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?
Tag: Swabia
Model of the ancient forum in Kempten
A model of the ancient forum on the grounds of the former Roman place Cambodunum in Bavaria. It is part of the Archäologiepark Cambodunum (APC) where one can visit 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
For many years Füssen has been a centre of the lute- and violinmaking industry. In 1562, the lute maker of Füssen joined together 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. It was created by the painter Jacob Hiebler and can be seen as an exhibit of the museum of local history (Museum der Stadt Füssen) located in 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 oriel windows in Füssen
The High Castle (Hohes Schloss) in Füssen is known for its walls decorated with a 15th-century Trompe l’oeil. Personally, I was impressed by a couple of ‘painted’ oriel windows which give the castle a surreal touch.
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
The Bavarian Lion seen at the port entrance of Lindau. It is placed next to the lighthouse of Lindau. The Bavarian Lion is mentioned several times in the Bavarian coat of arms, for example the shield is hold by two lions.
The lighthouse of Lindau
The lighthouse was built in 1856 and is situated at the port of Lindau. Opposite the lighthouse one can see a sculpture showing the Bavarian lion. This historic centre of Lindau is actually an island but can be reached by car as well as train.