Rizal's Stay in Leipzig, Germany

Rizal's Sojourn in Europe

• Rizal stayed in Leipzig, Germany in 1886, where he attended lectures on history and psychology at the University of Leipzig.
• He translated Schiller's William Tell from German to Tagalog, so that Filipinos could know the story of the champion of Swiss independence.
• He also translated Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales into Tagalog for his nephews and nieces.
• Rizal worked as a proofreader in a publishing company to augment his allowance, thanks to his knowledge of European languages, particularly German.

Rizal in Berlin

• Rizal went to Berlin to further enhance his knowledge of ophthalmology, supplement his studies of languages and sciences, and study the political and economic conditions of Germany.
• He also wanted to join the circle of famous German scientists and scholars, and complete and publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere.
• In Berlin, Rizal met Dr. Feodor Jagor, the author of Travels in the Philippines, a book Rizal admired.

Rizal and Germany

• Rizal appreciated Germany the most among the countries he visited, possibly due to the qualities possessed by the Germans, such as being sober, earnest, industrious, progressive, and prosperous.
• He was interested in Blumentritt, who had written 250 essays and articles on Philippine ethnography.

Publication of Noli Me Tangere

• An important event in Rizal's life was the publication of Noli Me Tangere on March 21, 1887, with the financial assistance of Maximo Viola.

Grand Tour in Europe with Maximo Viola

• Rizal and Viola visited the regional flora exposition in Dresden, Germany, where they met Dr. Adolph Meyer.
• They also met Dr. Jagor, who advised them to wire Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt of their coming to Leitmeritz.

Visit to Leitmeritz, Czechoslovakia

• Rizal and Viola arrived at Leitmeritz on May 13, 1887, and were welcomed by Dr. Blumentritt at the train station.
• Rizal gave his host lessons in Tagalog language while staying at Hotel Krebs.
• In a meeting with the Tourists' Club of Leitmeritz, Rizal extemporaneously talked in German about the pleasant and relaxing scenes of Austria and its hospitable, nature-loving, and noble people.

Visit to Prague, Czechoslovakia

• To facilitate their visit to historic spots in Prague, Blumentritt gave Rizal and Viola letters of recommendations to Dr. Welkomm, a history professor at the University of Prague.
• Dr. Welkomm welcomed them and accompanied them in visiting the historic places and spots in Prague.