe). Rainfall is concentrated in the coldest months, due to that influence
Atlantic, as they are produced by the entry of storms from the west, a situation that occurs more in the
period from December to February, and has a strong summer drought, Typical of the Mediterranean
climates.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Spain is a country of the European Union, so it does not need special requirements.
146
ELSA A Coruña
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA A Coruña
Founded in: 1999
E-mail: acoruna@elsaspain.org
Geographical data:
A Coruña is located in the northwest of the
Iberian peninsula,on the Atlantic Coast
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The municipality of A Coruña lies in the extreme north west of Spain and forms part of the
autonomous region of Galicia. It is an Atlantic city with a moderate climate. The municipality covers a
surface area of 36.8 km2 with 243,785 inhabitants. Its average temperature is 14º C.
Social highlights and Sights:
A Coruña has various museums of great interest: the Fine Arts Museum, the Archaeological Museum,
the Museum of Mankind, the Science Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum and the Aquarium
Finisterrae, which all hold temporary and thematic exhibitions. The most visited of the city museums
is the Domus (Museum of Mankind), which since it opened in 1995, it has received over a million
visits.
The city also has 24 exhibition rooms, a very high figure for the population. The largest ones are the
Barrié de la Maza Foundation, the Luis Seoane Foundation, recently opened, and the municipal rooms
Kiosco Alfonso and the Town Hall, both of which have hosted all kinds of artistic exhibitions. The
promenade is at present 9 km long, one of the longest in Europe, and will reach a total length of 13
km when the last stages are finished. More information in www.aytolacoruna.es, specially for night life
and possibilities!!!
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Spain is a country of the European Union, so it does not need special requirements.
147
ELSA Valencia
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Valencia
Founded in: 1988
E-mail: jajorma@yahoo.es
* ELSA Valencia is not interested to make SV in
the year 2009
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Founded by the Romans in the year 138 BC Valencia has accumulated enormous wealth from all the
cultures which have resided here over the centuries ( Muslims, Goths …) . Stroll through Valencia and
feel the plurality and evolution of a city where prosperous historical tradition and recent and
innovative architecture stand side by side. The historic centre with its religious temples, Gothic
Barroque and Modernist monuments, the varied and renowned museums, the architectural projects
such as the city of Arts and Science, and the Conference Palace are but a few of the many attractions
which Valencia has to offer its visitors. This beautiful Mediterranean city enjoys a mild temperate
climate and offers a wealth of gastronomical delights, festivals and cultural events. Browse through the
site and find out everything you need to know about your stay.
Social highlights and Sights: Museums of the city: Casa Museo Blasco Ibáñez, Casa Museo Concha
Piquer, Casa Museo José Benlliure, Casa Museo Semana Santa Marinera, Galería del Tossal, IVAM Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno - Centro Julio González, L'Oceanogràfic, Museo Casa de las
Rocas, Museo del Arroz, Museo de Bellas Artes, Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Museo de Informática,
Museo de la Asociación Valenciana de Arte y Tecnología Eléctrica – ARTTEL, Museo de la Catedral,
Museo de la Ciudad, Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, Museo de Prehistoria y de las Culturas de
Valencia, Museo del Colegio Arte Mayor de la Seda, Museo del Gremio de Artistas falleros, Museo del
Juguete, Museo del Patriarca, Museo del Siglo XIX, Museo Fallero, Museo de Historia de la Medicina,
Museo de Historia de Valencia, Museo Histórico Militar, Museo Histórico Municipal, Museo Marítimo
Joaquín Saludes, Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales, Museo Municipal del 'Trenet', Museo
Nacional de Cerámica "González Martí", Museo Taurino, Museo Valenciano de Historia Natural,
MUVIM.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
No visa required for Schengen and EU citizens
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ELSA Sweden
ELSA Göteborg – ELSA Lund – ELSA Stockholm – ELSA Umeå – ELSA Uppsala
ELSA Göteborg
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Göteborg
E-mail: elsagoteborg@elsasweden.org
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Welcome to Gothenburg – the green city by the sea! Gothenburg is the second biggest city in
Sweden and is known as a large city with a small town atmosphere. It is located on Sweden‘s west
coast and have one of Sweden‘s largest harbours, which is for many a favourite spot in the city.
Gothenburg has many parks in which the students like to gather to study or have picnics. In the city
centre, just five minutes from the university, you will find Avenyn (the avenue) where lots of
restaurants and night-clubs are located.
