Amberg

Another quiet night at Schwandorf, a great place to layover for a few nights. Amberg was our next town to visit, a short drive from Schwandorf.

Arrived in Amberg and found that the stellplatz (motorhome camping area) was relatively new, and well designed. A pity English and Australian towns don’t take notice of some of the thinking and ideas of European towns. 

The town was first mentioned in 1034. It became an important trading centre in the Middle Ages, exporting mainly iron ore and iron products. In 1269, together with Bamberg, the town became subordinate to the Wittelsbach dynasty that ruled Bavaria. The centre of the town is circled by  a near complete medieval defensive wall - which we were informed, had never been breached by a hostile enemy. A major Napoleonic battle was fought outside the walls of the town with the French coming off a little the worse for wear. 

In the 15th century the town turned to Lutherianism, and then in the 16th century the citizens were given a choice, become Catholic,  or leave. Some families did leave! Jewish history of the town reflects the story throughout Germany over the last 1000 years. Many groups supported the Jews,  but history records the leaders who wiped up hated within a community which then led to mass killings eg 1294. 1403 and 1942. The city’s Jewish community (which numbered 64 in 1933) had all moved, been arrested or died by the end of the war. Amberg’s staunch Catholics dared to butt heads with the anti-church Nazis. Over 500 people stormed the streets in 1941 to protest a Nazi decree outlawing crucifixes in schools. 

We tackled another hot day and visited the town. We entered the town through the remains of the old city wall. 

From here we walked to the Market Square, which contains the Gothic town hall (built in 1358) and the late-Gothic parish church of St. Martin. 

We threw followed the directions of the lovely lady in the tourist office and visited the non-descript church, the Schulkirche, one of the most important Rocco churches in Germany. 

From here we walked across the town to the north gate and then walked the walk of the town in the shade of the tree lined pathway. 

Reenterung the town walls at the Church of St George, another richly decorated church in the baroque style. 

THAT’S THREE CHURCHES IN THE INE DAY!!!!

After we realised this we decided to start to head back ti the van. In the way we passed the library with theee interesting sculptures outside. 

... and we passed the Market Square again ... 

.... before arriving at the old crossing of the River Vils where the Town Spectacles, the early 16th century triple-arch bridge- the icon of Amberg spanned the river. The former Schloss of the rulers of  his area of Bavaria can be seen in the background. 

And, views along the town wall are, in themselves, very picturesque. 

Some flowers to finish off! 

Note the sculpture, Venus, as a symbol of fertility, linked to the city of Amberg, formerly a rich city by the iron and iron ore trade.

Amberg Wedding Fountain: In the history of the city, the 1474 Amberg Wedding was the largest and most glamorous celebration ever held here. The celebrations lasted for five days. This fountain refers to the 'Amberg wedding' between Philip, the son of Elector Palatine Louis IV, and Margaret, the daughter of Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria, in 1474.