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Visiting Büdingen in Hesse: a hidden medieval gem

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  Büdingen: a fairytale old town in Hesse Büdingen is one of the most charming historic towns in Hesse, Germany, and its biggest draw is simple: it survived the centuries almost untouched. Unlike many other German towns, Büdingen was never bombed to ruins, so today visitors can still enjoy a remarkably well-preserved medieval old town with half-timbered houses, fortifications, and a castle atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. Why Büdingen stands out The town’s appeal begins as soon as you cross into the historic center. An old guard tower and stone house beside the Seemenbac h create one of the best photo spots in Büdingen and they immediately set the mood for the walk ahead. A little farther on stands the Schlaghaus , a massive late medieval gatehouse from the early 14th century that later became known as the slaughterhouse and now houses the Butchers’ Museum . Büdingen Castle and history The real highlight of the visit is Büdingen Castle , which dates back to the 12th cent...
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Aschaffenburg - Schönbusch

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  Schönbusch Palaceand Park , is the oldest of Bavaria’s English-style landscaped par ks established in 1775. The Park covers approximately 160 hectares, lies about three kilometers west of Aschaffenburg 's city center.   The Archbishop and Elector of Mainz, Friedrich Carl von Erthal , transformed the former electoral game preserve (a deer park) into a park. Artificial lakes and waterways were excavated, hills were built up, and a winding ring road was laid out.   A neoclassical palace was the first structure built in the gardens and includes ten state rooms filled with exquisite Louis XVI-style furniture. Later, by 1788/89, a few park structures were added: farm building, shepherds' houses, village as rural-picturesque features, Temple of Friendship, Philosopher's House, observation tower, dining hall and the Red Bridge.   It’s easy to park our car at Schönbusch. Close to the entrance of the park are Kulinarischer Schönbusch and a self-service beer garden ...
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Location: Schönbusch, Kleine Schönbuschallee 1, 63741 Aschaffenburg, Germany
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Aschaffenburg - Johannisburg & Old Town

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  After visiting the splendid Pompejanum in Aschaffenburg , we walked towards the Johannisburg Palace by passing through the lovely palace gardens , all the way enjoying magnificent views over the Main River, scenic surroundings and the Pompejanum. The path took us under a leafy pergola walkway along a section of the former town wall up to the palace terrace. A bit further ahead is the awesome red sandstone Johannisburg Palace in Renaissance style.   Johannisburg Palace was built from 1605 to 1614 under Archbishop-Elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg . The Palace was built on the site of a medieval castle, which had been mostly destroyed in 1552. Architect Ridinger created a symmetrical four-winged complex with a square inner courtyard and four corner towers, and incorporated the 13th-century keep in the new building. The windows, gates and doors of the exterior and interior courtyard façades are decorated with architectural ornamentation. At the end of the 18th century...
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Location: Schönbusch, Kleine Schönbuschallee 1, 63741 Aschaffenburg, Germany
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Aschaffenburg - Pompejanum

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  After visiting beautiful Seligenstadt , Matthias drove us to Aschaffenburg . It is in northern Bavaria, near the border with Hesse. Aschaffenburg is often referred to as the ' Bavarian Nice ' due to its mild climate and Mediterranean-inspired flair.   We visited various nice spots in the afternoon: Pompejanum - a replica Roman villa with elaborate mosaics and ancient artworks Johannisburg Palace & park - magnificent Renaissance masterpiece Oldtown Schönbusch Palace and Park - an English-style park with lakes and landscaped gardens. I talk about the Pompejanum in this post and will share the Johannisburg Palace and Schönbusch Palace and Park in separate posts. We parked near the colourful Pompejanum. It is a pastel yellow Mediterranean building on a burgundy base with pleasing wisteria . The yellow and violet complement each other and are especially eye-catching under the sun.     The Pompejanum was built between 1840 and 1848 as a reproduct...
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Location: Pompejanumstraße 5, 63739 Aschaffenburg, Germany
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Seligenstadt

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  Seligenstadt is over 1,900 years of history and charmingly situated on the Main River. It is a traditional and picturesque town: richly decorated timber-framed houses in the Main-Franconian style. Ancient buildings dated from 9 th , 11 th century remain and stand as witnesses of history. They are the former Benedictine abbey with itsuniquely beautiful monastery garden, Einhard Basilica , the ruins of Emperor Barbarossa's imperial palace , the Romanesque House , the Einhard House and the Neoclassical town hall. Jane (Duong) and Matthias picked me up from Sabrina’s place. In the car they figured out to have breakfast at the Kloster (Monastery) of Seligenstadt . The former Benedictine Abbey of Seligenstadt was founded in 828 by Einhard (advisor to Charlemagne). Within the abbey walls and with the provision of water, mill and garden, the monks could provide themselves with everything that was necessary to live. The garden is filled with flowers, herbs and small fruit trees. Variou...
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Location: 63 Seligenstadt, Germany
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