Amberg

24 April 2015

My stay in Germany this time was often with so so weather. Perhaps, we only had 3 days with sunshine during the 9-day stay.  Amberg is one of the day trip destinations.  It is seldom heard beyond Germany. But it had bright history as a prosper town.  The city centre is small, clean, organised and rich.  Wifi is provided free once you are near the Marktplatz (main square).  Buildings have been renovated.  Only the Cathedral tower and one more place were under restoration.

The city centre is very easy to reach from the railway station.  Just walk across once you have been out of the station.  There was a bronze spherical structure at the entrance of the city.  It is beautifully crafted, with many different patterns and themes.  I saw many hands interacting inside the sphere.  It denotes friendship. Amberg welcomes us.  Oh, this is my interpretation.  I did not read anything about the art piece.

Soon after entering the city the first sight visiting point we saw is Church of S. Martin. From outside it does not look spectacular but the altar, lots of paintings and stained glass windows inside should not be missed.  S. Martin is known as a 'Hall Church' and is the largest in northern Bavaria.  

Statues on the wall of Amberg S. Martin Church

 

Next to the S. Martin Church is the main square (Marktplatz).  There stands the Gothic style townhall (Rathaus) and colourful buildings. It's busy.  Residents and tourists were sitting under the sun to enjoy the fine day.

 

Around the town centre are many nice spots and a leisure stroll is a pleasure.  River Vil's cuts through the city centre. Walking there, though just a few blocks behind the centre, is tranquil and peaceful.  

 
 

Amberg has one of the best preserved city walls in Germany. The old town is nicknamed as 'egg' as the walls surrounding are in an egg shape.











At a corner of the city wall is the Nabburger Tor (Gate), the biggest gate among the four entering Amberg.


Another famous spot is the Stadtbrille (Town Spectacles). It is a gateway built in 1534 to connect both sides of the river.  Two of the semi-circular arches cast reflections on the river to form an illusion of a pair of spectacles.

Hotel Eh'häusl in Amberg is the world's smallest hotel, only 8.2 feet. It was built in 1728. Couples spending their wedding night in it will live happily ever and never divorce. The bronze door and the intertwined rings of the street number are good compliments.

Amberg was the host of the German Garden Show (Bundesgartenschau) in 1996. The city was refreshed with gardens, plants and flowers. After the end of the show, a sculpture path (Amberger Skulpturenweg) was borne. Modern additions are inserted from time to time.  What a pleasure of walking in green and with art!

 

We have seen many nice spots.  I can't write everything in details.  A glimpse of another two churches: S. George and Paulanerkirche.  They are immaculate and elegant.

 

We saved one of the highlights at the end of the visit. Walfahrskirche Maria Hilf is located on a hill opposite to Amberg city centre.  It can be seen from every corner of the city. This splendid view triggers a wish to visit, to climb the height to reach it.  It is my friends' wish to revisit the church after more than two decades.

The Walfahrskirche is a pilgrim church established after the subsidence of a severe plague in 1634.  To date, on July 2 every year, pilgrims come from all over the Upper Palatinate and Upper Franconia to participate in the pilgrimage. Adjacent to the church is a Franciscan monastery.

 

A bonus is the great panoramic view over Amberg.  The slightly harsh climb is worthwhile for the beautiful church and panoramic view.  The descend is relatively easy and quick.

 
 

Today is the nth anniversary with my German friend.  So, this post of a German city is a present to celebrate it. Thank you!