Culture and History Abound in the Bavarian Wine Country
|
By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life November, 2019. A funny thing happened when we toured Wurzburg -- the sun made an appearance! Recognized as the center of Franconian wine country in the Bavaria region of Germany, we start with a visit to its most famous attraction -- the Wurzburg Residence. Considered a Baroque palace masterpiece, it was built between 1720 and 1744 by two prince-bishop brothers (that's Pam above, standing in the Residence gardens. It takes ornate to a whole new level. Let's go! Photos by North Palm Beach Life |
Pam at the Wurzburg Residence
|
|
|
Our tour group heads to the Wurzburg Residence. All photos are exteriors only, since photography inside the palace is prohibited. A shame, because inside is a grand staircase leading to the world's largest ceiling fresco and rooms
too ornate with gold, plaster and mirrors to be believed. There are well over 300 rooms altogether.
too ornate with gold, plaster and mirrors to be believed. There are well over 300 rooms altogether.
|
|
|
The gardens are almost as magnificent as the palace.
|
Left is theJoannes Philippus Episcopus Church, near the city's bustling old market square. Keep a lookout for streetcars, which transverse the cobblestone streets, above. |
|
The Wurzburg Old Market Square was a delight for the senses, featuring a wide array of food, fruits, vegetables and products for sale. |
|
|
Lunchtime, and we were on our own. We spied this two-story restaurant, Sternback, on the market square and it looked inviting. They seated us in a cozy room upstairs and provided us a menu in English. Our server was great and so was the food. Above is the schnitzel, served with a side salad and hot pretzel. It was a large portion and delicious. Highly recommend this place. |
|
Above is the historic main bridge, where people gather to enjoy a glass of wine and good conversation. It also provides great views, as Pam, left, found out. (Don't you love her Florida flamingo bag?) |
The old Main Bridge, the city's only river crossing until 1886. It was started in 1746.
|
Walking the streets of Wurzburg, Pam, above, is checking to see if this stone sculpture is related to The Mouth of Truth in Rome. Careful, dear!
|
|
As we departed Wurzburg, we got a great view of the Marienberg Fortress above the Main River. It served
as a home of the local prince-bishops for nearly 500 years and been a fort since ancient times.
as a home of the local prince-bishops for nearly 500 years and been a fort since ancient times.