Franconian, friendly and fit for a king: Würzburg

Würzburg is a pleasing harmony of history, culture and wine. This university town and former royal seat in the heart of the Franconian winegrowing region is idyllically situated on either side of the river Main. With a vibrant atmosphere, an endearing charm and numerous places of interest, Würzburg is regarded as one of the most beautiful, hospitable and – in a word – enchanting towns in Germany.

A town for all the senses

Würzburg is full of contrasts: a former episcopal seat and a young university town, baroque architecture and a distinctly mediterranean feel combined with Franconian hospitality. The architectural splendours that define the town reflect a range of periods. Art, culture and Franconian wine are essential parts of Würzburg life and create a feast for all the senses. Visitors will find themselves on a captivating and exhilarating tour of discovery through different eras and styles. The Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Marienberg Citadel are Würzburg's famous landmarks. But the town is also home to the world's largest Riemenschneider collection, an ensemble of towers belonging to the cathedral, new minster, old town hall and Käppele church, and the 180-metre long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints. A slightly more modern piece of history is the original laboratory where Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the X-ray.

Christian themes and secular artists

Even from afar, the imposing towers of St. Kilian's Cathedral point the way to the building's entrance. Built by Bishop Bruno in 1040, it is the fourth largest Romanesque church in Germany thanks to its twin-towered facade and total length of 105 metres. It is also a prime example of German architecture from the reign of the Salian emperors. The Cathedral Museum features around 300 pictures and sculptures that span a whole millennium. Its concept is fascinating: Christian themes depicted by modern and contemporary artists – including ones who worked in the former East Germany – such as Ernst Barlach, Joseph Beuys, Otto Dix, Dina Draeger, Käthe Kollwitz, Wolfgang Mattheuer, Werner Tübke and Andy Warhol, are juxtaposed with the works of the Old Masters, including Tilman Riemenschneider, Georg Anton Urlaub, Johann Peter Wagner and Johann Zick.

Modern art from the 19th century to the present day is also the focus of the award-winning Kulturspeicher Museum at the old harbour. Two collections of international standing are housed in the exhibition space covering 3,500 square metres. The Municipal Collection comprises works by Stephan Balkenhol, Carl Grossberg, Magdalena Jetelová, Camill Leberer, Emy Roeder, Max Slevogt and others, while the Ruppert Collection presents European concrete art from around 1945 in unusual surroundings and features artists such as Hans Arp, Max Bill, Anthony Caro, Günter Fruhtrunk, Richard Paul Lohse, Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely. Truly a place of art by the world for the world. Die gibt es auch im preisgekrönten Kulturspeicher mit der Sammlung Ruppert: Konkrete Kunst in einzigartigem Ambiente. A classical art collection awaits discovery at the Martin von Wagner Museum.

The bridge over the river Main

The current bridge is said to be the site of Germany's first stone bridge, which was constructed around 1120. As a result of damage, it was rebuilt in the 15th century at the hands of architect Hans von Königshofen. Wonderful 4.5-metre high baroque carvings of saints were added around 1730. Either side of the river Main, quaint pubs and traditional wine taverns offer local Franconian cuisine, while top-class international restaurants provide an unparalleled dining experience. Classic Franconian wine in Bocksbeutel bottles is traditionally served with meals. After all, this is Würzburg.