Things to Do in Wurzburg
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Historic Sites • Castles
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- VadimMurmansk, Russia26,545 contributionsThe Würzburg Residence, along with the cathedrals in Aachen and Speyer and the churches in Wiese, became the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany. What explains such a high assessment of this palace? UNESCO itself explained this by the fact that, along with Versailles and Schoenbrunn, it is an outstanding, the best of the best Baroque palaces in Europe. And hence the world... Interestingly, the initiator of the construction, Archbishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schoenborn, began construction in 1719 with money won in a lawsuit. Let's thank the court of that time for such a successful solution of the dispute for humanity. The customer died four years later without even seeing the walls of the palace. The construction completed in 1744 was financed by his brother. However, this architectural masterpiece was created by the famous architect Johann Balthazar Neumann. The residence is huge, it has about 400 rooms and halls, of which only 42 - 10% are open to tourists. A significant part of the palace was damaged during the American bombing on March 16, 1945, when part of the palace was destroyed, although the most important halls - the Imperial and White and the grand staircase were preserved. The merit of saving the residence belongs to the American art critic John Skilton, who took measures to preserve the preserved halls immediately after the occupation of Würzburg by American troops. The restoration of the residence took much longer than the construction and ended 61 years after the destruction in 2006. The main wow effect in the residence is produced by the grand staircase, a sample of the Venetian Rococo-Baroque style with trompe-l'oeil techniques. The ceiling of the Grand Staircase was painted by the Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo with his sons Gian-Domenico and Lorenzo in 1750-1753. The largest mural in the world allegorically depicts four parts of the World - Europe, Asia, Africa, America (Australia was discovered, but not identified as a continent). An indelible impression is made by the Imperial Hall with paintings by the same Tiepolo. Unfortunately, all that splendor is forbidden to photograph. It is unclear for what reasons. I remember the inscription in the films about the Second World War: "Verboten!"Written November 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsThis bridge is one of the landmark of the city. It connects the Old Town and the other side of the river. It looks alike Charles bridge in Praque, both of them have many old statues. We walked there going to visit the castle. It was a sunny day and lots of locals and tourists had a drink there, like in a party.Written October 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsWe climbed up the hill to visit the castle-complex. It’s worth, but you need comfty schoes. The Virgin Mary Church was built in 706 AD. Later the fortress was started around 1200, and it became the residence of the prince-archbishops until 1719. The castle has a rich history and you can learn more about it in the museum. We walked around and saw the first original castle tower church and the Renaissance castle. The view is breathtaking from the top: the whole city was below us. It’s fantastic!Written October 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsThis small church is a part of the Residence Palace, it’s located in the Southern wing. I think, it’s an architectually stunning church richly decorated with marble columns, frescos, statues, paintings.The altar paintings was made by G. B. Tiepolo. It’s worth a visit.Written October 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VadimMurmansk, Russia26,545 contributionsWürzburg Cathedral is the fourth Romanesque cathedral in Germany after Mainz, Speyer and Worms. Having visited Speyer and Worms before, I had the opportunity to compare. At the same time, it is one of the most destroyed cathedrals in Germany during the Second World War. The cathedral is dedicated to the Irish preacher St. Kilian, buried in the cathedral. St. Kilian baptized Gosbert, Duke of Franconia in the 7th century, but was killed by his wife while he was on a campaign. , However, the dedication did not take place until 1967. For 9 centuries before that, the cathedral was dedicated to St. Andrew. The current cathedral was built in 1040-1075 on the site of two previous burned-down cathedrals. In the process, it was rebuilt and acquired a baroque appearance with a large number of panels and sculptures. Most of this we will never see again. The cathedral burned down on March 16, 1945, along with almost all of Würzburg in a firestorm. Despite the absence of military enterprises in the city, 225 Lancasters of the Royal Air Force purposefully destroyed the city with incendiary bombs in order to terrorize the civilian population and break the will to resist. 5,000 people were burned during the bombing. Interestingly, after 20 days, American troops entered the city... The cathedral, badly damaged by fire, collapsed in 1946. Most of the masterpieces of medieval cathedral art (Hans Bühler, Heinrich Schönfeld, Oswald Onghers) burned down in the fire. The British also burned the altar of Tilman Riemenschneider. A significant part of what is in front of us is the reconstruction of the 1950s and 60s. There are surviving sculptures and tombstones. The missing paintings and sculptures are trying to compensate with modern ones. It is unusual to see a Jewish "Menorah" by Andreas Moritz in a Catholic cathedral. But this, of course, in no way can compensate for what has been lost...Written November 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VadimMurmansk, Russia26,545 contributionsIn the Middle Ages, the Jewish community settled here around the swamp. In 1339, the citizens of Würzburg, accusing the Jews of the plague, burned down the Jewish quarter and built a Marienkapelle on the site of the synagogue in 1377 as an atonement. It has a whole collection of tombstones of Franconian knights and wealthy citizens, including the famous architect Balthazar Neumann, who built the Residence. The portal figures of Adam and Eve were created by the equally famous sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. The second dominant of the square is the Hecker Fountain. Hecker in the Franconian dialect means a winegrower. It's no coincidence. that the Würzburg Wine Festival takes place here. And since November, the Christmas fair... In addition, tourists can be attracted by the turofis on the square. It is located in a beautiful Falkenhaus decorated in Rococo style. Earlier, since the XVII century, there was an inn here, which later became a hotel. In 1751, the hostess of the Meissner hotel decorated it with magnificent stucco. The reason was not only the desire to attract attention or aesthetic pleasure, but the desire to save money. According to the decree of the Archbishop of Würzburg, homeowners who built buildings in the Baroque style received an exemption from real estate tax for 7 years. This is the reason for the beauties of Würzburg, which were largely burned down during the British bombing on March 16, 1945...Written November 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsThis late Gothic church is located in the Market square. The costruction started in 1377 and was finished 1480. It’s an impressive building and its interior is also beautiful. Famous paintings: „Beautiful Madonna” (around1420) and „Silver Madonna” (17th century).
