Vacation 2018 Europe: Day 7 Regensburg, Germany

Day 7

Regensburg, Germany

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Our day today will be spent in Regensburg, Germany.
Pronounced "Ray-guns-berg"

Here is another map to get a feel for where this town is located in relation to the rest of the area.

Regensberg is on the Danube just south of Nuremberg.

Before we look at Regensburg here are some Facts & Figures about the Main-Danube Canal:

"As far back as 1,200 years ago, visionary Frankish Emperor Charlemagne contemplated connecting the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers so ships could travel the length of Europe. Today, his dream dramatically comes to life as this ingenious 106-mile canal cuts through the rolling hills of north central Bavaria, with an elevation change of 574 feet between Bamberg and its highest point, the Hilpoltstein and Bachhausen locks. The main-Danube Canal employs 16 stair-step river locks that allow vessels to travel 2,200 miles through 10 countries, from the North Sea coast of Holland to the Black Sea shores of Romania." (Viking Guide p. 19)

Regensburg, German is the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(Viking Guide p. 20)

UNESCO = United Nations Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization

(Viking Guide p. 12)

Part of the original Roman city walls erected by Marcus Aurelius upon its founding.
The wall was discovered in the 19th century during renovations.

One of the original entrances to the castle also discovered during renovations in 19th century.

Name of this castle shown in above photo is the Castle Pratoria.
Here are the important dates back to 179 AD discovered in 1885.

You probably won't ever see this anywhere else.
A Roman-style tower in the midst of a baroque-style cathedral.
The Roman-style tower was called a "Donkey tower" as it was used to haul material to higher floors.
The church name "St. Peter's Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria's best Gothic architectural work."
(Viking Guide p. 20)

Jan said, "Take a picture of this."
So I did.

One small section of "The Roman Road" that goes from Regensburg, Germany through Passau, Germany on the way to Rome, Italy.

A relief map of the city of Regensburg.

At one time this Stone Bridge was a major trade route between the North and South sides of the Danube River.
The town of Regensburg made tons of money because of the trade route over the river.
"The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches."
(Viking Guide p. 20)

The road is called Goliath Street.
The mural was drawn to honor the Biblical teaching.

The taller the tower the richer you are, so they say.
Note the different types of windows shown on this one tower.

Another similar tower.

Not sure why I took this picture, but it does show Mom in the very center.

The way to the cathedral.
See the spire of St. Peter's Cathedral between the buildings?

Magnificent!
Top view.

Still magnificent!
Bottom view.
Our guide giving us a lecture.
She was very good. Her tour ended here. She's originally from Lagos, Nigeria, but now calls Regensburg HOME!
I was thinking to myself, "I wonder if she's from Nigeria?" I thought so because of her accent. And she was!

Same Cathedral looking from the back and side.

Some facts and figures on St. Peter's Cathedral:
*Prime example of Gothic Architecture in Bavaria*
*AKA Dom St. Peter or Regensburg Cathedral*
*Church has existed since about 700AD*
*Devastated by fires rebuilt with current high-Gothic-style completed in 1320*
*279' long 115' wide nave is 105' high twin towers almost 350' high*
*Stained glass windows most installed in the 14th century and still survive today*

(Viking Daily)

This is a different church.
It's a catholic church, very plain on the outside, but very ornate on the inside.

Jan is not making it obvious, but she's checking me out.

"This is the famous Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen) Germany's oldest restaurant."
(Viking Guide p. 21)
During the construction of the Stone Bridge in the 12th century, this building was the office headquarters. It became a restaurant shortly after and now they sell over 6,000 sausages per day.
We bought one to go and I'm about to take my first bite.

Nice view of the north side of the Danube River.
Taken from the Stone Bridge.

Walking on the Stone Bridge and looking to the left is St. Peter's Cathedral.
On the right is another one of those tall towers.

Another view of the Cathedral.

This was an extra treat for us.
On the way back to the ship we ran into our tour guide and she gave us a personal tour of the eastern gate of the original city.