Miltenberg, Lower Franconia, Bavaria

Port number 3 of the Grand European Tour on the Viking Skirnir, November, 2014

 

Judging from the fountain that greeted us just outside of the public restrooms, the folks in the town of Miltenberg (pop. 9400, more or less) have a sense of humor. Note: Miltenberg residents are referred to as "group pissers" by the people in the surrounding towns. 

Alter Marktplatz

Town Square

I am always fascinated by the way Europeans blend modern shops with medieval structures

This statue indicates "Here is a Catholic settlement"

Memorial brasses set into the sidewalk in front of the houses where Jews lived and were taken away by the Nazis. The brasses tell when they were taken and when/where they died in the death camps. 

Built in 1333

The same building as above; you can see how the oak beams have warped over the centuries as the building has settled

Hotel Zum Riesen/Inn of the Giant/The Giant Hotel

Said to be the oldest in Germany

Built in 1411, according to our tour guide; but I found places online saying parts of it date from 1158

Elvis Presley stayed there when he was in the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany

Old Town Hall, sandstone building from the 14th century

It is still used for cultural events and concerts

Yellow building now housing a butcher shop, Miltenberg. 

Note, as pointed out by the tour guide: During the witchcraft trials, butchers (and bakers) were never accused of witchcraft--possibly because they were so essential to the townspeople.

Germany has over 1000 kinds of sausage and 3000 kinds of bread.