Survived 20 bombings: the city on the Danube impresses with its medieval charm and interesting history

Regensburg is the fourth largest city in Bavaria after Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg. It plays a key role as the political, economic, and cultural center of East Bavaria and is the capital of the administrative district of Upper Palatinate. Regensburg is located at the confluence of three rivers – the Danube, the Naab, and the Regen.

Despite the fact that the city survived 20 bombings during the Second World War, it has preserved many historical monuments and cultural values. The Express publication told why you should visit Regensburg.

History of Regensburg

In 179 AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Castra Regina (Latin for "fortress on the Regen River") was built for the Third Italian Legion. This Roman camp occupied a strategic position at the northernmost point of the Danube, which coincides with the modern center of the Old Town.

In the early sixth century. Regensburg became the ancestral home of the ruling Agilolfing dynasty, and from about 530 until the first half of the 13th century it was the capital of Bavaria.

In 1245, Regensburg became an imperial free city and served as a center of trade.

In 1663-1806, Regensburg was the venue for meetings of the Permanent Imperial Reichstag of the Holy Roman Empire, hence the name "Permanent Regensburg Reichstag."

On April 19-23, 1809, a Franco-Austrian battle took place in Regensburg, which is known in history as the Battle of Regensburg.

Regensburg during the Second World War

An aircraft factory operated in Regensburg, where Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters were manufactured. An oil refinery complex was also located here. These strategically important facilities were targeted by Allied airstrikes on August 17, 1943, during the Schweinfurt-Regensburg Offensive, and on February 5, 1945, during the so-called "oil refinery operation."

Despite the fact that the refineries were almost completely destroyed, the old town suffered minimal damage from the bombing. As a result, the historic center of the city remained virtually intact and was later included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Attractions

This Bavarian city, which the Munich Tourism Board calls a "special gem," boasts incredible architecture.

The well-preserved medieval center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a trip back in time with narrow streets, ancient stone bridges, and tall Gothic spires.

The Steinern Brücke is a stone bridge over the Danube, which is one of the oldest and most significant in Germany. It was built in the 12th century and served as an important trade route connecting Northern Europe with Venice and other cities in Italy.

Steinern Bruecke is considered a masterpiece of medieval engineering and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge has 16 arches and is about 310 meters long. It was built of stone quarried in the nearby quarries.

The Regensburg St. Peter's Cathedral is called an outstanding example of German Gothic architecture. The cathedral impresses with its beauty and complexity. The western facade is decorated with numerous sculptures and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and saints. The interior of the cathedral is also rich and varied. Here you can see ancient sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, and other art objects.

Tourists are also advised to visit the Historische Wurstküche, which is considered one of the oldest restaurants in the world. It's not just a place to grab a quick bite, but a real historical landmark and culinary landmark of the city. It is located at the foot of the ancient Stone Bridge over the Danube, and was founded almost 900 years ago, in the XII century, at the same time as the bridge was being built.

Times have changed, but one thing has always remained the same: meat has always been cooked here. At first it was boiled meat, and later, in the XIX century, the famous Regensburg sausages appeared, which are cooked on an open fire to this day.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.