Würzburg is a charming place to visit, and the proof of this can even be the fact that it is the starting point of the “Romantic Road” trip - Germany’s most famous route, which passes through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The capital of Lower Franconia, which was the favorite city of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, dates back to the year 704. In 1945 the British aircraft bombardment turned its buildings into stone medley, but residents painstakingly restored the streets and neighborhoods. Nowadays you can still discover its history through the restored historical buildings located in the old town, and of course the Marienberg Fortress, which is considered the most prominent symbol of the city.
Explore its rich and diverse past!
The austere view of the Marienberg Fortress creates the impression that it was built as a fortification, but in fact the aim of its construction was to show the power of the local bishop, and securely hide him in case of popular revolt. Thus during the period from the 13th to the 18th century, the castle was the residence of the princes-bishops of Würzburg. Until the 17th century the castle was in its original form, but in the year 1600 the fortress was ravaged by such a great fire that everything was burned to ashes. Bishop Julius Echter, who ruled at that time, restored the building and turned it into a Renaissance castle. A bit later it was modified in the Baroque style. Bastions and military installations were built near the fortress. Nowadays the castle houses two museums - Fürstenbau, and Mainfränkische Museum. Fürstenbau Museum is located in the princes’ wing. It displays many historical artifacts from the year 1200 of Würzburg history. In the Mainfränkische Museum you’ll find 45 rooms featuring objects of culture, and art of this region, numerous exhibits of Baroque and Rococo style, a rich collection of works made by the famous Würzburg sculptor and woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. If you want to get closer to the history of this region you can visit the Fürstenbau Museum until 31st October, from 9 am till 6 pm. Note that from 1st November to 15th March it is closed. The ticket costs 4.50 EUR (approximately 5 USD). If you are eager to explore the artistic creation of this region, you can visit Mainfränkische Museum until 31st October from 10 am till 5 pm, and from 1st November to 31st March from 10 am till 4 pm. The ticket costs 4 EUR (approximately 4.5 USD).
Take a walk through the inner court of the Marienberg Fortress!
In the inner court you’ll find the free-standing Romanesque 13th-century Bergfried Tower, the Renaissance well house from 1603, and St Mary’s Church. It is clear that the name of the castle comes from St. Mary’s Church, this allowing us to suppose that the church is much older than the fortress itself. In fact, St. Mary’s Church is the oldest church in Germany, after the cathedral in Trier. It is also the burial place of all the bishops of the city. There’s a unique well in the fortress, the depth of which is 104 meters (approximately 341 ft). The walls are lined with stone, the width at the base being 4 meters (approximately 13 ft), and narrowing to the top to 2 meters (approximately 6 ft). Since 1200 the well has provided the fortress with the purest spring water .
Swoon at the breathtaking city view from Marienberg Fortress!
The advantage of this unique place is that all of the city can be seen at a glance. The castle perfectly fits into the picturesque surrounding landscape. The green rows of groomed vineyards climbing down from the walls and bastions on the slopes of the hills directly to the road, and the old bridge draw up an unforgettable view. So let yourself have a couple of minutes to dream about how it would be like to wake up every single day having this view. Isn’t it majestic and absolutely wonderful?
Würzburg - a city rich in cultural and historical heritage!
Würzburg is certainly one of the most unique and picturesque cities you will ever visit. Even though it is a small city, its cultural and historical heritage is very rich. This is proven by all the historical buildings, which are so carefully maintained till today. So, when making a trip on your own “Romantic Road” through Germany, don’t forget to pass by this charming city!
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