Things to Do in Regensburg
The Old Stone Bridge in Regensburg, Germany is a medieval bridge that was constructed in a Romanesque style in the mid 1100s. It crosses the Danube River connecting the old town to the Stadtamhof, and for more than 800 years, it was the city's only bridge across the river. For several centuries, Regensburg was a major center of trade and government due to this bridge because it was the only crossing over the Danube between Ulm, Germany and Vienna, Austria.
Visitors today can see 15 arches on the bridge, although there once was a 16th arch. Three towers were once connected to the bridge, but one was damaged by ice and torn down in the late 1700s and another was damaged during the war in 1810 and torn down. One tower remains, the Schuldturm, on the city side of the bridge, and it is now a museum. On this tower you can see two clocks and a painting depicting the 30 Year Battle. Although vehicles were once allowed on the bridge, it is now a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
The Regensburg Cathedral is the most important church in the city and is dedicated to St. Peter. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Regensburg and its two tall spires can be seen from all around the city. It is one of the best examples of Gothic church architecture in Bavaria. Though a church was once at this location since the year 700, the one that you see today was completed in the early 1300s. Over the centuries the cathedral underwent several renovations including the addition of Baroque elements.
On the north side of the cathedral you can visit the Bishop's Palace, which is now the Treasury Museum. The square to the west is called Domplatz. The west portal of the cathedral is decorated with arches, canopies, and several sculptures depicting scenes from the bible. Nearly 100 images of St. Peter can be found both outside and inside the cathedral. Visitors can also admire the large number of detailed stained glass windows that have managed to survive since the Middle Ages.
Regensburg, 80 miles from Munich, is the best preserved medieval city in Germany with its old townas the main highlight. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The city sits along the Danube River and has many impressive historic buildings and monuments. Of the more than 1,500 listed buildings in Regensburg, 984 protected buildings form the 'Old Town with Stadtamhof' where you can wander through over 2,000 years of history. The city has one of the most impressive medieval skylines in Germany.
One of the notable buildings here is St. Peter's Cathedral, also called Regensburg Cathedral, which is the only example of a French Gothic cathedral east of the Rhine River. The cathedral has medieval stained glass like nowhere else in Germany. In the old town you'll find several squares including Rathausplatz, Kohlenmarkt, Dachauplatz, and Alter Kornmarkt. The Stone Bridge connects the old town with the Amhof district on opposite sides of the Danube. It's the oldest stone bridge in the country with some sections still in the original state. Other important sites include Porta Praetoria which was once the city's north gate, Thurn and Taxis Palace, and the Old Town Hall.