Würzburg

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We visited Würzburg on my birthday, 27 July 2014.  Weather everywhere nearby Nürnberg was expected to be bad.  Only Würzburg stood out as the option to spend a nice day.   The photo above was taken from a bridge, not the Alte Mainbrücke, with a view of the strategic positioned Fortress Marienberg.


 

We began the day with a visit to St. Johannes, Stift Haug.  Inside is enoromous, immaculately white and solemn.  A mass was in progress.  Therefore we could not tour around.  Then we took a train to see Veitshöchheim.



Returning to Würzburg we were strolling along the river Main and appreciating the buildings on the two sides.   Opposite are the striking Fortress Marienberg and Käppele on top or middle of two hills. We took the challenge of climbing up to visit the Käppele.  The Baroque towers upfront drew our steps closer and closer.   The trip took time and energy.  All sweating in the high summer.  We missed the correct path and ended up passing through a private garden to arrive at the back of the church, a bit higher even.


 

Würzburg was over 90% destroyed during WWII.  Amazingly the Käppele was not damaged at all.  It is Würzburg's 14 Stations of the Cross, the largest one in Germany, depicts the last hours of Jesus with life-sized sculptures. It is decorated with golden frescos and stucco works. Angel sculptures are very beautiful and elegant.  A bonus: a gorgeous view of Würzburg from the Käppele.



Gradually we reached the prominent Alte Mainbrücke for pedestrians only.   Randomly some artists there to get your appreciation and assistance. Wine bars dotted at the other end of the bridge. Important landmarks are lining up for your visit.


 

You won't miss the Marien Chapel, a red white impressive Gothic church standing in the middle of a main square.  Construction started in 1377 and completed 100 years later.   The chapel was badly damaged during WWII.  The tower and the statue of Mary atop it survived intact.  The modern interior was designed as part of the 1948-61 recovery. On the market portal are Adam and Eve. Inside are still sculptures, paintings and colourful glass windows.




Nearby are the Neumünster and the Cathedral (Dom). I like particularly the ceiling in Neumünster.  There are still many remarkable art pieces.


 

 

Next to Neumünster is the Cathedral.  Some interesesting sculptures stand in the square to get you a smile.  Inside is gorgeously presented with various sculptures and paintings.

 

The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Kilian.  This Romanesque church is the fourth largest in Germany.  The interior is simple and elegant. You can see many high quality sculptures around.  Walk a few steps to the corridor to discover more beautiful pieces.


Last but not the least is the Residenz.   It is a splendid palace of the Prince-Bishops and one of the finest secular Baroque buildings in Germany.  Its spectacular and monumental staircase hall with an enormous fresco by Tiepolo is famous.  Worth seeing are also the many sumptuously decorated rooms.   Unfortunately, we only had time for the building exterior and the beautiful garden dotted with statues, ladies and babies.




 


 

 

Oh well, it's a beautiful day but we had to return home.   A nice cold beer to take with me on the train.  And seco at home with family.  



Location: Würzburg, Germany

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