It appears to me that just about every German town has a story to tell. Sometimes it’s seen through its architecture, artwork, or some legend. And sometimes it’s seen by the extraordinary people that once lived there.
This is how it is in the town of Jettingen in Baden-Württemberg (whose villages are Unterjettingen, Oberjettingen, and Sindlingen).
Sindlingen is where one remarkable woman once lived. Her name was Franziska von Hohenheim.
Lady Hohenheim originally was the mistress of Duke von Württemberg in the late 18th century (oh, you naughty duke), later becoming his wife. The Duchess’ charitable work was well-known, even helping the persecuted, pietist, Johann Michael Hahn find refuge within the town limits.
Mr. Hahn started a “pietist” community here back in the 18th century; one of only a handful.
FYI, a pietist was someone within the Lutheran church that somehow kicked off the Methodist branch of Protestantism.
Michael Hahn is buried here in Jettingen; and one of only two busts of the duchess can be found in the Castle Church.
Yes, you have to have a castle before you can have a church. Don’t get too excited — the “castle” isn’t a dark, forbidding schloss — if that’s what you’re expecting. You can, however, spend the night since the castle is now a hotel. :-)
Ahh, I’m feeling like royalty already.
Besides the castle and the history of Sindlingen’s residents — you’ll also find the village has a number of timber-framed houses, as well as quite a few of them in the village of Unterjettingen.
What a remarkable comeback Unterjettingen has — barely a hundred people lived here during the days of the 17th century Thirty Years’ War. Predating the war is the Mauritius Chapel (built 15th/16th century), and well worth a visit.
Right alongside the historical sites of Jettingen are relative newcomers, the town’s Wasserturm (Watertower) and the Rathaus (Town Hall). Both are modern and sleek; and yet somehow manage to fit right in.
Ya know, Jettingen’s Grillplatz (BBQ grilling area) is also a newbie to town — and that’s certainly a place where you’ll fit right in.
You bring the beer and I’ll bring the wurst — too bad the Duchess and Herr Hahn aren’t here to join us, though…
