When you make the decision to think outside the proverbial box and come off the beaten path, you’re often treated to sights, smells, and experiences you would otherwise miss.
Oh sure, Bavaria has Munich, but if you decide to come explore the Swabian region you’re bound to find places like Burgau — places that are pretty gosh darn fantastic.
Yes, Burgau has a small stain of darkness on its history. Back during the last days of the 2nd World War in 1945, many prisoners of the Dachau, Bergen-Belsen, and Ravensbrück concentration camps were brought to a camp that was built here. Many Jewish prisoners died and were buried at the nearby historical Jewish cemetery in Ichenhausen.
The Jewish cemetery has been used for burials since the mid-16th century, and is believed to have more than 7,000 people buried in it. There’s also a very rare Taharahaus, a building used for ritual washing, located within the cemetery.
Some of the other places to see in Burgau are the Loreto Chapel (built 1692) and the Baroque looking St. Martin Church that was originally built in 1481.
The oldest house in Burgau dates back to the mid-17th century Thirty Years’ War and the Burg Burgau (Castle Burgau) is now a museum.
I don’t want to leave out the 17th century Blockhausturm (one of the original towers), the St. Leonard Church (b. 1667), the Parish Church (b. 1788), and the Capuchin Monastery.
As great as all these places are, though, it’s the St. Anthony Chapel that steals my heart. This is just a tiny chapel on the side of the road, renovated in 1994. It’s not that the chapel is filled with priceless works of art or anything, it’s just that this simple building is the reason for the St. Anthony Festival (held on/around St. Anthony’s Feast Day of June 13).
Thousands of people flock to the streets for a day of merry making, (beer) drinking (Hello, Bavaria!), and eating. One special treat made around here is known as Mozart Balls. No, it’s not anything crazy… it’s just candy.
One of the other big festivals around Burgau is Carnival. This really is a day of bright colors and partying in the last dark days of winter, and a last chance for some fun before the sacrificing days of Lent begin.
There’s just one last place you need to see before you leave… the St. Mary’s Fountain. Known as the Our Lady of Victory, this gorgeous piece of artwork was built out of sandstone in 1731.
Then go grab some more of Mozart Balls for the road!
