Regensburg's largely preserved old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006.
Although it was first settled in 5000 B.C., like countless other cities it can trace its "modern" roots to a Roman fortress.
Romanesque and Gothic architecture from the Middle Ages created the old part of the city. The old stone bridge constructed during the 1100's is a symbol of the city's wealth during this time in history.
House towers were constructed by the affluent families of the time. The Golden Tower remains today as a fine example of the architecture of the time.
In 1273 the construction of the Regensburg Cathedral was begun. Today it is a landmark and architectural gem.
In April of 1809, French troops led by Napoleon, retook the city of Regensburg. During this battle, Napoleon suffered his first and only injury in all his campaigns.
During WWII several Nazi work camps were established around Regensburg. Here prisoners of war did forced labor and lived in squalid conditions. Over 700 died.
An aircraft facility was also located west of the city. It was bombed by the Allies and destroyed in August of 1943.
Regensburg was slow to recover from the war. This had a silver lining: The old buildings of the town were not torn down in the name of redevelopment. By the 1960's, when recovery did begin, preservation of these buildings was, thankfully, considered paramount.
Visit today and step back in time to Medieval Europe.
Although it was first settled in 5000 B.C., like countless other cities it can trace its "modern" roots to a Roman fortress.
Romanesque and Gothic architecture from the Middle Ages created the old part of the city. The old stone bridge constructed during the 1100's is a symbol of the city's wealth during this time in history.
House towers were constructed by the affluent families of the time. The Golden Tower remains today as a fine example of the architecture of the time.
In 1273 the construction of the Regensburg Cathedral was begun. Today it is a landmark and architectural gem.
In April of 1809, French troops led by Napoleon, retook the city of Regensburg. During this battle, Napoleon suffered his first and only injury in all his campaigns.
During WWII several Nazi work camps were established around Regensburg. Here prisoners of war did forced labor and lived in squalid conditions. Over 700 died.
An aircraft facility was also located west of the city. It was bombed by the Allies and destroyed in August of 1943.
Regensburg was slow to recover from the war. This had a silver lining: The old buildings of the town were not torn down in the name of redevelopment. By the 1960's, when recovery did begin, preservation of these buildings was, thankfully, considered paramount.
Visit today and step back in time to Medieval Europe.
No comments:
Post a Comment