The High Palace (Hohes Schloss) in the Bavarian city of Füssen is known for its illusionist architectural paintings. I was impressed by the illusionistic oriel windows. They give the building a surreal touch.
Tag: Swabia
The Lighthouse of Lindau
This lighthouse at the port of Lindau dates back to 1856. Opposite the lighthouse, you see a sculpture portraying the Bavarian Lion. Even though the historic centre of Lindau lies on an island, you can reach it by car and train.
Manhole cover in Füssen
On the manhole covers in Füssen, you see the local city arms showing three legs. This is a fine example of canting arms. The German word for feet is “Füsse”. But why sounds this Bavarian town name like a body part?
Model of the ancient forum in Kempten
This model represents the ancient forum of Cambodunum. This Roman city stood on the grounds of today’s Kempten. In the Archäologiepark Cambodunum (APC), you will find reconstructed temples of the former Roman settlement.
Hohenschwangau Castle
From the balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle, I got a fine view of the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle. Whereas Neuschwanstein is known as a dream castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Hohenschwangau was the castle of his parents and his childhood. Living there, he probably forged out plans for a palace of his own the first time.
Lutemaking industry in Füssen
Füssen has been a centre of the lute- and violinmaking industry for many years. In 1562, the lute maker of Füssen joined to form the first European lute maker guild. Today, one can visit an extensive exhibition about the production of lutes and violins at the municipal museum of Füssen (Museum der Stadt Füssen).
Danse macabre in Füssen
The danse macabre (Totentanz) in Füssen is the oldest one of Bavaria. Jacob Hiebler was the painter. You’ll find this work created by Jacob Hiebler in the Museum der Stadt Füssen. This heritage museum uses the rooms of the former St. Mang’s Abbey.
Sundials at the High Castle in Füssen
This sundial is located in the courtyard of the High Castle (Hohes Schloss) in Füssen. Around the windows, one can see a small piece of the Trompe-l’œil for which the castle is known. It is assumed that these paintings were made around 1499 by the painter Fidelis Eichele.
Trompe l’oeil featuring a book
I did know Füssen is known for a lot of amazing Trompe-l’œils on the walls of the High Castle (Hohes Schloss). Though I was surprised to see in the streets of Füssen such an impressive Trompe-l’œil featuring a book. In this depiction, the three legs of the city arms are linked to the character traits diligent, honest and helpful (fleissig – ehrlich – hilfsbereit).
Marienbrücke in Schwangau
A longshot of the Marienbrücke taken from a balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein). From there one has an excellent view over the whole castle. The bridge can be reached by bus starting near the ticket office in Hohenschwangau.
Coats of arms of the kingdom of Bavaria (1835)
This coat of arms, seen at an old building in Schwangau, displays the coat of arms of the kingdom of Bavaria introduced in 1835. The date above the crown has to be read as 1844. In former times, the 4 had been written as half 8.
Bavarian Lion in Lindau
You see this Bavarian Lion at the port entrance of Lindau. It stands next to the lighthouse of Lindau. The Bavarian Lion is mentioned several times in the Bavarian coat of arms. For example, two lions hold the shield of the coat of arms.