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The Franconia Fountain 1894 tribute to Prince Regent Luitpold stands
in front of the beautiful Residenz. |
We left Rothenburg and drove via the "Romantic Road" the short distance to Wurzburg where we spent the day exploring the city and its very turbulent history. Wurzburg became the seat of the Merovingian Duke from 650 and that Christianity was brought here by Irish missionaries in 686. The first Bishop of Wurzburg, Saint Burkhard was appointed in 742. Wurzburg had Witch trials that took place between 1626 and 1631 when 600 to 900 accused were burnt. Wurzburg was also home to a vibrant jewish community and was a rabbinic center. However, with the rise of the Nazis, 2000 Jews were sent to concentration camps in Eastern Europe where very few survived. In 1945, 90% of the city was destroyed, in only17 minutes, by 225 Lancaster bombers and an ensuing fire storm.
Over the next 20 years following the end of World War II the old town and the buildings of historical importance were carefully and accurately reconstructed with a labor force initially consisting mostly of women called Trummerfrauen ("rubble women") because the men of the city had been killed or were prisoners of war. Wow, that is a lot to ponder…
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| The Residenz in the center of the old city |
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| The Residenz: palace of the Prince-Bishop |
In the middle of the old city is the Residenz, which when constructed became the palace of the Prince-Biship of the region. This is a grand and very impressive palace, recognized as one of the finest baroque buildings in Germany. The structure was completed between 1719 and 1744. After its completion the Prince-Bishop moved the center of power from the fortress on the hill to the Residenz. During the bombing in 1945 the Residenz suffered heavy damage, however a careful reconstruction has been completed and the interior spaces are dramatic and beautiful. The Grand Staircase leads up to large sculptures and paintings representing a view of the world at the time of construction that is quite entertaining. The White Hall with ornate Rococo stucco work, the elaborate Imperial Hall and the Hall of Mirrors stopped us in our tracks. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed.
Beyond the Residenz the grounds and gardens are very nice. We were here at a time when the fall colors were just coming into their own providing a brilliant show.
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| The River Main and the old city from the fortress. |
Alte Mainbrucke, the Old Main Bridge is lined with Baroque statues of saints. The bridge connects the old city with the left bank of the River Main. The bridge was built from 1473 to 1543 to replace a Romanesque bridge.
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| The Prince's Gardens of the Marienburg Fortress |
The Marienberg Fortress sits high up on banks of the River Main and provides expansive views over the old city. From the 13th century until the construction of the Residenz in town the fort was the seat of the Prince-Bishop, who held the land as far as the eye could see and ruled over the people of the region. We explored the fortress and visited the museum with collections of art, tapestries, period furnishings and artifacts. The views across the countryside through the large windows from each room are great.
Here in the inner courtyard of the fortress the tall tower to the left is the 13th century Bergfried (the keep). In front of the keep is the Renaissance well house, and the large dome and attached structure is St Mary's Church with foundations from the 8th century.
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| The Chapel |
We had our lunch at the fortress where we had striking views of the countryside and of this Pilgrimage Chapel nestled high on the hillside among brilliant fall colors. The chapel was built in Russian Orthodox style in 1747.
We have really enjoyed living in Cumbria and the Lake District in northern England. We have been able to travel from where we live in Cumbria to see many amazing places throughout Europe. However, we are always happy to return home and are often struck by the contrast and beauty of the place where we live.
