If someone asked me to name one Upper Bavarian town where I could spend the rest of my days I’d have to say it could be Tittmoning. And after you’ve seen it, you’d say exactly the same thing.
You’ll find it right along the Salzach River connected to the country of Austria by a bridge. Ooh, isn’t that convenient?
I don’t know about you, but what I like best about Tittmoning is Burg Tittmoning. That’s right, a medieval castle; and it’s best seen through the fog on a crip Autumn morning.
OK, that’s not entirely true — anytime is a good time to see this 12th century building. Did you know it was used as a POW camp during World War II?
You do now. ;-)
Did you also know that Tittmoning had its own Pilgrimage Church? Although I think the Church of St. Lawrence is more popular these days, everyone must want to see a Gothic church, I guess.
Do you also happen to know that there are 121 districts that make up Tittmoning? It leaves me scratching my head thinking of how they managed to pack 121 districts into 72 square kilometers… Guess all of them wanted to receive Tittmoning’s blessings.
With everyone there it leaves me more room to visit the Chapel of St. Michael all by myself. It started off simple enough back in the 13th century, but after it was rebuilt in 1693, its artwork is enough to stop you in your tracks. The vibrant colors of the altar artwork showing the fallen angel Lucifer descending into hell is unbelievably realistic.
I shouldn’t be surprised that such amazing artwork can be found in this town — it was once a haven for painters and poets, sculptors and musicians.
Tittmoning was also where you could find truly talented architects, hence the whole Inn-Salzach style buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries along the Town Square.
Walk around, you’ll see the 15th century Rathaus (Twon Hall) and the town’s Mariensäule while you’re there. And be sure to stop by the Tourist Office, they’ll tell you where to find the house that Pope Benedict XVI lived in long before he became Pope.
A guided tour of Tittmoning is a good way to see it all — with so much going on you don’t want to miss out on anything. It would be a shame not to see the former Augustinian monastery, or the Villa Rustica in the village of Kay.
What’s even better about this place is, in addition to the historical stuff, there’s cultural stuff. You’ll get a gander at everything from comedy to cabaret, Classical music concerts at the castle, and shopping at the markets.
Yeah, I could very well spend the rest of my days in Tittmoning. What about you?
