Category: European History

Statue of a Kilian on the Alte Mainbruecke. The missionary holding a staff, with Marien castle at night
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

The Shadow Beneath the Sandstone: Würzburg’s Darkest Secret

On a warm summer evening in Würzburg, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve stepped into a postcard image. Holding a cool glass of Silvaner on the Alte Mainbrücke, the fortress looms above you. The statue of St. Kilian and the spires of the Dom and Neumünster shimmer close by. The Main river flows gently, the atmosphere buzzes with chatter, and everything seems wonderfully, effortlessly … Continue reading The Shadow Beneath the Sandstone: Würzburg’s Darkest Secret

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Historic Bratwurstkueche Nuernberg, Nuremberg
European Cuisine, European History, General, Germany, Western Europe, Wurst Deli meats

The Historic Bratwurstküche in Nürnberg

There are places you visit for the food, and places you visit for the story. There are rare gems like the Historic Bratwurstküche „Zum Gulden Stern“ in Nürnberg. Here, both the food and the story are so deeply intertwined. You can’t quite tell where one ends and the other begins. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the old town, the little half-timbered house appears … Continue reading The Historic Bratwurstküche in Nürnberg

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Adventskranz, Advent Christmas wreath
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

The History and Meaning of the Adventskranz

As November draws to a close and the air turns crisp, I find myself returning to one of my favorite rituals—gathering fresh evergreen branches and crafting an Advent wreath, or Adventskranz, just as we did back home in Bavaria. I carefully bind the greens together, nestle four candles—usually red or white—into the circle, and place it in a spot where it can quietly anchor the … Continue reading The History and Meaning of the Adventskranz

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Pfingstritt Bad Kötzting
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

An Equestrian Procession (Pfingstritt) in Bavaria

An old Bavarian custom is the Pentecost procession in Bad Kötzting. It is one of the largest Equestrian Processions in Europe and goes back to a vow from 1412. The festivities this year were on May 19, 2024, which is the Pentecost Sunday in Germany. As the legend goes, not far from Bad Kötzting, a man was dying and asked for the last sacraments. However, … Continue reading An Equestrian Procession (Pfingstritt) in Bavaria

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Heidelberg
European History, Germany, Western Europe

The most charming, historic Towns in Germany

Having spent half of my life in Germany, and traveled extensively over the past two decades, I was recently asked which town in Germany embodies the most authentic “Old Town atmosphere.” Usually when I get asked, people refer to the historic town centers that have retained much of their medieval charm, which entails cobble stone streets, half timbered homes (Fachwerk) and historical landmarks. Below are … Continue reading The most charming, historic Towns in Germany

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Maibaum, Maypole
European History, Germany, Western Europe

The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)

A few years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing the impressive event of raising the Maibaum,(Maypole) in a stunning public square. The Maibaum at Florianiplatz in Bad Reichenhall has been a tradition since the 16th century. This custom represents fertility, marks the end of winter, and heralds the arrival of Spring. In the lively town Bad Reichehall, the festival featured traditional folk dances and … Continue reading The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)

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Kloster Andechs or Andechs Abbey
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

Andechs Abbey, a pigrimage site with a brewing tradition

During one of my trips heading south from Munich, I visited Kloster Andechs, a monastery located near Lake Ammersee. This Abbey has been a significant site for religious pilgrimages since the 10th century and is renowned for producing the well-loved Andechser Bier. In the distance, I caught sight of the Zwiebelturm, or onion dome, of the Andechs pilgrimage church rising above Lake Ammersee. This rococo … Continue reading Andechs Abbey, a pigrimage site with a brewing tradition

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Di Camillos at the blaue Grotte Pizzeria in Würzburg (per Wikimedia)
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany

The first pizzeria in Germany is believed to have opened in Würzburg 70 years ago. Initially, the establishment was primarily frequented by American soldiers. “Back then, nobody really understood what pizza was – myself included,” Janina Di Camillo shared with the Main-Post, a regional newspaper. The journey to success started when her husband Nicolino launched Würzburg’s first pizzeria in 1952. The former Pizza restaurant is … Continue reading Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany

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