Tucked away in the Upper Rhine Valley in the Rhein-Neckar Metropolitan Region is the diminutive town of Ilvesheim.
Why do I say diminutive? Because Ilvesheim isn’t even six square kilometers large. I guess it didn’t have too much room to grow considering it’s right next door to the big city of Mannheim.
Ilversheim does have room for many gardens, though. Go ahead, look around — I’m sure you’ll find one you like. It might not be very big, but it is pretty old.
Ilvesheim was founded back in the 8th century; although nothing of those medieval days exists.
One of the oldest buildings is Ilvesheim Castle. The current building was built in 1700 over the original (built 1511) that was destroyed in 1689. It was a family home until the 1860’s, where it converted to a school for the visually impaired.
It’s still a beautiful building, so even if you don’t get to see the inside, you’ll still get plenty of chances to see the exterior.
You’re more than welcome to come inside the Catholic Church of St. Peter, a brightly colored Baroque church that was built in 1790.
The interior of the Old Protestant Church (built 1803) is also welcoming; except it’s not a church anymore, it’s the town’s library. The current Protestant Church is the Martin Luther Church, built in the 1960’s — so it’s a modern looking structure.
Ah, who cares? You’re still welcome to come for services if you’d like.
I just thought of something. Who cares if Ilvesheim is tiny? It’s on the Neckar Valley Cycle Path, so if you’re riding through (or just this part), it won’t take all day. ;-)
But, that could work against you if you’re zipping along in a fine German automobile on the grand Bertha Benz Memorial Route. Yup, this fun scenic route drives right through Ilvesheim!
I’d gander to say that during the Ilversheim Kerwe Festival (held the 4th weekend of August) will probably tie up a bit of traffic; as will the Fisherman’s Festival on the 1st weekend of June.
Even though Ilversheim is relatively small, and it might only take a day to see it, you’ll like it so much that you’ll go back and do it twice. ;-)
