Festung Marienberg (Marienberg Fortress)

Festung Marienberg (Marienberg Fortress) Review

This complex was the original home of the prince-bishops, beginning in the 13th century. The oldest buildings—note especially the Marienkirche (Church of the Virgin Mary)—date from around 700, although excavations have disclosed evidence that there was a settlement here in the Iron Age, 3,000 years ago. In addition to the rough-hewn medieval fortifications, there are a number of Renaissance and baroque apartments. To reach the hilltop Marienberg, make the fairly steep climb on foot through vineyards or take bus Number 9, starting at the Residenz, with several stops in the city. It runs about every 40 minutes from April to October.

Mainfränkisches Museum. The highlight is the remarkable collection of art treasures in the Mainfränkisches Museum, which traces the city's rich and varied history. Be sure to visit the gallery devoted to Würzburg-born sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider, who lived from the late 15th to the early 16th century. Also on view are paintings by Tiepolo and Cranach the Elder, as well as exhibits of porcelain, firearms, antique toys, and ancient Greek and Roman art. Other exhibits include enormous old winepresses and exhibits about the history of Franconian wine making. From April through October, tours around the fortress are offered for €2 per person, starting from the Scherenberg Tor. 0931/205-940. www.mainfraenkisches-museum.de. €4. Apr.-Oct., Tues.-Sun. 10-5; Nov.-Mar., Tues.-Sun. 10-4.

Fürstenbaumuseum. The Marienberg collections are so vast that they spill over into another outstanding museum that is part of the fortress, the Fürstenbaumuseum, which traces 1,200 years of Würzburg's history. The holdings include breathtaking exhibits of local goldsmiths' art. Festung Marienberg, Oberer Burgweg, 97082. Combined ticket for Mainfränkisches and Fürstenbau museums €6. mid-March.-Oct., Tues.-Sun. 9-6.