Category: European History

Roland statue in Bremen
European History, European Travel, General, Germany, Western Europe

The Roland statue in Bremen has quite a history

There are Roland statues in many German towns and cities, symbolizing freedom and market rights. Bremen’s Roland statue is one of the most beautiful, and, according to UNESCO experts, the most representative and one of the oldest examples. As the legendary knight and protector of Freedom, he statue Roland stands 10 meters (33 feet) high and is made of limestone. Together with Bremen’s town hall, … Continue reading The Roland statue in Bremen has quite a history

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Mespelbrunn moated castle, Bavaria, Spessart
European History, European Travel, Germany, Northern Europe

The romantic picturesque Mespelbrunn Castle

Sometimes, when arriving at the Frankfurt Airport and driving on the Autobahn to Würzburg, I stop by the Mespelbrunn palace built in 1569. The moated castle, also called Wasserschloss, is located in north Bavaria between Aschaffenburg and my hometown Würzburg The castle has gained worldwide fame due to its picturesque appearance and romantic location. In May 1, 1412, the Archbishop Johann von Mainz gave the … Continue reading The romantic picturesque Mespelbrunn Castle

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Wieskirche, South Bavaria
European History, European Travel, Germany, Northern Europe

Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria

A couple years ago I was driving towards Füssen through the Bavarian countryside. I saw the sign “Wieskirche” and instantly remembered visiting this church with my parents as a child. The Wieskirche in Upper Bavaria is a jewel of the South German Rococo. The building, created by the Zimmermann brothers, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. In this volume, the church and … Continue reading Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria

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St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
Austria, European History, European Travel, Northern Europe

The oldest Restaurant in Europa is in Salzburg

While wandering through the baroque beauty of Salzburg’s Old Town, we passed a quiet courtyard tucked beside the ancient walls of St. Peter’s Abbey. There, nestled beneath ivy-covered arches and timeworn stone stood a restaurant unlike any other: St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. At first glance, it looked like a charming, historic eatery—but then I remembered what I had read. This wasn’t just any restaurant. This was … Continue reading The oldest Restaurant in Europa is in Salzburg

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Hildegard von Bingen nerve cookies
Cookies, Desserts, European Cuisine, European History, Germany, Northern Europe, Recipes

A 1000 year old Cookie recipe that calms your Nerves

Hildegard von Bingen was a German Benedictine nun who was a natural and medicinal scholar. According to Hildegard von Bingen ancient written recipe these cookies calm your Nerves
The spices strengthen the five senses: a clear vision, acute hearing, a fine taste, sense of smell and a sensitive touch Continue reading A 1000 year old Cookie recipe that calms your Nerves

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Levi Strauss, Jeans inventor and birth place (photo by wikimedia) Sticky post
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

The town of Buttenheim has a legacy, the famous Levi Strauss

The approx. 3000 inhabitants of Buttenheim did not suspect for a long time that Levi Strauss originally came from there. Only a letter from America, which asked the then mayor in 1983 for information about the birthplace of the jeans inventor, triggered intensive research. An entry in the birth register of the Buttenheim Jewish community and an emigration certificate from the Bamberg State Archives finally proved that Levi Strauss spent his first 18 years of life in Buttenheim. Continue reading The town of Buttenheim has a legacy, the famous Levi Strauss

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Sankt Nikolaus Santa Claus in Bavaria by Wikimedia
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

Sankt Nikolaus: A Bavarian Tradition and Tales

On the night of December 5th, my parents would fill our polished boots with small gifts such as chocolates, fruits, and nuts and leave them outside. The following day, Sankt Nikolaus—sometimes portrayed by a friend or neighbor in a bishop’s attire would arrive with treats in a bag. He was often accompanied by his helper Knecht Rupprecht or the frightening and hairy Krampus. Continue reading Sankt Nikolaus: A Bavarian Tradition and Tales

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St. Martin's Day
European History, General, Germany, Western Europe

St. Martin, a Saint that children love and adore

Martin’s Day, often simply called Saint Martin, is the commemoration of Saint Martin of Tours. The Christian holiday is celebrated on November 11 every year.

Children honoring St. Martin by walking through the streets with colorful handcrafted illuminating Lanterns, singing songs like “Laterne, Laterne, Sonne Mond und Sterne” or “Ich geh mit meiner Laterne” Continue reading St. Martin, a Saint that children love and adore

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