Category: European History

Heidelberg Sticky post
European History, Germany, Western Europe

The most charming, historic Towns in Germany

I have lived half of my life in Germany and traveled extensively the last 20 years. I had someone ask me the other day, which town in Germany has the most “Old Town feel”. 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 … 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)

Several years ago I was fortunate to witness the spectacle of raising the Maibaum or Maypole on the most beautiful public square. The Maibaum in Bad Reichenhall at the Florianiplatz is a tradition since the 16th century. The custom symbolizes fertility, the end of the cold season and the beginning of Spring. A town festival with traditional folk dances and a band playing followed. There … Continue reading The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)

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

Andechs Abbey, a religious pilgrimage site

On one of my travels driving south of Munich, I stopped by Kloster Andechs, an Abbey near the Ammersee lake. The Andechs Abbey has been an important place of religious pilgrimage since the 10th century.  From afar I saw the Zwiebelturm or onion dome of the Andechs pilgrimage church above the Ammersee. The rococo jewel is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Elisabeth … Continue reading Andechs Abbey, a religious pilgrimage site

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

Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany

Germany’s first Pizzeria is said to have opened in Würzburg 70 years ago. In the early days, it was mainly American soldiers who patronized the business. “At that time, no one knew what pizza actually was – including me,” Janina Di Camillo told the Main-Post, a local newspaper. The success story began, when her husband Nicolino in 1952 opened the first Pizza restaurant in Würzburg. … Continue reading Würzburg is said to be the cradle of Pizza in Germany

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Saint Valentine is healing a men. DR. Frantisek Ehrmann, 1899 (per Wikimedia)
European History, General, Italy, Southern Europe

Valentines Day, the Founder and it’s Origin

The 14th of February (Valentines Day) is considered the day of love and lovers in Germany and other countries. But why is that? You can read all about the meaning of Valentine’s Day, its history and customs here Every year on February 14 is Valentine’s Day. In Germany, and many other countries around the world, this date is used to give flowers and chocolates, to … Continue reading Valentines Day, the Founder and it’s Origin

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German Sternsingers, three wise man, Epiphany
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

“Three Wise Man” are roaming the streets

Courtesy Romy Merk Disguised as the Three Wise Men, the German Sternsingers (star singers) go from house to house and write “C + M + B” on the doors. But what does that actually mean? Where does the custom come from? “C + M + B” – these letters are written by the star singers in chalk on numerous house doors. What does that stand … Continue reading “Three Wise Man” are roaming the streets

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Passau cathedral organ
European History, European Travel, Germany, Western Europe

Passau Cathedral has the worlds largest Organ

Visiting South Bavaria and Passau a couple years ago, I saw the largest cathedral organ in the world. Built in 1928, it has 208 registers with 17974 pipes. Since then, this instrument has been known all over the world, and till today brings visitors from everywhere to the three-river city The sound concept with five different partial organs, each with its own sound character, is … Continue reading Passau Cathedral has the worlds largest Organ

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