Weißenburg Old Town

Historic Old Town, Weißenburg
and City Fortifications with Lakeside Walk
The buildings in Weißenburg exude the self-confidence of an imperial city—no wonder, given Weißenburg's rich history. Today, they form the backdrop for diverse cultural events.
For five centuries, Weißenburg was a Free Imperial City, subject only to the Emperor; today, buildings such as the city fortifications with their 38 towers and the Imperial City Museum bear witness to its heyday. The city's ancient walls are not only impressive sights in their own right, but also provide space for popular and well-known cultural events: The concert series "Musica Biriciana - Music in Ancient Walls" and the summer festival on the magnificent natural stage of the Bergwaldtheater are part of the "Musical Magic of Franconia" festival. The renowned "Franconian Summer - Musica Franconia" also regularly visits the city.
History of a Free Imperial City
At its heart, Weißenburg has retained the character of a former Free Imperial City. First mentioned in a document (in Latin) in 867, the Franconian royal court, where Charlemagne is said to have stayed in 793 on the occasion of the construction of the "Fossa Carolina," first became a Salian, then a Hohenstaufen estate, and in the 11th century, a walled city. The existence of the first coat of arms in 1241 manifests the emergence of municipal self-government. By 1296 at the latest, Weißenburg was one of only six Free Imperial Cities in present-day Franconia. Following the example of the Imperial City of Nuremberg, Weißenburg joined the "Confessio Augustana" in 1530. The construction of the Wülzburg Fortress from 1588 and the Thirty Years' War affected Weißenburg in many ways. In 1802, the city lost its imperial freedom, first passing to the Electorate of Bavaria, then to Prussia, and finally to the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806.Even today, evidence of this remains includes, among others, the following: The largely preserved city fortifications with 38 towers and the only remaining city gate – the Ellinger Tor – with the Hohenstaufen Imperial Eagle in the center and the two city coats of arms from 1241 and 1481 respectively; the Imperial (Old) Town Hall (1470-80); the St. Andrew's Church, the Hospital Church, and the Carmelite Church from the city's great era, when the "wings of the eagle," i.e. the emperor, still nominally ruled over it.
Text / Source: Weißenburg Tourist Information, Martin-Luther-Platz 3, Weißenburg i. Bay.
weissenburg.de/sehenswertes/historische_altstadt-1816

Gorgeous old town center. The buildings are well preserved and invite you to explore.

There are numerous cafés, ice cream parlors and restaurants in the old town. It is also worth taking a detour into the small side streets or walking around the old town along the historic city wall.