Social highlights and Sights:
There is a special festival in Gothenburg, Göteborgs kalaset, that takes place during the second week of
august. During that week lots of concerts are being held around the city and pubs and restaurants
have stands in the central parts of the city. The local amusement park, Liseberg, is a definite must if
you are visiting the city. Another interesting highlight is the east Indiaman Götheborg which is now,
finally, finished. It is a replica of the famous ship that ran aground, loosing on its way in to
Gothenburg‘s harbour in 1745. Keen to check out Göteborg‘s nightlife? The city has a host of pubs,
clubs, discos and dance-floors to choose from. Here are some of the well-known places focusing on
different tastes, offering a wide selection of partying possibilities.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.goteborg.com, www.goteborgnoje.com/turist.htm, www.law.gu.se
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ELSA Lund
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Lund
Founded in: 1984
E-mail: elsalund@elsasweden.org
Website: www.elsasweden.org/lund/
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Welcome to Lund – the City of Ideas! Lund, situated in the centre of the attractive and expansive
Öresund region in southern Sweden, is one of the oldest cities in Sweden with a history more than
one thousand years old. Over the centuries it has earned a reputation for being a place where people
meet, and, today, more than ever, Lund is a meeting place for ideas and creativity. Lund is a city where
more than a thousand years of history are blended with modern knowledge and visions. Here one
finds the charms of the small town side by side with the temptations and comforts of the big city.
Social highlights and Sights:
Lund offers classical museums, art galleries and other sights. Theatres, music, lectures, inviting
restaurants and cafés - you will find them in the centre of Lund, all within walking distance. In the rich
selection of cultural experience the Cathedral is taking centre stage. It is considered Scandinavia´s
most distinguished cathedral in the Romanesque style and the construction began around 1100 AD.
Another of the sights worth seeing is the University Building which was completed in 1882. The
events in Lund are many and varied, with Lund´s strong tradition of comedy and farce making its
mark on many of them. Every four years, the students completely take over the city for the Lund
Carnival, to the delight of the other inhabitants of Lund. For three days in May, Lundagård is
transformed into a colourful carnival site. The next carnival will take place in 2006. If you feel like
dancing or just go out for a glas of wine or a beer, you will have plenty of nightclubs to choose from.
In Lund people know how to enjoy the good things in life - with more than 100 pubs, cafés and
restaurants, there is something to satisfy everyone's taste!
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.lund.se/ Lund‘s official website
www.jur.lu.se/ The University‘s website for the department of law
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ELSA Stockholm
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Stockholm
E-mail: elsastockholm@elsasweden.org
Website: www.elsasweden.org/stockholm/
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Welcome to Stockholm and one of the world's most beautiful capitals! Built on 14 islands around one
of Europe's largest and best-preserved mediaeval city centres, the Swedish capital is superbly
positioned, with stunning and extremely varied scenery in every direction. Stockholm is a city of
contrasts - water and islands, history and innovation, small town and big city, short winter days and
long, light summer nights - with a dazzling array of impressions. Thanks to the city's compact size,
you can see and do most things in a short space of time - which makes it a perfect destination for city
breaks or longer stays, all the year round.
The climate in Stockholm is extremely varied and every season has its particular charm.
Temperatures: Winter: from +2 to - 7C (36 to 19F), Spring: between +5 and 15C (41 to
59F).Summer: 20-25C (68 to 77F) or warmer, Autumn: between +5 and 18C (41 to 64F)
Social highlights and Sights:
Stockholm offers a wealth of museums, theatres, sights, attractions and events, whether your interest
lies in history, art, opera, modern dance, traditional handicraft, contemporary design or virtually
anything else. Among some of the highlights is Kulturhuset, Stockholm‘s centre for photography, art,
multimedia, fashion, music, dance and theatre. Skansen – an open-air museum and a zoo for the whole
family and Gröna Lund – an amusement park. Stockholm really is a beautiful town and one should not
forget to visit the old town.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.stockholmtown.com Stockholm‘s official website
www.juridicum.su.se the University‘s website for the department of law
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ELSA Umeå
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Umeå
E-mail: elsa.umea@gmail.com,
Website: www.incognita.se/elsa/
Geographical data: 600 km north of
Stockholm, Sweden
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Umeå is the largest city in northern Sweden, with shopping, entertainment and adventure in unspoiled
breathtaking nature within close reach. Umeå University is one of Sweden‘s largest bases of learning
with over 25 000 students. Sixteen flights operate between Stockholm and Umeå every day. Cool
winters and warm summers offers a wide range of season related sport and leisure activities. The
average daytime temperature in the summer is the same as in StockholmThe city offers world-class art,
drama, films, industries, music festivals and research.
