Oh, my revered and precious Lower Franconia, how happy I am to return to you.
Forgive me, I forgot someone was going to be reading this for a minute there. It’s just that I get so excited when talking (writing) about Bavarian towns like Arnstein in Lower Franconia that I can never quite contain myself.
But, you knew that already, didn’t you?
It’s just that there’s a lot to be excited about in Arnstein, a small medieval town between Schweinfurt and Würzburg.
I mean, where else are you going to find medieval and Renaissance churches alongside the sweetest smelling rose gardens and tons of hiking trails that go off into the wild blue yonder?
Um, that would be Arnstein in case you weren’t paying attention. ;-)
Arnstein’s landmark is the St. Sebastian Parish Church, which is probably why you’ll notice it first. Come inside to see its early 19th century interior.
I like the Parish Church of St. Michael in the village of Schwebenried; and I think you will too.
But, save the best for last — that’s the Maria Sondheim, a late-Gothic Pilgrimage Church from the 15th century with its delicate frescoes.
The Balleshaus is nice, too. What is it? Um, that’s an 18th century manor house, since you asked.
Enough with the inside — it’s time to experience Arnstein’s outside. And the Rose Garden is just the right place to start. It’s built on a slope and from the top you have a vista of its Old Town.
Roses not for you? How about the Wern Cycle Route? This is 78 kilometers along the Wern River. Though, you don’t have to do the whole thing if you don’t want to. Save some energy for the hiking trails or swimming at the communal lake as well.
Historians of Jewish culture will want to come to Arnstein, too. There was a Jewish presence here as far back as 1298. But, do to some pogroms they left; not returning until the 18th century, building a synagogue, a school, and a mikvah (a ritual bath). The old Jewish Quarter is found along Goldgasse; with number 28 being the former synagogue.
I hope you don’t mind me leaving you here exploring the rest of Arnstein on your own. I kind of want to get back to my Franconian love letter — and I know there’s a beer garden with my name on it somewhere. ;-)
