Places to See in Würzburg

The Marienkapelle (Chapel of Mary) is in the central square of Würzburg. It was built during the 14th and 15th centuries with much ornamental stonecarving of the time. The interior has been restored after wartime fire damage.

Work on the Würzburg cathedral was started in the 11th century and continued through the centuries before the original building was completely destroyed following the bombing of the Second World War. This more modern version of the cathedral was finished in the 1960s.

The Würzburg Residence is protected by UNESCO as part of the World Cultural Heritage. It was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most important Baroque palaces in Europe. The prince bishops resided here and decorated the residence with fine paintings and sculpture from all over Europe.

The Mainbrücke was built in the 16th century as a connection between the castle and vineyards and the main town which was growing in importance in the space on the other side of the river. The statues were added in the 18th century.

It is possible to take tours 40 minutes up the River Main to the summer palace of the prince bishops at Veitshöchheim from the mooring point near the Alter Kranen (the old crane).

These massive cranes date from the 18th century and the fact that they have been adopted as a symbol of the city shows the importance of the river commerce in the history of Würzburg.

The Marienberg was the first part of present-day Würzburg which was settled (in around 1000BC) - for obvious strategic reasons with its commanding position over the river and what eventually became the important crossing point over the Main. For nearly five centuries, it was the home of the prince bishops, who enjoyed an uneasy relationship with the residents of the city below them.

This was the inner courtyard and the oldest part of the castle. This view is towards the Princely Apartments, the part where the bishops actually lived.