I’m not sure if you noticed by now that some German towns are all about the castles. Others can be all about the sports or churches. And some are more about the half-timbered houses, while a bunch are gung-ho on the museums. So, which category does the Hessian town of Homberg (Ohm) fall into?
None of the above. Homberg (Ohm) was known for the beer.
Don’t give me that disapproving look, I don’t make this up. ;-)
Homberg was famous for the beer as far back as the 13th century, with even a tower known as the Brauhausturm or Brewery tower. Ironic, since it’s the only remaining tower from the original medieval fortification wall. A Stadtmauer, if you will.
Whatever you call it, it’s now a fine local history museum. And the City Tavern has been here since before the turn of the 18th century. Tavern. Beer. See, I don’t create these things in my head.
I will, in all fairness, give in that Homberg does have a Romanesque church from the Middle Ages (built 1220), and a lovely Cemetery Chapel from 1583.
The Homberger Pharmacy isn’t to be missed, it’s a half-timbered charmer; as is the Homberger Rathaus that’s been the center of town life for almost 500 years (it was built in 1539, to be exact).
Homberg, for as wonderful as it is, can even boast its own 11th century castle (its Keep was destroyed during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War, so you know). It stinks that it’s privately owned, I (and many others) would LOVE to see the inside of it.
Who am I kidding… who wouldn’t love to OWN one of these bad boys. ;-)
Oh well, I’m too busy with Homberg’s festivals to dwell on my lack of castle ownership. Come the third weekend of July, there’s a Homberger Festival (not a HAMBURGER Festival). Great, now I’m craving a hamburger.
There’s plenty of food to eat at the Kalte Markt (3rd weekend October) that’s been taking place for more than 450 years. I’m a firm believer, if it ain’t broke — don’t fix it. ;-)
The year ends quite nicely with many choral concerts at both Homberg’s Protestant and Catholic churches.
Hmm, I guess I could say Homberg (Ohm) WAS all about the beer. Now it’s all about just being an all-around great place to live and/or visit.
