Germany Things To Do

Region: Bavaria;
nearest airport: Frankfurt International
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When I was travelling in Sweden this summer (2009) I was fascinated by the many old churches with beautifully painted interiors. Those days I thought that we don’t have these here in Germany, oh what a silly thought…. Yes, we have these overly decorated Rococo churches in southern Bavaria, but that#s a complete different story. And then I found this gem of a church when I visited Miltenberg at Main river and was completely overwhelmed! That’s why I have put it high on my personal suggestions for a visit to Germany.
The church is very old, it was built in 950 as a parish church in the easternmost part of diocese of Mainz. Due to the nearby quarry, stonemansons at Martinskapelle made and delivered sarcophagi and pillars to the cathedral builders’ societies at Rhein river and up to Denmark. The little church was expanded and the first paintings were completed in 14th century. Parts of these, although faded, are still visible in the chancel. In 16th century the nave was painted with these magnificent fourty medallions depicting scenes of Old and New Testament. These scenes are very much detailed and below each is a description in old German language. But not only the walls, also the wooden ceiling is painted with ornaments and flowers. The best is to climb up to the gallery for the best and closest views. I was so fascinated by this church, I almost stayed two hours inside, and I was all alone, so could take in not only the beauty but also this serene atmosphere.

The church’s exterior is rather plain and without knowing what treasures are held inside, one would pass it without even looking.
Access to the church is easy, albeit possible only during the working hours of the next door flower shop. They have the key and will be happy to hand it over for a small fee of 1 €. Blumen Kling (the flower shop) is opened Mon-Fr from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

If you like, you can have a look at the other photos in my albums on the separate page.

Directions:
Bürgstadt is east of Miltenberg at Main river and south of Aschaffenburg. Miltenberg is easy to reach by train from Aschaffenburg, but the train does not pass Bürgstadt. But since Bürgstadt belongs to Miltenberg, there must be bus regular connections between the cities. From Bürgstadt’s town hall (Rathaus), it is only a 10 minute walk.

Martinskapelle, Bürgstadt on Google Maps

Things to Do in Germany

Visiting Germany?

Visiting Germany?