Gelnhausen — Half-Timbered Houses And Rippchen mit Kraut

Gelnhausen will, within an hour of your visit, turn your thoughts to extending your stay. Whether you’re ready for it or not, this town has an incredible variety of compelling must-sees and must-dos ranging from stunning half-timbered homes in Barbarossa’s City, especially in the Kuhgasse, to the cultural banquets awaiting you at the Upper and Lower Marketplaces.

You still haven’t been told about the Castle and the Cathedral. Wait, just a minute longer… ;-)

Gelnhausen is best appreciated on a guided tour that leaves nothing out. Besides, the tour guide will be dressed up in a medieval costume adding to the ambience. But this does not mean you can’t do it on your own. Well, there’s about 800 years worth of history strewn royally around this wonderful town, so let’s get started.

The town’s pride and joy would have to be the 12th century Barbarossa Castle that is one of the best preserved of it’s kind and age. Impressive to behold and spread out on the beautifully landscaped grounds of an island, you could spend quite some time admiring and taking it all in.

Then, there’s the St. Mary’s Church with its priceless work of art, “Judgement Day” taking place of honor among a variety of artistic wonders including paintings and sculptures.

Gelnhausen still bears the marks of history when towers and walls offered security to citizens in turbulent times. So it is that you’ll see remnants of these walls and the towers, including the Witch’s Tower or Hexenturm that still holds fascination for visitors. To get the best of this, make sure you visit the museum attached to the tower that holds nothing back.

A word of warning for those with weak stomachs — please remember this is where folks suspected of practicing witchery met their gruesome fate, so tread with caution. Pleasant exhibits await you at the St. Peter’s Church with a distinct architectural style. The triumph arches are of special interest here due to their unique character.

You can’t come all the way to Gelnhausen and not partake of the exciting local culture. Don’t miss the Altes Weinkellerchen, or the Wine Cellar that lingers in the 13th century. Order the most amazing food, freshly prepared, and have your fill of this medieval eatery which still displays cannon balls from the time of Napoleon.

 

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