When thinking about the Bavarian town of Giebelstadt, there aren’t just thoughts of its old churches (for which there are quite a few), nor do my thoughts just wander to its castles (ruined or otherwise).
Nope, as I said before, sometimes it’s about the people who lived here that make it memorable.
The town’s most famous resident wasn’t involved in some sordid sex scandal (nothing of the sort), but don’t let that keep you from learning about Florian Geyer — and his not so peaceful death in 1525.
Mr. Geyer was not only a 16th century knight, but a consummate diplomat during the days of the Peasants’ War (and a visitor to England’s King Henry VIII’s Royal Court). In the beginning of the Peasants’ War, Florian was known to have sided with Martin Luther’s Reformation, but then fought against his ecclesiastical revolution when Mr. Luther only wanted religious reform, not a political one.
A lot of political mumbo-jumbo was going on through the war, but ultimately in the end, Geyer’s undoing came from his very own brother-in-law, who had him killed in an unknown area of the surrounding forest — and no one to this very day knows where he’s buried.
What I do know, is Giebelstadt is the location for the annual Florian Geyer Festspiele, an event that does much better in telling Florian’s story, but also has jousting and a medieval market at the ruins of the 14th century Geyerschloss.
Another of Giebelstadt’s 14th century castles is the Zobelschloss, although the one you’re staring at right now is from the 16th century. Don’t get any ideas about getting inside to look around, no visitors allowed.
At least you can get inside the Friesenhäuser Schloss, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture that’s now the local Rathaus (Town Hall).
Speaking of Town Hall, this is the location to meet for a guided Cultural/History Tour, given in four different languages — German, French, English, and Italian. See, now there’s no excuse not to participate.
No tour (guided, or not) is ever finished around Giebelstadt without visiting some of its magnificent churches. The Church of Sts. Peter & Paul is a blend of medieval Romanesque and neo-Gothic architecture, located at Dr. Amrhern Straße 6. Nor should you miss stopping by the tiny Chapel of St. Nicholas (18th century), the Church of Sts. George & Walburg (built 1618), and the old Jewish Cemetery, the final resting place of the town’s Jewish community since 1665.
When a hankerin’ for a good time outweighs your quest for the historical, Giebelstadt can deliver. July’s Summer Festival is a goodie, as is its Oktoberfest (in September), and the Castle Christmas (weekend before 1st Advent) is a charming way to spend a chilly day. As if that’s not enough, the Allersheimer Pärlesmarkt, held the 1st Sunday of May, is where folks from all over come to buy and sell all kinds of wares, eat, drink, and be all around social.
I think Florian would approve, don’t you?
