Rothenburg od der Tauber, A Medieval Old Town in Bavaria, Germany

I always hear this from a friend who always mentions that her brother's favorite town in Germany and in whole of Europe during his holiday lately was Rothenburg od der Tauber. I believed he felt in love with this beautiful medieval old town in Bavaria, Germany. This so-called Altstadt (old City) was not damaged during second world war bombing. In fact when you visit it, you can still see the intact wall that surrounds this lovely city.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not only famous for its beauty but it is also known as the Christmas city in Germany. You can find there Christmas decors and ornaments all year round. There is also Weihnachtsmuseum or Christmas Museum worth to see in this town.

Among the interesting sights you can see are; Town wall, Plönlein, Spital bastion
St. Wolfgang's Church by the Klingentor gate (fortified church, Altes Brauhaus,Old Smithy, Old Town Hall, Christmas Museum, the Criminal Museum and many more.

The Siebersturm or Sieber Tower gate in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This was taken during my fourth visit in this town.

historical houses you can see around the area. This was taken as we were up on one of the towers in Rothenburg of der Tuaber.

The name "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". This is so because the town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River.

Wolfstein Castle Ruins in Neumarkt OPf, Bavaria, Germany

It's almost a year now since my friend from Des Moines, Iowa made a visit in Europe. One of the countries she visited was Germany. I accompanied her to Wolfstein Castle, a castle ruins in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) in the state of Bavaria, Germany. We had fun during our visit in this castle ruins.

With regards to the history of the castle, It is said that its exact origin is not so clear. Around 1120 a certain Ulrich v. Wolfstein who belong to a noble class has said to have his seat here but proofs have been missing. Only with the Sulzbürger Gottfried II was clearly proven the first Burgherr or king of the castle. Since 1283, he called the castle Wolfstein.

You can find more information of the castle in the URL below. Sad to say, it is in German language.

the bridge going to the entrance of the castle. This was taken last August 2010. I have been to this castle for a lot of times already.

the tower of the castle and the ruins around it.

Winter Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in Hohenschwangau, Bavaria

The Neuschwanstein Castle is the famous castle commissioned by King Ludiwg II, king of Bavaria, Germany in 1868. More than a million of tourists and visitors from all over the world visit the castle every year.

The Schloss Neuschwanstein, as it is called in German, is located on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. It was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Neuschwanstein as seen from the valley. This was taken during my second visit to the castle last winter 2010.

The palace was intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king, but it was opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886.

the main entrance of the castle.

The Regensburg Cathedral in Bavaria, Germany

The Regensburger Dom or Regensburg Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture in southern Germany. It is dedicated to St. Peter and considered to be the famous landmark of the city Regensburg in the state of Bavaria, Germany.

view of Regensburg Cathedral in the foreground the Donau or Danube River. taken during our visit last August 2010.

The Cathedral is also the burial place of important bishops, including Johann Michael von Sailer (1829-1832, memorial built by Konrad Eberhard in the south chancel), Georg Michael Wittmann (1832-1833, memorial also by Konrad Eberhard in the north chancel), and Archbishop Michael Buchberger (1927-1961, likewise in the north chancel). In the western part of the central nave stands a bronze memorial for the Prince-Bishop Cardinal Philipp Wilhelm (d. 1598), the brother of Duke Maximilian I of Bavaria. wikipedia

A Winter Visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the beautiful town to visit on the Romantic Road in Bavaria, Germany. It is known for its well-preserved medieval Altstadt or Old Town.

This is one of the gates to the Old City. If I am not mistaken, this is the Markusturm (Marcus Tower). These were taken during my second visit last January 2011.

The Market Square (Marktplatz) is the center of urban life in Rothenburg o.d.T. The Square is framed on the west by the Town Hall (Rathaus), on the north by the City Councillors' Tavern (Ratstrinkstube) with its Tourist Information center, on the east by shops and cafes, and on the south by St. George's Fountain.

The Reichstag Building in Berlin, Germany

It is good to see other parts of Germany especially its capital city. Berlin is another interesting city to visit in Europe. It is a city full of things to offer to its guests and visitors from historical architectures to renowned universities, museums, orchestras, nightlife, famous personalities, just named it and Berlin has everything!

