Tour of the most authentic Würzburg

Travelers will start their tour in front of the Haus zum Falken, one of the most iconic Baroque buildings in Würzburg. Here you will learn how the Baroque style transformed the city and learn to identify the ornamental details of its spectacular facade rebuilt after World War II. You will also discover the history of the house and its importance within the historic center before continuing the tour.

In the church of Pneumünster, travelers will discover the origins of Christianity in Franconia and learn the fascinating story of Irish missionaries sent by the Pope to evangelize southern Germany during the Early Middle Ages. They will learn who St. Kilian was, how he arrived in Würzburg with his companions Colman and Totnan, the circumstances of his martyrdom and why he was recognized as the patron saint of the city. During the visit you will also see the shrine that preserves its relics and learn about the importance that this place continues to have as one of the main centers of pilgrimage and devotion of Würzburg.

Travelers will visit St. Kilian's Cathedral, one of Germany's most important Romanesque churches and one of the main symbols of Würzburg. During the visit you will learn about the history of this impressive temple, whose construction began in the 11th century under the power of the city's prince bishops. They will discover its Romanesque architecture, the Baroque transformations it received over the centuries and the damage suffered during World War II, as well as its subsequent reconstruction. Inside you will see works by important artists such as Tilman Riemenschneider and learn about the relationship of the cathedral with St. Kilian, patron saint of Würzburg, whose relics are part of the religious tradition of the city.

During this section of the tour, travelers will walk through the heart of Würzburg’s historic quarter from St. Kilian’s Cathedral to Market Square. Along the way you will discover the urban evolution of the city, observing historic buildings, charming streets and the connection between the main religious, commercial and social places that have formed the identity of Würzburg over the centuries. The guide will share stories about the daily life of its inhabitants, the importance of medieval trade and the transformation of the city to the present day.

Travelers will visit the Marienkapelle, one of the most important Gothic churches in Würzburg and one of the most recognizable buildings in the historic center. During the visit you will learn about the history of this chapel built in the 14th century by the citizens of the city and discover its impressive red stone facade, its elegant towers and the original sculptures of important artists such as Tilman Riemenschneider. They will also learn about its role as a place of worship, its relationship with the Würzburg community and how it survived the destruction of World War II through subsequent reconstruction work.

Travelers will discover Zum Stachel, one of the oldest historical taverns in Würzburg and a place related to one of the most important episodes of the city's history: the Peasants' War of 1525. Here you will discover how the social and religious tensions of the time led to a great revolt against the established powers, and how Würzburg became one of the main scenes of this conflict. The guide will explain the role that this place had as a meeting point and its importance within the historical memory of the city.

During this section of the tour, travelers will walk to the bank of the River Main, one of the places with the best panoramic views of Würzburg. Here you can see the connection between the city, the river and the fortress of Marienberg, discovering how the Main has been fundamental to the economic, commercial and cultural development of Würzburg over the centuries. The guide will explain the importance of the river as a transport route, its role in the history of the city and how this landscape became one of the most representative images of Würzburg.

Travelers will visit the Alte Mainbrücke, the oldest stone bridge in Würzburg and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, this historic bridge connects the old town with the Marienberg fortress and for centuries was a fundamental avenue for trade and communication. During the visit you will learn about the history of its twelve Baroque sculptures of saints, discover their strategic importance over the centuries and enjoy one of the most famous views of Würzburg: the fortress on the hill, the vineyards of Franconia and the River Main.

Travelers will finish their tour in the Würzburg City Hall, one of the most important historic buildings in the old town. Here you will learn about the history of the city during the Second World War and will be able to see the model showing how Würzburg looked after the devastating bombing of 1945. The guide will explain the reconstruction of the city and how the inhabitants managed to recover their historical heritage.

The tour will end in front of the fountain next to the town hall, where travelers will discover the meaning of his allegorical sculptures related to the four moral and philosophical virtues or currents represented in this space. They will also know the historical importance of this square as a place of citizen meeting, celebrations, trade and public events over the centuries.