Useful Links:
www.visitumea.se,
www.umu.se
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ELSA Uppsala
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Uppsala
E-mail: elsauppsala@elsasweden.org
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Welcome to Uppsala - the city of learning and inspiration! The city of Uppsala is Sweden's fourth
largest municipality located 70 km north of Stockholm. Perhaps best known for its 15th century
university which was the first university in the Nordic countries, the city also offers visitors beautiful
surroundings, a lively cultural scene and a rapidly expanding business sector. Uppsala has 180 000
inhabitants and among them 40 000 are students. The Fyris River flows through the beautiful city and
the many parks is perfect for a picnic during springtime. The best time to visit Uppsala is MarchOctober.
Social highlights and Sights:
As a visitor in Uppsala you shouldn‘t miss the Dome. One started to build the church in 1260 but not
until 175 years later the church was finished. The result was not only the biggest church in Scandinavia
but also one of the most beautiful churches in Sweden! Many famous Swedish personalities, such as
Carl von Linne´ and King Gustav Vasa are buried in the Dome. Another monument is the Castle of
Uppsala. From the castle hill you will have a great view of Uppsala. The castle is built in the middle of
the 16th century by king Gustav Vasa. There are guided tours about the history of the castle and in one
of the towers you can visit Uppsala´s art museum. In the city centre you will find pleasant outdoor
cafés, open-air markets, attractive shops and many pubs and restaurants that bring the city to life – the
whole year round! The best parties in Uppsala take place at clubs run by students, called nationer. Since
you can choose between 13 nationer there is one for every occasion. Normally the pubs at the nationer
are open every day and from Tuesday- Saturday there are a disco at, at least one of nationerna. During
daytime most of the nationer offers coffee and home-baked cakes.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.uppland.nu/ - Uppsala‘s official website, www.jur.uu.se/ - University‘s website
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ELSA Switzerland
ELSA Basel – ELSA Bern – ELSA Fribourg – ELSA Geneva – ELSA Lausanne – ELSA Luzern – ELSA
Neuchâtel – ELSA St. Gallen – ELSA Zurich
ELSA Geneva
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Geneva
Founded in: 1994
E-mail: elsage@droit.unige.ch
Website: www.unige.ch/elsa
Geographical data: Geneva – Switzerland
(46°12 North, 6°09' East)
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Average temperatures: winter 10°C (50°F); summer 23°C (73°F). All major cities in less than 2 hours'
reach by plane. At the hub of Europe's highway network. Shortest commuting time from office or
home to airport. It is surrounded by two mountain chains, the Alps and the Jura. The Canton has only
a 4.5 km border with the rest of Switzerland; out of a total of 107.5 km of borders, the remaining 103
are shared with France, with the Départment de l'Ain to the North and the Département de la HauteSavoie to the South.
Social highlights and Sights:
La Rade de Genčve; Le Jet d'eau; L'Horloge fleurie; La Catédrale Saint-Pierre; Le Mur des
Réformateurs; La Place Neuve; Le Palais des Nations; La Place du Bourgde-Four.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.geneve.ch, www.geneve- tourisme.ch, www.geneve- tourisme.ch/nightlife,
www.ville-ge.ch,
www.leguide.ch,
www.igeneve.ch,
www.unireso.ch,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /Geneva, http://wikitravel.org/en /Geneva
www.tpg.ch,
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ELSA Luzern
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Luzern
Founded in: 2002
E-mail: luzern@elsaworld.ch
Website: www.elsa-luzern.ch
Geographical data: Heart of Switzerland
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Lucerne is situated at the end of the Lake Lucerne at 436 meters above sea level, and nestled between
gently rolling hillsides. Warm and cold temperatures are fairly well balanced with the changing seasons.
Social highlights and Sights:
Lake Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Carnival, Lucerne Festival, Honky Tonk Pub Festival,
Grand Casino Luzern, Picasso Museum, Jesuit Church, Mill Bridge, Culture and Convention Center
Lucerne (KKL), Musegg Wall, Lion Monument, Swiss Transport Museum and much more.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
www.unilu.ch
www.luzern.org
ELSA St. Gallen
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA St. Gallen
Founded in: 1995
E-mail: info@elsa-unisg.ch
Website: www.elsa-unisg.ch
155
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
St. Gallen is a nice, little city with a beautiful historical centre. It evolved from the hermitage of Saint
Gall founded in the 7th century. Nowadays it is one of the larger cosmopolitan cities in east
Switzerland with good transport links to the rest of the country as well as to Lake Constance and to
neighbouring Germany and Austria. St. Gallen has a agreeable climate in summer, but it can get
quite cold in winter.
