Straddling the Main River and overlooked by the medieval fortress of Marienberg, Wurzburg is an attractive and historic city and centre of the glorious Falconian wine district. Just over 100 kilometres from Frankfurt the city is located in the far north-western regions of the Federal State of Bavaria and is home to approximately 130,000 residents. Included within this population are almost 20,000 students who attend the Julius Maximilian University of Wurzburg, which is amongst the oldest within the country having been established in 1402!! This student influence adds a vibrancy and excitement to this otherwise quiet regional riverside city. Wurzburg is also the most northern city on the very popular and historic ‘Romantic Road’, a medieval trade route. This road travels 350 kilometres through some of Germany’s rich and varied landscape from Wurzburg to Fussen, where the spectacular Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau can be found standing in the foothills of the southern Alps. Fussen is located only 5 kilometres from the Austrian border and was the Roman gateway to the rich agricultural lands of the north.
The Falconian wine district, which stands within a triangle of the meandering River Main, has heavily influenced the development and culture of Warzburg which is known for its art, architecture and delicate wines. Today the city offers visitors a truly inspiring and magical holiday alternative through its combination of historic buildings and places of interest, its large range of top quality vineyards and its picturesque and beautiful countryside which is ideal for touring.
Warzburg is one of the loveliest Baroque cities in Germany and is home to several popular historic attractions. Much of Warzburg was destroyed during a huge bombing raid during March 1945, and many historic buildings have subsequently been carefully restored. Today, Warzburg offers visitors a high quality and unique view of the history of this charming city. The main attractions start of course with the most dominating feature of the city, the 13th century hilltop fortress, the Marienberg, which includes within its walls the 8th century Marienkirche, one of Germany’s oldest churches, the old armory houses the Main Franconian Museum and the east wing houses the Furstenbaumuseum, a display which features the living conditions of the early Bishops, the Treasury and a section on the history of Wurzburg - the huge 18th century Warzburg Residenz which is one of Europe’s most renowned Baroque castles and is a registered U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site, and includes the acclaimed staircase with its self supporting vault, awe inspiring frescos, the richly decorated Hofkirche and the Hofgarten - the 13th century Town Hall which is nicknamed ‘Grafeneckart’, and the Romanesque Cathedral of St Kilian, which began construction in 1045 and is the fourth largest church in Germany. From the old stone bridge, the Alte Mainbrucke which was constructed in the 15th century making it Germany’s second oldest stone bridge, it is possible to see over the Old Town and enjoy fantastic views of the Marienberg Fortress and the triple onion-domed pilgrimage church, Kappele, which stands in the prime location on top of the Nikolausberg. The Stations of the Cross leading to this Baroque masterpiece of rich architecture and glamorous interiors include 352 steps which ascend the hill rewarding any visitor with fantastic views of the Marienberg Fortress, the city and the beautiful River Main valley. Wurzburg is also home to many other interesting locations such as the Marienkapelle, a late Gothic period hall church, and the Romanesque Neumunster Minster with its ornate tower from the 13th century. For something completely different, why not visit the Martin von Wagner Museum, one of the largest university museums in Europe, which is located in the south wing of the Wurzburg Residence. This fantastic museum contains a gallery of mainly German, Dutch and Italian paintings, a graphic collection of 11,000 drawings and 14,000 print sheets including hand drawn pieces by Federico Baroccis and Tiepolo. There are also engravings and woodcuts by Albrecht Durer.
Don’t think that Wurzburg is just historic buildings and wine festivals, the city has a lively nightlife sparked of course by the student element, and offers an array of other activities. From jazz clubs to theatre, relaxing in the local bars and cafes, or shopping along the Schonbornstrasse and the Juliuspromenade. There are also other popular festivals which you may want to keep in mind such as the Africa Festival and the Mozartfest!!
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