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Germany’s First World Heritage Jewel – Wurzburg

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Germany-Wurzburg-Residence-Palace-Red-Roses655UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany

Germany’s first World Heritage Jewel, the medieval town of Wurzburg, is one of only two German towns given this distinction.  Located in the Franconia region of northern Bavaria, it is about an hour and a half from Frankfurt by train.

 

Wurzburg – Visiting Germany’s First World Heritage Jewel

Just a brisk ten minute walk from the train station is the Wurzburg Residence Palace and Court Gardens, one of the most important Baroque palaces in Europe and on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.  It is enormous, although you are only permitted to visit a small part of the sprawling building.

The Residence Palace took 60 years to complete during the first half of the 18th century, but it was built for Wurzburg’s prince-bishops.  By combining the power of the church and state, these elite leaders had tremendous wealth and influence,which they used to create Germany’s first World Heritage Jewel in Wurzburg.

From April through October, there are 3 guided tours daily in English at 11:00AM, 3:00PM, and 4:30PM, which last from 45 to 50 minutes.  The inside of the palace has a beautiful, world famous staircase with a striking ceiling fresco, which is one of the largest ever created.  After the guided tour, you are permitted to wander back through the rooms you visited and also admire the staircase at your leisure.

Germany-Wurzburg-old-Main-Bridge-Dom-St400The rooms and furnishings on view are grand and opulent.  Fortunately, the original furnishings and panelling were removed and safeguarded before the palace was heavily bombed in 1945.  For some reason, photos are not permitted inside, even without a flash.  This is a shame, because the rooms inside are beautiful and a huge contrast to the more austere exterior.

Other Notable Sights in Germany’s First World Heritage Jewel

A short distance past the Residence Palace on Balthasar-Neumann-Promendade is the boarding point for a two car train that takes you on a 40 minute city tour around the historic center of town.  The first car has speakers that provide the tour commentary in German.  However, the second car has earphones, so you can listen to the audio  in English.  The tour begins on the hour, but the train’s starting point can be hard to find if it is not already parked there shortly before departure.

The little train is very helpful in orienting you to the main sights.  It is then easy to walk back along the same route and explore the hidden cobblestone streets or get a drink at one of the many outdoor cafes.  The train’s starting point can be hard to find if it is not parked there shortly before the tour begins on the hour.

The town has many picturesque areas to discover including a walk over the busy pedestrian Old Main foot bridge spanning the Main River, where you may see a boat coming through the lock below.

If you have time, you will want to also visit the very impressive and imposing Marienberg Fortress, which looks down on the town and is the official symbol of Wurzburg.

If you would like to learn more about planning a luxury vacation to Germany for yourself, please schedule your free 20 minute phone consultation with our luxury travel consultants. 

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