Social highlights and Sights:
One of the highlights is certainly the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey Library, which is in
downtown St. Gallen. Because of its location, St. Gallen is a good place to start your excursions to
explore the region; especially the two cantons Appenzell Innerrhoden und Appenzell Ausserrhoden
are old fashioned Swiss tradition like. There is always something going on in town. Students start
partying on Tuesday and won‘t stop until they leave the city towards their native homes all over
Switzerland on Fridays. There are a lot of places to go out to, but St. Gallen also offers various
things for your amusement such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions …, especially in summer.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch/englisch/index.html
http://www.st.gallen.ch/
http://www.stiftsbibliothek.ch/site/sitemap.asp?art=bt&lang=EN
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ELSA Turkey
ELSA Ankara – ELSA Istanbul – ELSA Izmir
ELSA Ankara
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Ankara
Founded in: 1996
E-mail: vpsc@elsa-turkey.org
Geographical data: It is in the northwest
of Central Anatolia
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national resistence which
followed World War I. It was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923
when the National War of Independence. Ankara is important to diplomats and bureaucrats, and has
significant sights for visitors.Ankara has a steppe climate (there is big difference of temperature
between day and night) Rainfall is low and there is more snow. The average temperature in summer is
23°C and -2°C in winter. The oldest parts of the city surround the Castle. The Alaaddin Mosque
found inside its walls is still one of the best examples of Selcuk art and wood craftsmanship, in spite of
the fact that it was restored by the Ottomans. Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many
select ballet, theatre, opera, festivals and folk dance performances. More than 8 university, make the
city a heaven for students. In spring there is a lot of university festivals and concerts. Ankara is also
near to Cappadocia (3-4 hours by bus) that is known for its unusual landscape, the result of the violent
eruption of volcanoes.
Useful Links (VISA requirements): www.mfa.gov.tr, www.turizm.gov.tr
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ELSA Istanbul
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Istanbul
Founded in: 1991
E-mail: vpsc@elsa-turkey.org
Geographical data: It is in north-western
Turkey
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Istanbul, once known as the capital of capital cities, has many unique features. It is the only city in the
world to straddle two continents. Once capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the
commercial, historical and cultural pulse of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its
contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all
co-exist here. Its variety is one of Istanbul‘s greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces,
museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life
and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch
of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis. In Istanbul the climate is moderate (winter4 °C;
summer27 °C); in winter the temperature can be below 0 °C. From the Tunel area to Taksim square
is one of the city‘s focal points for shopping, entertainment and urban promenading: Istiklal Caddesi is
a fine example of the contrasts and compositions of Istanbul; fashion shops, bookshops, cinemas,
markets, restaurants and even hand-carts selling trinkets and simit (sesame bread snack) ensure that
the street is packed throughout the day until late into the night. Europe‘s second oldest subway, Tunel
was built by the French in 1875, must be also one of the shortest – offering a one-stop ride to start of
Taksim. Near to Tunel is the Galata district, whose Galata Tower became a famous symbol of
Istanbul, and the top of which offers a tremendous 180 degree view of the city.
Useful Links (VISA requirements): www.mfa.gov.tr, www.turizm.gov.tr; www.iksv.org
158
ELSA Izmir
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Izmir
Founded in: Turkey/1996
Permanent contact information:
vpsc@elsa-turkey.org
Geographical data: It is next to Aegean Sea, in
western Turkey
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Izmir is the third biggest city in Turkey with a population of around 2.5 million, the second biggest port
after Istanbul, and a good transport hub. Once the ancient city of Smyrna, it is now a modern, developed,
and busy commercial centre, set around a huge bay and surrounded by mountains and was. The broad
boulevards, glass-fronted buildings and modern shopping centers are dotted with traditional red-tiled
roofs, the 18th century market, and old mosques and churches, although the city has an atmosphere more
of Mediterranean Europe than traditional Turkey.
The climate is comfortable with a relatively mild summer due to the refreshing breeze from the Aegean.
The long attractive palm-fringed promenade, Birince Kordon, which stretches the entire length of the city
up to the Alsancak Ferry Terminal, is a popular spot for evening walks, and there are many cafes along the
waterfront. Izmir has a good selection of culture and entertainment, from the Archaeological and
Ethnographic Museums, to the Izmir State Opera and Ballet and Izmir State Symphony Orchestra, to the
many bars and clubs. The cosmopolitan and lively city gets even busier during the International Izmir
Festival (mid-June to mid-July) with music and dance, with performances also in nearby Cesme and
Ephesus. Izmir is also near to touristic areas where you can enjoy sun, beaches and beautiful Aegean Sea.
