Classicism is the term for an art-historical style whose highest aspiration was the imitation of classical antiquity (primarily Greek antiquity and Greek temple architecture). In contrast with the preceding rococo period, classicism brought a return to linearity and the increased use of ancient classical forms. For example, Goethe, the great classicist, denounced the "squiggles and swirls" of rococo and called for "noble simplicity and serene grandeur". "Weimar Classicism" – the creative period of Goethe and Schiller, two writers who were also close friends – is characterised by profound concordance between literary and aesthetic ideas.

Weimar and Goethe are inextricably linked. Goethe was the town's privy councillor and a universal genius. It comes as no surprise that he was an influential figure in the rebuilding of the town's palace, initiated in 1789 by Duke Carl August, on the site where its predecessor had burned to the ground. The only original feature that remained was the tower from 1424, which is now Weimar's oldest building. The park on the Ilm is a living memorial to Goethe and the era of Classicism. Located just a short distance from the palace, it extends from either side of the narrow river into an expanse of parkland covering almost 50 hectares. Inspired by Wörlitz Park and the English country gardens, Goethe and the duke created an idealised landscape with bridges, grottos, ruins, sculptures and a Roman House offering panoramic views.
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Built in the early classical style in 1769, this summer palace in the East Thuringian town of Greiz is home to a collection of historical engravings. It was commissioned by Prince Heinrich XI (1722-1800), who had the pediment inscribed with the words Maison de belle retrait – house of beautiful retreat. Known for generations, the approx. 40-hectare Greiz Park was the ideal place for the prince's family to take refuge from courtly life. To the north-east of the palace is a small park noted for its "Pinetum" – a collection of native and exotic trees, most of which are conifers.
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In 1790, the Landgraves and Grand Dukes of Hessen-Darmstadt had the "Fürstenlager" built as their summer residence. It was located in an idyllic little valley amid the Odenwald forest in Auerbach near Bensheim. Particularly impressive are the surrounding buildings that have survived almost completely intact. The park's 42 hectares contain a selection of exotic plants and trees, including the oldest sequoias in Germany.
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