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Up early and getting ready for a glass blowing demonstration with Mr Hans Ittig. He was talented but spent too much time trying to sell his wares than demonstrating. And of course he had a shop in Wertheim.
We lost a lot of time overnight getting held up in the locks so the walking tour of Miltenberg was cancelled. We were all very disappointed especially our guides who waved us on as we cruised past them on the waterfront. Miltenberg (population 9,500) lies primarily on the left bank of Germany's Main River. After recently purchasing land from a neighboring community, Miltenberg has been spreading itself out along the river's right bank. The city is known for its half-timbered houses that line its main street; a group of beautiful buildings spanning the 15th to 17th centuries, as well for its interesting shops and for cozy taverns serving local cuisine along with tasty beer and wine. Other major points-of-interest include the Miltenberg Castle, the town's history museum, the Schnatterloch Marketplace, the Hotel Zum Riesen (one of Germany"s oldest inns, if not the oldest) and the Mainz Gate.
We arrived at 12.30pm in Wertheim where we had a guided walking tour. Wertheim is a picturesque German town strategically located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers about 156 kilometers upstream from where the Main flows into the Rhine River. It is a typical medieval village known for its glassworks, Franconian wine, and friendly people.
The Wertheim Castle (Burg Wertheim) was built in the 12th century overlooking the river junction and expanded during the 15th to 17th centuries. The fortress was destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. Today the castle remains are among the largest in Germany. We entered the city through a medieval archway and passed by the Pointed Tower. Spitzer Tower is quite impressive with its octagonal top.
This 13th century Spitzer Tower has a lean because of 800 years of floodwater's! Located on its side, are marker's showing the flood levels over the centuries.
It was used as a Guard and Watch Tower and Prison for "Drunkard's" and for "Bad tempered feuding bickering Women!" The Women were locked in the dark Tower together for up to 6 weeks! To enter the Tower, they had to climb a ladder to the entrance 10 metre's above the ground, and to get out, be lowered by ropes. Food and water was also lowered to them, but they were kept "in the dark" together. Inside there is the so-called "fear-hole." Wertheim wouldn't put up with any nonsense!
Continuing to the square where we saw a lot of local art and quaint cafes and bars. The Pretzel Shop had the smallest window I have ever seen. Evidently, in medieval times, the people in Town's were curious to know what was happening and going on in their town, they wanted to watch, but NOT be seen! If a curtain moved, then somebody knew they were being watched! Well, this small window solved that problem, they could view the street below, and nobody would know!
We saw brass plaques placed in the cobbled streets with Jewish names from the Halocaust. There was also a restuarant that had skeletons on the facade (a little creepy). We spent a few hours walking around and enjoying this beautiful friendly town.
Departed at 6.15pm for Wurzburg.
Disco Night tonight...........with Roman and Karoly. Nora wore a black fuzzy wig and tried to get everyone up and into it but something is really lacking in the entertainment department. I had a few too many, Pete went to bed so I got up with Herb our tour director and sang Gangham Style.........and a few other songs, I think I emptied the room................
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