It's not easy to find and a little inconspicuous: the three-hare window in the late Gothic cloister of Paderborn Cathedral, which was carved by a skilled stonemason at the beginning of the 16th century. Nevertheless, it has become a landmark of the city, which every journeyman used to visit in earlier times and is now a must-see for every visitor. The special thing about it: "The hare and the spoon three, and yet each hare has two" is the verse that succinctly describes the Three-Hares-Window.
But what is it all about? What is the symbolism behind the three-rabbit depiction? The depiction of the "three hares" was already popular in Roman times: numerous oil lamps are shaped like hares. The speed and alertness of the hare must have impressed the people of antiquity. The hare was also regarded as a symbol of fertility in pre-Christian times. In the Middle Ages, the hares then entered the service of Christian numerical mysticism by illustrating the unity of God in the Trinity.
But regardless of any symbolism, the three-hare window made of red Weser sandstone is a true work of art through its sculptural representation alone. See for yourself!
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Directions & Parking facilities
Take the A 33 freeway to the Pad.-Zentrum or Pad.-Schloß Neuhaus exit; then head towards Paderborn city center. Stay on the inner ring road (Innenstadtring) in the direction of PaderHalle or Maspernplatz (if necessary, follow the parking guidance system). Turn into Maspernplatz via Hathumarstraße.
Parking:
Parking for cars is available at Maspernplatz on the edge of Paderborn city center (destination address for the navigation system: Heiersmauer 45, 33098 Paderborn). There are usually plenty of parking spaces there. Tip: Buy a reasonably priced day ticket!
An alternative is the Neuhäuser Tor parking garage, which you will pass on the way to Maspernplatz as described above.
Information on other parking options in the city center and tariffs: www.asp-paderborn.de.
By public transportation:
Take the city bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 (PaderSprinter) to the "Rathausplatz" stop.
For more information on traveling by city bus, visit www.padersprinter.de or call 05251 6997222.