I liked the stained glass windows, too. Don’t miss it, it’s must-see!Written October 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tony TMississippi1,516 contributionsGreat place. No pics inside. Long hike up hill to get to church, but worth it if you do. I am glad I did.Written September 15, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsWe climbed up to Marienberg Fortress and walked around. It has a rich history from about 1000 (St. Mary’s Church). After 1630 it was expanded into a Baroque fortress with royal garden. We liked the gates and towers, especially Kilian’s Tower and saw this wonderful garden. It’s amazing! And the view is breathtaking. A must-see site.Written October 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VadimMurmansk, Russia26,545 contributionsThis converted Baroque church is located on St. Killian's Square. Neumunster was built in the XI century on the burial place of this saint and his companions St. Colonnatus and St. Totnan. The church houses several significant works of art from the 15th century, including the Madonna and Man of Sorrow by Tilman Riemenschneider. The narrow facade hides the presence of a cloister . We didn't see any of this because the church was closed. Admired the curved baroque facade of red sandstone. It's a complete illusion that you're in Italy.Written November 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David NHawthorne, CA772 contributionsThere is a short (~45 minutes) tour for a fee, but it is only available in German. There is also no photography allowed on the tour. It was interesting in helping to understand the history of the area, but not a must-see. My review of the beautiful rococo garden is posted under the Hofgarten Veitshochheim listing.Written November 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Matthew JBuena Park, CA549 contributionsWe took the Romantic Road bus from its origin point in Frankfurt, down as far as Weikershim, and then back to Frankfurt, stopping in Wurzburg on the return route. First, we were pleasantly surprised to find an English-speaking guide, Alan, on the bus, who provided helpful historic details along the way. Second, our ride gave us the opportunity to purchase a discounted, abbreviated tour of Weikershim, which we happily took and enjoyed for just 1 Euro per person.
We could easily imagine making an entire vacation of visiting the numerous small towns along the route, visiting a couple each day for more than a week to complete the route.Written July 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary1,618 contributionsThis huge park is a part of the Residence Palace-complex, which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It’s near the Hofkirche (the Court Chapel). The gardens were designed to include the Baroque era ramparts and feature numerous Rococo sculptures and cast irons gates. We walked there and also saw the nice green plants, flowers, trees and bushes. Unfortunatelly we only had a little time.Written October 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alfred VAmsterdam, The Netherlands2,824 contributionsThis museum is one of the two which is housed in the fortress. It gives a nice view of the Frankish history.Written September 24, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sjsedmondsWeymouth, UK173 contributionsThis is a restaurant full of character with traditional Franconian food. We had a great meal with perfect service, extremely tasty.Written October 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wurzburg
- The top attractions to visit in Wurzburg are: See all attractions in Wurzburg on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Wurzburg according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Wurzburg on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Wurzburg according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Romantic Road Day Trip from Frankfurt(Main) to Rothenburg/Tauber (SUNDAY)
- Romantic Road Day Trip from Würzburg to Rothenburg/Tauber incl. Wine tasting
- Minibus-Tour von Frankfurt (Main) to Rothenburg (Tauber) - Abholung am Hotel
- The most popular things to do in Wurzburg with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Wurzburg on Tripadvisor
Wurzburg Attractions Information
Attractions | 182 |
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Attraction Reviews | 10,419 |
Attraction Photos | 10,053 |
Local Time | Friday 3:53 PM |