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UNESCO Heritage Sites of Germany
Bamberg Old Town
Bamberg was the centre of power in the medieval ages. The skyline is dominated by the Gothic Cathedral however mixes architecture. The Old Town of Bamburg is well-preserved and split into 3 main sections; the island town, the market gardener's town and the Episcopal town. The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George is the most noticeable building in Bamburg. Inside the Bamberg rider is the tomb of King Henry the second and the Queen Cunigunde. Other beautiful points of interest in the old town are the Alte Hofhaltung Palace, town hall, the cottages by the old canal, fishermans village and the mill district
Maulbronn Monastery Complex
The Maulbronn Monastery Complex is the best preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex in Europe. The Monastery was founded in 1147 under the auspices of the first Cistercian pope, Eugenius III. The main church which was designed in a Romanesque and Gothic Architectural style was built in the middle of the twelfth century. In 1504 the Duke of Württemberg seized the monastery and built his hunting lodge and stables there. Half a century later, the former abbey was given over to a Protestant seminary, currently known as the Evangelical Seminaries of Maulbronn and Blaubeuren, which has occupied it ever since.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
They cover a distance of over 500 km long. They protected the Roman Empire from Germainia. Built over 2000 years ago the Frontiers of the Roman Empire are some of the most impressive archaeological monuments in Europe. The Rhaetian Limes begins in Rotenbachtal and continue on, also passing through the Odenwald and Swabian Forests, the Hohenlohe plain and ends in Regensburg. A large Roman presence is located in what is now the town of Aalen.
Heidelberg Castle
Perfectly situated on a hill beneath Mount Königstuhl Heidelberg castle is one of Germany's most treasured monuments. It was struck by lightening twice sparking major fires, was later destroyed by the French. During the romantic period it was the inspiration to many poets and philosophers. From the grounds you have wonderful views of the rooftops in the old town, the Neckar River and the Philosopher's Walk. You can also read about it in Mark Twains 1880 Travel book A Tramp Abroad.
Monastic Island of Reichenau
The monastic island in Lake Constance is an outstanding representation of the religious, intellectual and artistic influence exercised by powerful Benedictine abbeys in the early Middle Ages. It was founded in 724 AD by the itinerant bishop Pirmin. Built between the 9th and 11th centuries, the island's three Romanesque churches epitomize early medieval architecture. At the time of the Carolingians and Ottonians they were regarded as the intellectual outposts of the western world. The church wall paintings illustrate the island's importance as a centre of European art in the 10th and 11th centuries. Eminent scholars taught at the renowned abbey school, which produced outstanding theologians, politicians, scientists, poets and musicians. Other famed establishments included the abbey library, Reichenau art school and the goldsmiths.
Regensburg the finest medieval town in central Europe
The first people to settle in Regensburg go back as far as the Stone Age. In 179 AD the Romans built a fort called Castra Regina (fortress by the river Regen) during the reign or Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was an extrememly important camp on the northern fringe of the empire. It is widely believed that even in late Roman times it was the seat of a bishop, and St. Boniface re-established the Bichopric of Regensburg in 739. In the beginning for the 6th century Regensburg was the seat of the Agilolfa ruling family. By the late 7th century it was the seat of Frankish ruler. From 530 to the 13th century, it was the capital of Bavaria.
Pilgrimage Church of Wies at Pfaffenwinkel
Perched atop a small rise in a meadow at the foot of the Alps, the fabulously decorated "Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour" can be seen from far and wide. Between 1745 and 1754, Dominikus Zimmermann enlisted the help of a number of leading artists to create the undisputed highlight of Bavarian rococo architecture. With opulent stucco ornamentation and a ceiling fresco painted by his brother Johann Baptist Zimmermann, the exuberant interior décor is unparalleled in its richness and refinement. The Pilgrimage Church of Wies was inscribed on the World Heritage list as a shining example of man's creative skill and as an exceptional reminder of an old-established cultural tradition.
Wuerzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
Wuerzburg Residenz Palace is considered the most accomplished and remarkable of all baroque palaces. Centred around a spectacular baroque residence of enormous proportions, it is a synthesis of nature, architecture, painting and stucco ornamentation. Built between 1740 and 1770, it is one of the most spectacular royal palaces in Europe. The magnificent gardens were laid between 1765 and 1780. Although a large number of artists were involved in its design, Wuerzburg Residenz Palace is essentially the creation of three men - prince-bishop Philipp Franz of Schönborn, renowned architect Balthasar Neumann and the Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Other well-known highlights are the staircase and ceiling paintings as well as the imperial hall with its frescos and wall paintings. The mirrored hall meanwhile, is one of the finest room installations of the rococo period.