Useful Links (VISA requirements): www.mfa.gov.tr, www.turizm.gov.tr
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ELSA Ukraine
ELSA Donesk – ELSA Irpin – ELSA Kharkiv – ELSA Kyiv – ELSA Lugansk – ELSA Lviv – ELSA
Odesa – ELSA Ostroh
ELSA Donetsk
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Donetsk
Founded in: 2000
Permanent contact information
elsa_donetsk@elsa.org.ua
a.a.goncharuk@gmail.com
Geographical data Donetsk is located in
the south-east of Ukraine on the Kalmius
river. The city's length from north to
south is
28 km, and from east to west – 55 km.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Donetsk is the administrative centre of Donetsk Oblast while historically, it is the unofficial capital
and largest city of the economic and cultural Donets Basin (Donbas) region. It has coal mines, coking
plants, iron and steel mills, machinery works, and chemical plants. Total area of the city - 385 km2.
Population - 1 059 800 inhabitants.Number of districts - 9. Donetsk's climate is moderate continental.
Donetsk was founded in 1869. Its founder was John James Hughes, the English technician and
metallurgist, the manager of Novorossiysk Coal, Iron and Rail Production Company. At first it was
called Yuzovka, from 1924 till 1961 - Stalino, since 1961 it has been called Donetsk.
Donetsk lies in the steppe landscape of Ukraine, which is surrounded by smallforests, hills (slag
heaps), rivers, and lakes. The northern territories of the city are mainlyused for agriculture.
Donetsk became world-famous for its being the host and organizer of prestigious contests and
festivals, such as international festivals "Zvezdy mirovogo baleta" ("Stars of World ballet") and
"Zolotoy skif" ("Golden Scythian"), Contest of Young Pianists in the Native Land of Sergey
Prokofiev etc.
Social highlights and Sights:
Some new monuments appeared within the last 10 years: monument to the Olympic Champion and
the holder of the world record in pole vaulting Sergey Bubka; a copy of the Tsar Canon was brought
from the Moscow Kremlin; a column of Archangel Michael was presented to the city by Kiev
160
authorities; monument to famous Ukrainian singer Anatoly Solovianenko who started his career in
Donetsk. Bronze monuments to the founder of the city John Hughes and to the popular
contemporary singer Kobson appeared not so long ago in the city. Do not miss a visit to the Opera
and Ballet theatre, its company is one of the best in Ukraine.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donetsk
donetsk.org.ua — Donetsk city administration website (Ukrainian)/(Russian)
geocities.com — History of Donetsk and the story of the founder John Hughes
partner.donetsk.ua — Informational portal about Donetsk
ukrtelecom.ua — Ukrtelecom webcam of the Artema Street
ukrstor.com — Early history of Yuzovka
bfcollection.net — Historic images of Donetsk
maps.google.com — Google maps satellite view of Donetsk
wikimapia.org — Wikimapia view of Donetsk
gorod.dn.ua — City map browsable and searchable by address
ELSA Irpin
LG/City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Irpin
Department of law
Founded in autumn 2007
Website: www.elsa.org.ua
E-mail: manunia60@gmail.com
National University
of State Tax Service of
Ukraine
Geographical data: founded in 1957
Description
Location/Short description of the City/Surroundings and Climate:
The National State Tax Service University of Ukraine is located on 23 hectares of a park zone, in 25 km
from the capital city of Kyiv in the picturesque town of Irpin. Irpin is a beautiful resort town. It‘s a bright
simple of a Ukrainian student‘s town.
If you visit Irpin in autumn you will impress by the colours of autumnal colours of nature. In snowy
winter Irpin looks like a Christmas tree. Spring it‘s a most beautiful season in our town.
Social highlights and Sights:
As a health-resort zone in Irpin you have many possibility to make a good rest on nature. The most
beautiful part of the year it‘s the end of spring. When the weather is warm and we can make a picnics and
swim in the lakes which located near Irpin.
Our town has an interest nightlife. With many pubs and bars Irpin is a good place for having rest after
daily work.
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ELSA Kharkiv
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Kharkiv
Founded in: 1999
Web Site: www.elsa.org.ua/kharkiv
E-mail: elsa_kharkiv@yahoo.com
zoe@e-mail.ua
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Kharkiv – one of Ukrainian region centres, rightfully carrying the title of a Ukrainian megapolis – is a giant
of the national industry, a big educational and cultural centre. The territory of the city is a slightly rolling
plane, grooved with river beds, clefts and valleys. The city sits on five hills and five vales. The Kharkiv
population level is second largest in Ukraine, and now is close to 1.5 millions.
Kharkiv is a big centre of science and culture in Ukraine. There are more than 60 scientific research
institutes, more than 170 secondary education schools, more than 150 educational centres, the number of
private and state owned higher educational institutions has now reached 80. About 20,000 students
graduate yearly from Kharkiv higher educational institutions.