I am especially sharing one of the famous sites in this city. The Reichstag building is one of the historical sites in Berlin, Germany. It is a home of the Reichstag, the German Parliament. It is said that the construction of the building began after 1871 and it was opened in 1894.

I had seen some of Berlin but a three-day visit is not enough to see everything from going to the museums, churches and cathedrals and other historical sites and architectures. More images and travel experiences to come about Berlin in my Travel and Explore Germany site.

taken during my three-day visit in Berlin from February 18-20, 2011. The Reichstag building taken from the west side.

My Euro Travel in Heidelberg Castle, Germany

Let's go travel Europe again! This time we will be visiting Germany and I will be featuring the city of Heidelberg. For me, it is one of the most beautiful cities I visited in Germany. Visiting Heidelberg without going to its castle seems not complete. You know why? The ruins of Heidelberg Castle rank with the Acropolis of Athens and the Palace of Versailles among the sights worth seeing in Europe. Thanks to the travel book that I previously read about Heidelberg.

Actually, you can take a walk to the castle along the so-called Philosopher's Way which may only take from 10 to 15 minutes depending on your walk. We took the so-called Bergbahn, a modernized funicular during our visit. I actually forgot now how much we paid for that ride back and forth. If I am not mistaken around 5.00 Euros.

I have some pictures here taken during my visit with friends last November 2010.

The west side of Heidelberg Castle.

View from Stück-garden upon the ruins of the Rondells, the Heidelberg Old Town and Old Bridge. You can also see the tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit.

the entrance to the castle.

The earliest castle structure was built before AD 1214 and later expanded into 2 castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some rebuilt sections.

My Euro Travel in Passau, Germany

Passau is a also known as the City of Three Rivers. It is located in Lower Bavaria, Germany. This city is very historical considering that in 5000 BC, the earliest evidence of human habitation was found in Passau region. Its historical old town also reflects the beauty of this city.

I had been to this city thrice and if given the chance to visit it again, I will surely do. Here are some images I took during our visit last November 2009. Never miss to have a boat trip when you visit Passau.

This is a part of the Domplatz (Cathedral Square) in Passau's Stephansdom

The New Residence (Neue Residenz in German) on the left side, served as a palace of the prince bishops since its completion in 1730. The building with towers in the middle is the St. Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral) with its Gothic architecture. The fountain in front is called the Wittelsbacher Fountain.

The New Castle in Stuttgart, Germany

Let's go and visit Germany this time! I am featuring today the New Castle, known in German as das Neues Schloss. It is located in Schlossplatz (castle square) which is also the central square in Stuttgart, Germany. This historical building has a late Baroque style and served as residence of the kings of Württemberg from 1746 to 1797 and from 1805 to 1807.

The New Castle is also located near the Old Castle which is now used as a museum.

It is some hundred meters from the main train station of Stuttgart. Here is an image we took during our visit last October 2, 2010.
Today the New Castle is used by the State Ministries of Finance and Education.

The City Hall of Augsburg in Bavaria, Germany

Let's go travel and see Europe again. This time I am touring you in Augsburg, a city in the south-west of Bavaria, Germany. I am featuring one of the historical architectures in this city which is the City Hall of Augsburg. It is usually called in German as Augsburger Rathaus. It is the administrative centre of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany, and one of the most significant secular buildings of the Renaissance style north of the Alps. It was designed and built by Elias Holl, Stadtbaumesiter (Master Builder of the town), in 1615–1624. Due to its historic and cultural importance, it is protected by the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

Here is an image of the City Hall taken during our visit last July 18, 2010.

The original Augsburger Rathaus was built in 1385, and it was decided at the beginning of the seventeenth century to complete a simple renovation of it in order to accommodate the Imperial Reichstag, which then sat in the city. In 1609, the town council commissioned the renowned architect, Elias Holl, to draw up a renovation plan for the Gothic building. It was only after six years of work that Holl could produce a plan for the magistrates, but this was rejected by the council, and, to Holl's surprise, he was issued with a new brief: to demolish the old Gothic town hall and erect in its place a beautiful new building.

