We woke to find ourselves docking in Würzburg already, and there was a “Noah’s Ark” attraction nearby. We are docked in an industrial zone. Würzburg is located in Bavaria on the Main River and is the commercial center of an agricultural region most noted for its vineyards.
In the morning, there was an early AM lecture on “Germany in the 21st Century: Changes & Challenges” by Dr. Markus Urban. It was pretty good. It’s just hard to be alert for such a heavy talk so early in the morning, I think.
After the talk, those going to Rothenburg ob der Tauber left the ship by buses. Dad chose the Rothenburg option, which is listed as the highlight of the northern stretch of the Romantic Road. It is a 13th century walled city. Dad seemed to have a pleasant day on his own, and I think it was just pure coincidence that he kept referring to the place as “Rottenburg.” HA!
Mom and I chose to go to the Würzburg Residenz, which is a fabulously ornate palace that was built in 1720 to house the region’s powerful prince-bishop. In addition to being one of Europe’s finest baroque structures, it houses a grand staircase that splits into two curves as it rises above the main entrance way. Enormous vaulted ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo soar overhead in a dazzling display. Deservedly, this amazing edifice has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We rode by bus to the house, and Louise (who was with our group for the day) said that we had selected the right option! J And I think she was right. It was a bit hard not being able to take photographs inside the house, but it was a marvelous experience to tour the house and grounds.
Mom and I skipped the wine tasting in the cellar and chose to stroll through the gardens instead. (Audrey Miller later told us that we made the right choice, and that she wished she had gone with us on our garden walk.) The gardens were not in full bloom, but they were still lovely. Obviously the drought is affecting the planting schedule on the grounds. They had areas fenced off, and the plants that were still in the ground were not doing very well. The grass was not a bright shade of green either.
Mom liked the tall skinny trees we found in the garden. They reminded me a little bit of the “Hershey kiss trees” I enjoyed at Hampton Court Palace.
Mom and I went back to the ship for lunch and talked over our options with Gladys and Susan. We ended up splitting a taxi ride back to the city center. We walked through the Marienkapelle Church (circa 1400) and also walked over to see the baroque building next to the church, which is used as a visitors’ center. Our taxi driver had recommended the building to Susan, and it was beautiful.
Next we ran into Dick and Audrey Miller, and Mom and I opted to join them after making sure that Susan and Gladys knew where to catch a taxi back to the ship. We all opted to walk back to the ship rather than hitching a taxi. It was a beautiful day!
We crossed the 15th-century stone bridge (Alte Mainbrücke) spanning the Main, which also offered a good view of the Marienberg fortress on the hill above the city. There are many sculptures on the bridge, and I had trouble choosing a favorite. I loved them!
We walked along the Main River towards our ship. I wasn’t sure how we were going to get there, but Dick led the way, and we made it just fine…even though I think we got there by accident. HA! Dick teased me about having such little faith in him.
Once the Rothenburg buses returned (and thankfully Dad was with them), our boat embarked back along the Main River, and we found ourselves going under the stone bridge this time to go through a small lock. It was nice to see Würzburg one more time that way. I also spotted the lovely church on the hill (the Kappele), which our guide had pointed out earlier in the day. It is a highly sought-after for area wedding, and it is clear to see why. It is beautiful!
Dinner was yummy, and afterwards, I was back up on the sun deck for more pictures as we cruised along the Main River. Once again, the water was calm and still, and the reflections were breathtaking on the water.
Favorite Thing or Funny Moment
- Me: Correcting Dad over and over with how to say “RoTHenburg” and not “Rottenburg” – he was incorrigible!
- FEELING: Peaceful!
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