The weather conditions are: temperate, mild winters with a little snow, hot summers. It rains sometimes.
Social highlights and Sights:
There‘s plenty to keep a visitor busy for days in Kharkiv. There are 49 cultural centres, among 10
museums, a city art gallery, six major theatres. The magnificent architectural wonders, churches, historical
buildings usually impress Kharkiv guests. Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: It‘s not a problem
to get visa.
Government Site: http://www.kharkivoda.gov.ua
For more information: http://www.kh.org.ua http://tourist.kharkov.ua/
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ELSA Kyiv
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Kyiv
Founded in: 2000
Permanent contact information
(including e-mail and Website)
http://www.elsa.org.ua/elsa_kiev.html
staszubko@gmail.com
Geographical data: In the middle of Ukraine,
Kyiv.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Kyiv is very beautiful ancient city. It‘s a capital of Ukraine where all the most important political
institutions are situated.Tour to marvellous Kiev will become a precious life time experience for you
and hopefully a turning point in your life.
Climate of Kyiv is temperate continental with relatively soft winter and warm summer. The average
January temperature is -6,0, -6,1, the average July temperature is +23,1, +25,2. The absolute
temperature minimum is -35, the absolute maximum is +40°.
Social highlights and Sights:
Kyiv is the capital of the Ukraine and an excellent city for walking. Kiev, mother of all Eastern Slavic
peoples was estabished here in the 9th century. Now it is a modern political and industrial center of
Ukraine with rich social life. The art and architecture of Kyiv are world treasures. The Cathedral of St.
Sophia, where the princes of Kyiv were crowned, the gorgeous church of St. Andrew much beloved by
Ukrainians, the Percherska Lavra, the Monastery of the Caves, the Golden Gate, Cathedral of St.
Volodymyr and many other sights will make your trip unforgettable.Parks, trees and wide pedestrianfriendly sidewalks abound. Sooner or later everyone finds their way to Kreshatik Boulevard, with cafes
and outdoor restaurants. On weekends, when the street is closed to traffic, the area takes on the
character of an outdoor festival complete with music, street performers and fun of all kinds – including
one of the largest McDonald‘s in Europe to satisfy those wanting a taste of home. Exciting night life in
Kyiv can bring you a lot of fun and unforgettable memories.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: http://www.kreschatiksuites.kiev.ua/
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ELSA Lugansk
LG / City
Name of Local Group:
ELSA Lugansk
Founded in:
November 2008
Permanent contact information
(including e-mail and Website)
Olga BekenshteinO.Bekenshtein@gmail.com
Marina Bichan –webgirl0502@mail.ru
Maria Oprenko solnce20@gmail.com
Geographical data
Eastern Ukraine, Lugansk
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Lugansk is situated in eastern Ukraine and borders on the Russian Federation in the east , the north
and the south. ILugansk region borders on Donetsk region in the west and south-west and with
Kharkov region in the north-west.
Lugansk is a beautiful city with parks, public gardens and memorial places.
Climate in Lugansk is temperate continental. Summer is hot, with an average temperature in July 25C,
winter is cold with an average temperature in January – 7C.
Social highlights and Sights:
Lugansk is famous for its institutes and universities: the East-Ukrainian National University,
Shevchenko State Pedagogical University, State Agricultural University, State Medical University,
Institute of the Ministry of the Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
In Lugansk many places for cultural recreation: museums, galleries, philharmonic, theatres and others.
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ELSA Lviv
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Lviv
Founded in: 1993
Website: www.elsa.lviv.ua
www.elsa.org.ua
E-mail: electraVK@ rambler.ru
Geographical data: City founded in 1256
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
It‘s an honour for ELSA Lviv to conduct our activities in beautiful medieval city of Lviv which has
been the ―Western Ukraine capital of culture‖ for three centuries. Lviv is located in the Western part
of Ukraine, very close to the Carpathian mountains so its every citizen and tourist can a great
possibility to combine sightseeing of ancient Lviv with a rest in the mountains. Lviv has a border with
Poland ( in 50 km) and it‘s very convenient for European tourists to get here.
In ancient times Lviv was the capital of mighty Slavic state called the Galicia-Volyn principality and
now we can see the symbols of its past strength: old churches, castles, turrets, domes, narrow
medieval streets paved with stones, architectural decorations done in different styles, museums etc.
