Thursday, October 12, 2017

Touching History in Schwäbisch Hall Rathaus

When we were in Schwäbisch Hall we visited the Rathaus
 (a town hall not a house of rats.) 
I was drawn to this beautiful staircase off to the side of the main hall. 

 

I would have LOVED to have gotten closer and even gone up the steps 
to check out the view looking down. 
But when you are traveling with 11 other family members for the day
 you have to snap and run. 
(Which really means I have to return alone someday.) 
;)

 

We received a personalized tour from my husband's cousin Johannes. 
(Technically a first-cousin-once-removed for those who like those details.) 

And who better to have led the tour than the artisan who worked on 
the gold leaf adorning the statues in the hall? 
Yes. Johannes is a retired artisan and teacher of the arts. 

The Schwäbisch Hall Crest 

Johannes was pretty amazing while touring us around hilly Schwäbisch Hall. 
He had just had knee replacement surgery and more often than not 
he was carrying his crutches or someone much younger was holding them for him. 
He is also knowledgable in History 
and has a great sense of humor. 



The detail inside the Rathaus was beautiful. 
I loved that while it serves as a modern government building 
you still sense the awe of history inside. 


Speaking of history, before leaving for Germany, 
I read a true story called The Burgermeister's Daughter by Steve Ozement. 
(Burgermeister=Mayor)
It tells the tale of a legal struggle between a father and daughter in the 16th century 
that happened right here in Schwäbisch Hall. 


Reading the book gave me a deeper appreciation while walking through 
these buildings knowing something of the people 
who frequented them so long ago. 

Front view of the Rathaus from St. Michael's Church

I loved Schwäbisch Hall - 
so much more than I anticipated! 
Yes, a return trip is definitely on the Bucket List. 



Shooting target from 1802 or 1803 showing Württemberg soldiers parading in front of the town hall of Schwäbisch Hall. Württemberg peacefully occupied and annexed that city in 1802. Like nearly all the other free Imperial cities, Hall lost its independence in the course of the German mediatization of 1802-1803. Wikepedia

My first post on Schwäbisch Hall is here 
and more images can be viewed here




2 comments:

Tamar SB said...

That is just a stunning space!

MadSnapper said...

it is an amazing stair case and your photo of it is just as amazing, even if you did have to snap and run. it looks like music. so much detail in the gold leaf, so beautiful.