People throw words like charming, quaint, and picturesque around to describe bazillions of small towns around the world. I think I’m even guilty of doing it myself on occasion.
So, believe me when I say I really, really, REALLY mean it this time. I know I sound like a broken record, but each town in Germany is prettier than the last. Just come here, you’ll see what I mean.
Schonungen (and her eight other villages) really are charming, with their flower-box decorated half-timbered houses. Over in the village of Forst, the Tithe House (built 1567) is a remarkably striking building, as is the Old Pharmacy and the early 14th century Gasthaus zum Schwarzen Adler (Guesthouse To The Black Eagle).
Two churches in Schonungen are also a spot to see. The Church of St. Godehard, and the late 15th century Church of St. Michael. Take notice of St. Michael’s early 16th century baptismal font.
You even got a castle in Schonungen. Castle Mainberg’s tower was built in the 10th/11th centuries, while the castle has seen quite a bit of construction since it was built in 1245.
Between the framework houses, the churches, and the castle — stop by to see the site of the town’s former synagogue. It was here from the 18th century right up until Kristallnacht in 1938. A War Memorial also stands in town.
Schonungen might be charming, quaint, and picturesque (ha, I did that on purpose), but it’s also proper celebrating Franconian town.
Carnival kicks off the year in February, and there’s a Parish Celebration (um, that would be a church festival) too.
One of the biggest festivals comes on the 2nd weekend of July for the Mainberger Fair, and the annual Wine Festival (last weekend of July) is always a sure-fire hit.
At least you’ll eat great, whether there’s a festival or not. Asparagus and cherries are the largest crops grown locally, so eat up!
I bet those cherries taste scrumptious with that wine. Hold on, let me check…
Yeah, they both taste delicious. Care to join me?
