Homberg (Efze) is a uniquely arranged town in central Germany. In fact, it is known as a double town. Though it appears to be one community now, if you look closer you can see where the divisions lie.
At first, it might seem that the medieval town walls provide the division. This was true in some ways. Inside the walls is the Old Town, which has buildings that are more than 800 years old.
Outside the walls is the New Town, but also the site of the double town, known as Die Freiheit, or The Freedom. This was a stand alone community that fought against incorporation, and has maintained a slightly separate character even though the official unification was signed in 1236!
You can see the differences in the double town halls and double churches. These street plan differences throughout Homberg can also be seen by climbing the Pulverturm or Powder Tower, the town’s only remaining intact fortified tower.
Of course, you won’t be the only one looking down on the town. Thanks to a new art installation known as The Stilt Walkers, there are several figures overhead on the streets looking down on the public. Many visitors like to have a picture shaking a stilt leg, though the statues are quite sound.
Equally sound is Homberg’s reputation in sports. They are national leaders in table tennis. Though the small white balls may not be a traditional German sporting tradition, in Homberg the team takes itself very seriously and you will find tables available in many bars and parks.
To pray for luck before taking on a local in a match, stop into the St. Mary’s church. Its imposing façade is hard to miss, as it blends Romanesque and Gothic styles on a grand scale. As one of the Hesse region’s premier religious destination sites, even if you have nothing more serious on your mind than sightseeing it is certainly worth a visit!
