Brusttuch House – Goslar, Germany - Atlas Obscura

Brusttuch House

A peculiar trapezoidal building covered with wonderful humorous reliefs.  

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Built in 1521, this large trapezoid-shaped building is one of the most beautiful upper-class houses in Goslar, Germany. The home was designed with hardly any right angles, and this strange limitation gave the roof its recognizable peculiar shape.

The unique shape and looming roof are not the only things that stand out about this architectural gem. The upper timber frames are decorated with groups of reliefs and carved sculptures often depicting comical scenes, such as the lady riding a goat backwards in the nude.

There are figures from ancient mythology, your usual angels and devils, as well as other symbolic animals. One of the most locally famous reliefs is “Butter Hannah,” which shows a young maid churning butter with one hand and lifting her skirt with another hand as if to scratch an itch, revealing one cheek of her derriere. 

The reliefs cover the exterior of the house (which has since been converted to a hotel) to the enjoyment of all who pass by.

Know Before You Go

Today the house is used as a hotel and restaurant. The reliefs are outside and you can view them freely.

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November 8, 2018

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