Elias Holl produced his plan for the new Augsburger Rathaus, which was to be built in the Renaissance style, and, on 25 August 1615, the foundation stone was laid. It was the will of the magistrates that the Rathaus should not have a tower, however Elias Holl insisted on the famous onion domes by the gable, and in 1618 was allowed to proceed. The exterior of the Rathaus was completed in 1620, and the interior in 1624, following an almost fifteen-year planning phase and nine years of building. more here

Goliath-Haus in Regensburg, Germany

I can't find a lot of information about Goliath-Haus. I will just give my own description about it. David against Goliath is a painting found in the Altstadt or Old City of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany. According to the shield below, it was built around in the middle of 13 century and was under the possession of Thundorfer Family. Here are some images I took during our visit last month.

the painting of David against Goliath in the Old City of Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany.
taken during our visit last month.

My Euro Travel in Kallmuenz, Bavaria, Germany

It is time to travel again! This time we are visiting Germany. I am just sharing these two pictures I took during our visit in Kallmuenz, written in German word as Kallmünz. I have some things to share about this place. Kallmünz is a municipality in the district of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany. Situated at the Naab River about 25 km north of Regensburg Kallmünz has conserved a beautiful medieval center. More pictures and information on Kallmünz in my Explore Germany site. Anyway, we visited this place again last Sunday.

the roofless house in Kallmuenz. It is said that this place is a cave before and was built as a roofless house. Of course nobody live in this house. Some tourist find this very interesting and they always stop and look on this building.

That red building is the municipal hall of Kallmuenz. The small yellow building in front is a memorial from the second World War. You can see names of the soldiers that are engraved in this building.

Easter Decos in St. Ullrich Church, Hohenfels in Bavaria, Germany

Good day everyone! The month of April is finally here! Since it is Easter week, I would like to share these pictures taken in St. Ullrich Church, Hohenfels in Bavaria, Germany. I took this image when I went to the bank last Tuesday which is located near the church. I also went inside the church to lit some candles and offered some prayers.

In Europe, Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts have beocme part of the holidays's modern celebrations by many Christians as well as non-Christians. There are also some Christian denominations who do not celebrate Easter.

the Easter Egg decoration near the Forrelenbachtal and St. Ullrich Church in Hohenfels

the amazing frescos of the Church's ceiling is one of the features of the Church. It was painted by the famous [painters Asam brothers.

My Euro Travel in Wolfstein Castle Ruins in Neumarkt in Bavaria, Germany

I would say we presently live near a castle ruin but not the one in Wolfstein Castle ruins in Neumarkt Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, Germany. This place is around an hour drive from where we live. I believed I already shared some pictures from this castle in my other blogs. Feel free to browse them if you want to see more.

I guess pictures tells a thousand words. Here I am striking a pose in this castle.

Visit to Walhalla, The Parthenon in Bayern, Germany

You might be thinking that only Greece has a Parthenon. Germany has also one. This is the so-called Walhalla which is the hall of fame of famous and distinguished German people in history. I have been to this place for three time already and still want to come back. I wish to share more pictures from the inside next time. I still need to search for it in my picture folder.

taken during my visit in Feb. 2008

The Walhalla is a hall of fame for "laudable and distinguished Germans" resp. "famous personalities in German history – politicians, sovereigns, scientists and artists" "of the German tongue"[1], housed in a neo-classical building above the Danube River east of Regensburg, in Bavaria, Germany. It was conceived in 1807 by Crown Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria, when he had become King, and was built between 1830 and 1842 by the architect Leo von Klenze. The Walhalla hosts about 65 placques and 130 busts of persons, covering 2000 years of history; as the oldest person honored is Arminius, victor in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in the year 9.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walhalla_temple

Visit To The Hermitage Palace in Bayreuth, Bavaria, Germany

I guess I already shared some photos on Hermitage Palace in Bayreuth, Bavaria in Germany. This palace is also called Eremitage which is consist of the Old Palace and the New Palace. The one you see in the background is the New Palace or the Orangerie. The basin that you also see in the background is the so-called Upper Grotto. It was constructed by Joseph Saint-Pierre and Karl Philipp in 1749-1753 according to the idea of Margravine Wilhelmine. Instead of a garden parterre a basin was arranged in front of the Orangerie.

