Along the Württemberger Weinstraße, or Württemberg Wine Road, is Plochingen, located only about 20 km or 14 miles southeast of Stuttgart.
For a city that’s over 900 years old it is very modern, yet does still have some good ole historical sightseeing. How could it not, Plochingen was once on a medieval post office route between Venice and Antwerp…
One of the oldest sights here is the 15th century Romanesque style St. Jan Church, with some beautiful stained glass artwork. The holy site of St. Jan’s is actually even older since it was built over the 11th century Michaelskirche, which was built on top of a 7th century sacred Pagan site.
There is more gorgeous artwork at the Ottilienkapelle in the form of 14th century frescoes.
Oh, there’s still many more historical buildings scattered throughout Plochingen. You’ll want to save some film for great pictures of the town’s timber framed Town Hall, Protestant Town Church (which looks just regal sitting high on the hillside overlooking town), and Plochingen’s Observation Tower which is a great way of overlooking the scenic countryside.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Hundertwasserhaus is a modern colorful building with a 33 meter high “rain tower.” The windows, doors, and water features make this very famous (and playful) building worth a visit.
To further enhance the town’s modern concept, there’s a whimsical outdoor public restroom, known as “les toilettes” by the children’s author and illustrator Tomi Ungerer. This green and pink mini building is creative, yet functional (and totally free to use) located conveniently at the Market Square. While over at the Market Square and Fish Houses, check out all the contemporary artwork (including fountains) from some famous German artists.
If all this isn’t enough, Plochingen boasts a wonderful spa with a fabulous pool and sauna, and a chance to relax with a great massage. If you’re able to tear yourself away, get moving out in the countryside with rock climbing, and countless hiking and biking trails.
On second thought, go do all that first — then go get a great massage, perhaps with a glass of wine. Plochingen is not on the Wine Route for nothing! ;-)
