The “Giant” Zum Riesen
A medieval Hostel in Miltenberg
The „Zum Riesen” was documented as a Medieval Hostel, and is now operated as a Hotel. The “Giant” can justifiably be called The Oldest Royal Hostel in Germany. Dr. Ph. Madler mentions in his 1865 historical memorabilia of the Inn “Zum Riesen“, that Charles IV took quarters there for eight days in February 1368.
Documents from Dr. Madler served as a source, are no longer available today. However, the first documented mention of the “Riesen” in a court book from 1411 is historically true. In this book, on July 6th, the “Riesen” host” Conrad Trestram is named, who presumably built the Gothic building. Most parts of the 1590 Riesen building has been re-created and preserved
Photo by Martin Glas Heimatphotographie
Jost Virnhaber from Schwäbisch-Hall must have been an outstanding “Giant owner”. The “Rathsfreundt” and Host or Gastgeber “Zum Riesen” was granted a hundred wooden oak trunks for renovation by the council in 1589, “because it was a Royal hostel”. The carpenter Jakob Stoer is noted as the builder of the imposing Renaissance building.
The beautiful Renaissance epitaph of Jost Virnhaber, who died on July 31st, 1600, can still be admired on the outer wall of the Laurentius Chapel.
Source: riesen-miltenberg.de