However, despite Lviv was founded in 1256 and is considered gothic and ancient city – it has many
modern buildings, parks, clubs, cafes that are also worth to be visited ;)
Social highlights and Sights:
As a real diamond of Eastern Europe, Lviv seems to be a museum under the open sky – about 2000
thousand historical, cultural and architectural monuments make Ukrainians be proud of this
marvellous city. Among them are: one of the most ancient universities in Europe - Franko Lviv
National University, Lviv operatic theatre, founded in 1786 – Luchakiv cemetery ( one of the best in
the world), St. Yuri‘s church, St. Basil‘s church, Franko Park, Striysky park, Lviv Tower, the highest
pick – Tall Castle, the gothic castles surrounded etc. Just pass the streets - and fall in love with
Lviv…
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: www.750.lviv.ua – the site where you can read more
about Lviv. Visa is not a problem to get to Ukraine.
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ELSA Odessa
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Odessa
Permanent contact information
ekolomiyets@gmail.com
www.elsa.org.ua
Geographical data: The city is a major seaport on
the Black Sea, the largest port in Ukraine. Odessa
has well developed business, travel and
entertainment infrastructure and is deservedly
popular for travel and business alike.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Odessa is referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea" is the 3rd largest city in Ukraine, the largest city
along the Black Sea, and the most important city of Ukraine for trade. Odessa's mild climate, warm
waters and sunlit beaches attract hundreds of thousands of people year around. Its shady lanes,
beautiful lightly pastel buildings and cosy squares impart to the city a certain air of intimacy.
Social highlights and Sights:
Founded in 1794 by Katherine the Second with the purpose of establishing a mighty seaport,
fortifying southern borders of the Russian Empire, Odessa has surpassed Her Majesty expectations.
Odessa is simply enchanting with its marvellous architecture. Odessa's history as a thriving enterprise
has left the city with some splendid architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries and a multifaceted,
irrepressible spirit. Some buildings display a carious mixture of different styles, such as distinct French
architecture with a distinct Russian flavour, and some are built in the Art Nouveau Style which was in
vogue at the turn of the century. Its stately 19th century classical architecture is set on orderly planned
streets that are surrounded with green space, giving the city an air of elegance.
Odessa has 14 higher educational establishments, including the Odessa National Law Academy that
springs from Richelieu lyceum, in which the law education received the status of the higher one at the
state level in 1847. The graduates of the law faculty of Richelieu lyceum for the first time received
diplomas and badges of higher juristic education of the state pattern. Thus, higher law education
began in Odessa and all round the south of Ukraine.
Odessa has always possessed a spirit of freedom and ironic humour, probably by virtue of its location
and its willingness to accept and tolerate people of many different backgrounds.
Odessa has always shown more colour, spunk, and irreverence than other cities in the Ukraine.
There's an excitement, an anything-is-possible feeling in the streets.
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ELSA Ostroh
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA Ostroh
Founded in: 2007
Permanent contact information:
www.elsa.org.ua/elsaostroh .html
olya_top_87@mail.ru
Geographical data: northwest of Ukraine
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate: Welcome to marvellous and
charming Ostroh! Here you‘ll find out that Ostroh is the historic town in the Rivne (province) of Western
Ukraine, located on the Horyn River. Serving as the administrative center of the Ostrozky Raion (district),
the city itself is also designated as a separate region within the oblast.Ostroh has originated from the
ancient and old-aged times The Hypatian codex first mentions Ostroh in 1100, as a fortress of the
Volhynian princes. Since the 14th century, it was the seat of the powerful Ostrogski princely family, who
developed their town into a great centre of learning and commerce. In 1576 — The prince Vasiliy –
Konstiantyn Ostrozkiy founded Greek - Latin Academy (Ostroh School). It was the first Higher
Educational Institution on the territory of Eastern Europe and an actual ancestor of nowadays National
University of Ostroh Academy that deservingly embodies its spiritual scientific destination. Upon the
family's extinction in the 17th century, Ostroh passed to the princes Lubomirski. In the 16th century, first
East Slavic books, notably the Ostrog Bible, were printed there. The town formerly had a sizable Jewish
community, whose rabbis included Kalonymus Haberkasten, Samuel Edels, and Solomon Luria.In
August, 2007 - Ostroh Academy and Ostroh castle took award ―The Promiment monument of spiritual
Ukraine‖
Besides, Ostroh has mild is temperate continental climate, that makes everyone feel quietly and
comfortably.
Social highlights and Sights: Despite Ostroh is a small and compact town, there is much worth seeing.
Landmarks include the ruins of the Ostroz'ky castle on the Red Hill with the Epiphany church (built in
the fifteenth century) and several towers. To the north-west from the castle stand two sixteenth-century
towers. The suburb of Mejirichi (or Miedzyrzec) contains the Trinity abbey, with a fifteenth-century
cathedral and other old structures.
