Free, then not free. Bavarian, then not Bavarian. I gotta tell ya, Gochsheim really had me confused. And because I love you all so much, I decided to pass that confusion around to you. ;-)
You know I’m just pulling your leg, but how was Gochsheim free then not free? Well, back in 1234 the town was given the title of an Imperial Village, or as it’s called in German, Reichsdorf. All that means is the town was free from any rule by any governing “lord” except the Emperor himself — and remained that way for more than 400 years.
And how was it Bavarian, then not Bavarian? That’s sort of easy to explain; for four years (1810-1814) the town didn’t belong to Bavaria — to whom it did, I’m not sure; so if you know — can you let me know?
Anyway, back to the issue at hand — which is to tell you about Gochsheim. I think the best place to learn more than anything I could tell you would be at the Reichsdorf Museum in the village of Kirchgaden. Seems only appropriate that an Imperial Village would have an Imperial Village Museum.
Other sites to see around this Lower Franconian town (which also lies around the Franconian Wine Land, BTW) would be on Mönchgasse 19 to the Apostles House, which is a very pretty Renaissance building from 1612. The Schwebheimer Tor, the last remaining gate from its four medieval originals; and the Church of St. Michael (b. 1511), that’s now a Lutheran one.
While many of you might be happy to come to see these historical sites, many of you might be more excited to come for its annual festivities. The Kirchweih is one of the biggest — dating all the way back to late 1640s.
Carnival in February is always a big deal, as is the annual Harvest Festival (1st weekend of October), and the Advent Market (early December). Foodies might love the Bread Market instead, held between May and October on the first weekend of the month.
There’s nothing to be confused about — yummy food and a good time is yummy food and a good time, right? And I love passing that along to you as well.
