Imperial Crest

The Diet Chamber

This weekend we went to the Bavarian city of Regensburg.  Regensburg is often overlooked in guidebooks or little attention is given to it.  That’s a shame because this medieval town is one of the few of its size in Germany that escaped bombing in WWII.  The result is an interesting combination of modern structures and the original buildings that once played an important part in German history.  The Diet of the Holy Roman Empire met in the Rathaus, shown here, from 1663 to 1806 and its interior remains almost exactly the same as it was then.

The Rathaus When the Emperor was unable to preside over the Diet for some reason, the prince of Thurn and Taxis took over.  The Turn and Taxis family is one of the wealthiest in Germany and their palace still operates from its location on the edge of town.  The current prince, who is 30, still lives with his family in the castle.  Unfortunately, he didn’t know Tanya and I were in town so we were unable to share a brew with him.

 

 

The family still operates a brewery on the grounds, although it was sold to Paulaner a few years ago.

Another great place to visit is the St. Katharinenspital (St. Katharine’s Hospital) on the north bank of the Danube in Regensburg.  There’s a brewery on the grounds of the former hospital and they’ve been brewing Spital beer since 1226.  Money from the brewery and restaurant/pub help fund the operation of the complex which now serves as a home for the elderly.  Another great living possibility for Tanya and me when we get old and infirm.

 

 

 

The Stone Bridge, built between 1135 and 1146 still stands.  It was used by the Knights of the 2nd and 3rd Crusades to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land.

 

And, of course, what would any self-respecting medieval city be without a cathedral.  Regensburg’s only took about 600 years to complete.  Construction started in 1275 and it was finally completed in 1869.  But it is stupendous and the silver altar, built between 1695-1785 is truly amazing.