Hope one gets a huge portion of pleasure once coming to Ostroh!
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: http://ua.vlasenko.net/ostroh/index.html;
http://www.uosa.uar.net
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ELSA United Kingdom
(observer)
ELSA Bristol – ELSA Cambridge – ELSA Durham
ELSA Bristol
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Bristol
Founded in: 2004
Permanent contact information
(including e-mail and Website)
elsa_bristol@yahoo.co.uk
Geographical data:
Southwest of England, 115 miles
from London and between Bath,
Gloucester and Newport.
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
The most populous city in the Southwest of England, Bristol is one of the centres of culture, employment
and education in the region. The climate in Bristol is four-seasonal, but it is one of the warmest cities in
the United Kingdom with a mean temperature of 10.2-12°C. The city is partially sheltered by Exmoor and
the Mendip Hills, but exposed from the Bristol Channel, and annual rainfall is similar to the national
average, at 741-1060 mm. Bristol is famous for its music and film industries and was a finalist for the 2008
European Capital of Culture.
Social highlights and Sights:
Bristol is home to a variety of museums and historical sites, such as the UK Museum of the Year 2006, the
SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. As for nightlife, there is no shortage of bars and clubs
which offer a wide selection of music genres to cater to different tastes. Keen theatre-goers must not miss
out the award-winning Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Hippodrome. Bristol is also well-known for a vast
selection of award winning restaurants which offer breath-taking views, such as the string of restaurants
along the Waterfront.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
http://www.visitbristol.co.uk/
http://www.about-bristol.co.uk/
168
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/portal/
ELSA Cambridge
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Cambridge
Founded in: 2004
E-mail: secgen@elsacambridge.co.uk
or president@elsacambridge.co.uk
Website: www.elsacambridge.co.uk/
Geographical data: situated 1 hour
outside London
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Cambridge is best known for the University of Cambridge, which includes the renowned Cavendish
Laboratory, King's College Chapel, and the Cambridge University Library. The university dates back
to 1209. Cambridge is a wonderful fusion of the everyday and the extraordinary, a living city that has
shaped history, that today reflects the best of historic and contemporary life and is continuing to make
its mark on the future. Even if you have never visited Cambridge, it has still touched your life as the
place that inspired Darwin, Newton and Stephen Hawking. Today it is inspiring thousands of
Cambridge students and leads the way in new and emerging technology. The weather conditions are:
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid and cloudy
Social highlights and Sights:
Cambridge and the surrounding area provides an inspirational base to discover the East of England.
Visit the city's famous University Colleges, museums, parks and open spaces, or take time out to
explore the many historic houses, animal collections, gardens & country parks the area has to offer. Or
why not go punting (punter propels the punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole) on the Cam
river, something you won‘t get a chance to do in many places. Cambridge is also known for its
university sporting events against Oxford, especially the rugby union Varsity Match and the Boat Race.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other:
Visa: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Government: http://www.cambridge.gov.uk
For embassies: www.fco.gov.uk
For more information about Cambridge: http://www.visitcambridge.org/
169
ELSA Durham
LG / City
Name of Local Group: ELSA
Durham
Founded in: 2005
Email:
european.law@dur.ac.uk
Website:
www.elsadurham.org.uk
Location: Durham, North East
of England, United Kingdom
Description
Location/Short description of the City, Surroundings and Climate:
Durham is a historic city that can trace its roots back a thousand year to a religious settlement. Its
hardly surprising therefore that the main attraction in the city is the magnificent Norman cathedral
that was built at the pinnacle of the city. This area, known as Palace Green, includes a grand castle at
which scenes from the Harry Potter series of films were filmed, as well as the Law School and Law
Library.
The city itself is quite compact, but offers all the facilities you could want. The medieval market place
is charming, and the student area, which contains most of the Universtiy‘s Colleges, is ideally located
in the centre of the city. The city itself is pretty reliant upon the student population, so the likelihood
of bumping into someone you know in town is very high. This all adds to the friendly environment
that surrounds the whole city. Indeed, the people of the North of England are well known for their
warmth and generosity.
Social highlights and Sights:
Other than the historic centre of the City described above, Durham is well known for its riverside
walks and regatta.
There is also a small but growing nightlife, ranging from the new Gala complex with many upmarket
bars and restaurants to old classics such as Klute which is famous for… just being Klute! (an
experience not to be missed.) Newcastle, a much bigger city, is just a 10 minute train journey away
with a bigger choice of clubs, bars, shops and restaurants. Although Newcastle has more choice, few
would disagree that it certainly does not have Durham‘s charm and character.
Useful Links (VISA requirements) or other: http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/
www.dur.ac.uk/law, www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
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