Congressman Leandro Legarda Leviste has purchased the historic house in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany, where national hero Jose Rizal wrote the final chapters of his revolutionary novel “Noli Me Tangere” in 1886. The acquisition aims to preserve the property as a museum dedicated to Philippine history and make it accessible to Filipino and international visitors.

According to a statement from Congressman Leviste, the purchase was made with private funds to transform the historically significant residence into a cultural heritage site. The property will serve as a museum showcasing Rizal’s life and works during his time in Germany.

Historic Significance of the Wilhelmsfeld Property

Rizal lived in the Wilhelmsfeld house in 1886 while studying ophthalmology at the University of Heidelberg. He stayed there at the invitation of Pastor Karl Ullmer, who had become a close friend during the Filipino reformist’s time in Germany.

During his residence at the property, Rizal not only completed the final chapters of “Noli Me Tangere” but also wrote the poem “A las flores de Heidelberg” (To the Flowers of Heidelberg). The poem expressed his longing for the Philippines while pursuing his studies abroad.

The house has served as a residence for pastors of Wilhelmsfeld since 1886. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the property was no longer being used by the local Protestant church, which owned the building.

Signing Ceremony and Key Participants

A signing ceremony took place last week to formalize the acquisition, attended by several notable figures connected to Rizal’s legacy in Germany. Dr. Franz Hack Ullmer, the great-grandson of Pastor Karl Ullmer, participated in the ceremony alongside representatives of the Protestant church that owned the property.

Dr. Tobias Dangel, the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld, and Mr. Herbert Ehses, Germany chapter commander of the Knights of Rizal, also witnessed the historic transaction. The ceremony underscored the continuing German appreciation for Rizal’s contributions to Philippine independence.

As part of the transfer, Dr. Ullmer presented Congressman Leviste with a table similar to the one Rizal used while writing “Noli Me Tangere.” Additional items from the Ullmer family’s Rizal collection were also included in the handover.

Rizal’s Legacy in Wilhelmsfeld

The town of Wilhelmsfeld has maintained its connection to the Philippine national hero through various commemorative features. Mayor Dangel and Dr. Ullmer showed Congressman Leviste several sites honoring Rizal, including a statue of the Filipino hero located in Rizal Park within the town.

The street where the historic house stands has been renamed Jose Rizal Strasse in honor of the renowned Filipino writer and revolutionary. These gestures demonstrate the lasting impact of Rizal’s time in the German community.

Mr. Ehses highlighted the presence of the Knights of Rizal organization in Germany, emphasizing how Filipinos and Germans continue to value Philippine history and Rizal’s contributions to the country’s independence movement.

Senator Loren Legarda’s Role in Preservation

The acquisition came about through Senator Loren Legarda, Congressman Leviste’s mother, who was approached about the property’s availability. When no other buyers emerged to preserve the historic site, Senator Legarda suggested that her son purchase the house using private funds rather than government resources.

The decision to use personal rather than public funds ensures that the preservation project does not burden taxpayers while still achieving the cultural heritage objectives. This approach allows the Leviste family to maintain the property independently while serving the broader Filipino community.

Museum Plans and Public Access

The transformed property will operate as a museum open to all Filipinos and international visitors traveling to Wilhelmsfeld. The facility aims to provide comprehensive insights into Rizal’s life and literary works during his formative years in Germany.

Visitors will be able to understand the environment where Rizal developed many of the ideas that would later influence the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The museum will showcase how his European education and experiences shaped his nationalist writings.

The preservation project recognizes the house as a birthplace of ideas that helped ignite the Philippine Revolution and contributed to the formation of the modern Philippines. Educational programs and exhibitions will highlight this historical significance.

Impact on Philippine Cultural Heritage

The acquisition represents a significant investment in preserving Philippine cultural heritage abroad. The project ensures that future generations of Filipinos and international scholars will have access to this important historical site.

For Negros Oriental residents and other Filipinos planning to visit Europe, the museum will provide an opportunity to connect with their national heritage in an international setting. The facility may also attract cultural tourism from the Philippines to Germany.

The preservation effort demonstrates the continuing relevance of Rizal’s legacy and the importance of maintaining historical sites connected to Philippine independence. The project serves as a model for private-sector involvement in cultural heritage preservation.

Future Development and Cultural Programs

Plans for the museum include developing educational programs that explore Rizal’s time in Germany and his contributions to Philippine literature and nationalism. The facility will likely coordinate with Philippine cultural organizations and educational institutions.

The museum may also serve as a venue for cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Germany, building on the historical connection established through Rizal’s residence in Wilhelmsfeld. Such programs could strengthen bilateral cultural relations.

As the project develops, the museum is expected to become a pilgrimage site for Filipinos visiting Europe and an educational resource for international visitors interested in Philippine history and Southeast Asian colonial experiences.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Congressman Leandro Legarda Leviste