That's me taking a pose as remembrance and evidence of my travel. Hot topic for today is about Wholesale Insurance life insurance. I guess most of you know why we need insurances. The most important ones include health, accident, house, car and liability insurances. It's finally time for me to sign-off! have a great weekend ahead!

My Euro Travel in Falkenhof Schloss Rosenburg in Bavaria, Germany

This should be posted last night but it seems that blogger is having an error everytime I press post..Here it is now! The Falkenhof Schloss Rosenburg is located on hill in the town of Riedenburg in the state of Bavaria, Germany. If I have to translate the German word Falkenhof, it came from two words Falken and Hof. The first word means means Falcon or hawk and the latter means yard or farm. Schloss is a German word which means Palace. This palace was built around 1200 and was the home of the counts and earls of this place. It is said that the counts and earls of this palace before love hunting and they used birds of prey for hunting. As we went to this castle last August 1, 2009 we witnessed a bird show and that was really amazing. Now this castle has become a bird sanctuary and became a Hunting Museum. I hope to share more stories and information in my Explore Germany site.

that's me striking a pose in the castle's courtyard.

My Euro Travel in Landshut Bavaria, Germany

First of all, I would like to greet all American people a happy and memorable Independence Day! God bless you all and America! It was a very great day today after we had an escapade in Landshut, a city in the state of Bavaria, Germany. It was the first time that I visited the Altstadt or old city of Landshut. I always passed this place before when we go anywhere in Lower Bavaria. Sometimes we also passed this city when we travel by train going to Munich or Ingolstadt.

I was amazed by the beauty of the place especially the the old and historical buildings here. One resident of the city told us that it was not destroyed during the wars in the time of Hitler. Most of the old but nice buildings at that time still stood until now. This city was truly beautiful! The main reason why we also visited this place is the celebration of its famous festival called the Landshuter Hochzeit 1475 or Landshut Wedding. It was truly a very nice day today after witnessing this celebration. more updates and photos in my Travel and Explore Germany site.

getting a pose in the Altstadt or Old City of Landshut.. background is the famous St. Martin Church and the old but nice and attractive historical buildings.

at the Ländtorplatz ..a lot of people are already here...you can see all around some people wearing the medieval costumes...very nice festival!

My Euro Travel in Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum in Neusath-Perschen, Germany

What a great day today! I am thanking God for it! We made a trip today in different interesting places in the Oberpfalz or Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, Germany. One of the interesting places we visited was the Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum in Neusath-Perschen in the state of Bavaria, Germany. This museum is now owned by the District of Upper Palatinate since 1977. This museums features the Life and Living of the people in the Upper Palatinate in the past centuries. I really found it very interesting and fascinating. This museum is also considered to be the oldest museum of its kind in Bavaria.

The Freilandmuseum is divided into different places wherein it represent the different regions in the Oberpflaz or Upper Palatinate. The places are called the following;
* Stiftlanddorf
* Naabtaldorf
* Waldlerdorf
* Juradorf
* Mühlental

It was a lot of walking we had today. I thought the first place called Stiftlanddorf is the only one. I was surprised that it where a lot and requires a lot of walking too...a great exercise for me today. These are some photos I had from today. Feel free to visit my other sites later for more pictures.
I'm striking a pose in the very old house of Stiftlanddorf in Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum in Neusath-Perschen. This house was built around 1600. You can see here different farming gadgets used during those times by the people.

see these very old farming equipments and machinery here...very amazing how the preserved such things!

The So called Parthenon in Germany Named Walhalla

If there is a so-called Parthenon in Greece or Pantheon in Paris, Germany has also one. It is called Walhalla built by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, Germany. As we walked around this great work of art, I really wondered how this was made during those time when there are still no technology like what we have now. I can only say, very amazing and great work of art and architecture! If you read my previous post yesterday in my Simply The Best blog about the pictures that were taken, I was just quite disappointed..But don't worry guys I know I still don't need wrinkle cream because I am feeling better now. here is the photo of this very great architecture that is located in Donaustauf near Regensburg in the state of Bavaria, Germany.

The Walhalla in Donaustauf in Bavaria, Germany...not so good picture but better than nothing..I was covered by the date embedded on the picture..more photos to come!