Bamberg, GermanyApr 5, 2010
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Getting straight
Bamberg - colors
Venice- like
| April 5th, 2010 Today we were off the map, that is off the beaten path set out by Rick Steves. We went half an hour north to Bamberg. Few, if any Americans to be seen, it felt more like a town that Germans come to visit. It’s difficult not to be impressed by Bamberg, clearly one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. With a majestic centre, wonderful cathedral and superb palaces, this Unesco-listed place was built by archbishops on seven hills, earning it the sobriquet of ‘Franconian Rome’. This was a Roland/Monie idea and we were glad to spend the day with them.Miraculously, Bamberg emerged from WWII with hardly a scratch, and most of the city’s finest buildings are originals. Pristine examples of architecture from the Romanesque era onwards have survived, and a genuine charm and romance pervade the city. Bamberg is also justly famous for its beer; there are 10 breweries in town and another 80 or so in the vicinity. It is obvious that the town has settled over the ages. One of Monie's favorites are the rose gardens. I agree. Even when the flowers aren't blooming, this is a wonderful spot.  We walked the hill to the Monastery    More walking and viewing.  Lunch was in a delightful local brew pub and followed by some serious shopping.  After lunch we headed to Altenburg Caste - a former residence of the bishops now operated by the society to save the castle.  We were taken aback by the closed front gate, but did manage a hilarious storming of the passage way, only to be told that we were there after closing time. Once again we had dodged any serious rain. The sun was setting and it was time to head back to town. In Furth We were hosted to dinner and birthday party by birthday girl Marina  and her husband Dieter in their just remodeled town home. They are fabulous hosts, including home made brandy tasting and a tour of Dieter's man-cave and woodworking works of art. He has re-created an ages old farmhouse room in their basement - to the amazement of us all. Tomorrow Mercedes & Audi - i.e. Stuttgart. There is castle Ludwigsburg on the way and an Art Nouveau market to see. |
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