Wuerzburg (or Wurzburg)

Wuerzburg am Main,die Stadt des Weines

Wuerzburg, Germany, really is a beautiful Baroque City and has become famous as the centre of Franconian wine production. Situated along a stretch known as the ‘Romantic Road’ because of the town’s outstanding beauty, Wuerzburg can bring out the true romantic in anyone.   

Wuerzburg is also known as the Capital of Lower Franconia.  Nestled in the valley of the main river and surrounded by scenic hills, Wuerzburg has something to offer both tourist and local alike.  Students and locals enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town and visitors are enthralled by the history, scenery and fine cuisine and wines that are on offer. 

While visiting this picturesque town it is hard to believe that during the 2^nd World War most of the town was destroyed by an air raid.  A major restore project took place and nearly every major structure was lovingly rebuilt to its previous glory.  The pride the Germans have for Wuerzburg etches from the walls of every piece of architecture giving the whole place a feeling that one belongs, even if you are only staying for a day or so. 

There are a few ‘must sees’ in Wuerzburg that include The UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘The Residence Palace’, the Medieval Fortress ‘Marienburg’, the Romanesque Cathedral ‘St Kilian’ , the pilgrimage Church ‘Kappele’ and the Old Bridge ‘Alte Mainbrucke’. 

THE RESIDENCE PALACE 

Die fuerstbischoefliche Residenz, das Wahrzeichen Wuerzburg, liegt auf einem weiten Platz. In ihr spiegeln sich mehr als 200 Jahre der Geschichte der Stadt und Frankens. Erbaut zwischen 1720 und 1744.Das Treppenhaus mit dem riesigen freittagenden Gewoelbe gilt als ein herausragendes Werk des Baumeisters Balthasar Neumann,des venezianischen freskenmalers Tiepolo und des Stuckateurs Bossi 

The Residence Palace is one of the most famous Baroque Palaces and is registered as a world heritage site.  The Palace was one of the few buildings not destroyed during the war.  It was built from 1720-1744 by Balthasar Neumann.  Inside is a magnificent staircase and an awe inspiring ceiling painting by the Venetian Artist G.B Tiepolo. The Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens that you can wander through and enjoy. 

FORTRESS MARIENBURG 

Auf dem Boden der ueber dem linken Mainufer aufragenden Festung Marienberg fand ueber 3000 Jahre statt: Kelten,Thuerringer, Franken and Schweden, Fuersten, Bischoefe, Buerger und Koenige hinterliessen ihre Spuren. Die Festung ist das weithin schtbare Wahrzeichen der Stadt.  

The fortress is the City’s most dominant feature.  It towers over the City and the views of the city from here are awesome. The Fortress is steeped history and parts of it can be traced back to 700BC. For a few Euros you can take a tour in English or just visit the Museum.                               

ALTE MAINBRUCKE 

Schon im12 jh verband ein steinerner Uebergang, einer der aeltester Deutschlands,die Mainufer. Nach mehreren Zerststoerungen durch Hochwasser wurden 1473-88 die heutigen Bruecken pheiler gebaut und eine neue Brucke errichtet. Die Boegen wurden erst im 16jh eingezogen.Die zwei Bueckentore die zum Schutz und als Kontrollposten dienten, wurden im 18-19jh abgerissen. Die zwoelf  Bruecken-heiligen  kamen erst im 18jh an ihre plaetze. Die heute durch Kopien ersetzten,4,5 Metre hohen barocken Statuen wurden 1724-1732 von Claude Cure' fuer die Norden-seite und von den Bruedern Johann Sebastian und Volkmar Becker fuer die Suedseite geschaffen.

The Old Bridge offers an amazing view of Wuerzburg, the Kappele and the Marienberg Festung. Construction of the bridge began in 1473 to replace an old Roman Bridge. It was finally completed in 1543. The famous statues of the Saints that dorn the bridge have six on each side were added in 1724-1732. Before 1914 the original figures were replaced with not so elegant but more resilient statues made of shell limestone.

ST KILIAN

St Kilian Cathedral is the fourth largest Romanesque Cathedral in Germany.  Construction started around 1040 while the town was ruled under the Salian Kings. Building continued right up until 1704 as various outbuildings were added.  Then after the war the Cathedral had to be restored after the majority of it was burned out during an air raid.  St Kilian homes artefacts from many centuries and makes fascinating viewing. 

KAPPELE

Die Wallfahrtskirche Kaeppele mit ihrer Doppelturmfassade ragt auf dem Nikolausberg am rechten Mainufer empor. Ihre Geschichte zeugt von einer tiefen Froemmigkeit und von der Hoffnung der Pilger, heir durch Gebet Heilung von Kankheiten und Hilfe in Not zu erhalten. Ein Stationsweg mit 14 Statuengruppen bei Johann Peter Wagners 1765-1778 begleitet den Aufstieg zum Kappele und zum Kapuzinerkloster

This Pilgrimage church was also built by Balthasar Neumann during 1748-1752. Neumann, who built the residence Palace, certainly knew how to impress with his architectural style.  The ‘stations of the cross’ leading up to the church is made up of 352 steps and lined with beautiful trees.  Each station is a piece of art and has been individually crafted.  Once you reach the church the views of the Main River Valley is amazing. Once inside you can enjoy the Frescos Work and there is also a Miracle Hall. 

Wuerzburg really does have it all.  The town’s vineyards produce some of the best German Wine and for wine connoisseurs you can enjoy wine tasting, numerous wine festivals or you can even visit one of the wineries or perhaps take a stroll through the Wurzburger Stein.