Last
night, we docked at Deggendorf waiting to see what is happening to the river
height! After a leisurely breakfast we wandered into the town centre for a
look. Unfortunately, the rain has started again and has become quite steady! We
took a few photos of local buildings, found a souvenier shop to purchase a pin for
Alison’s collection. Deggendorf is in Bavaria in south eastern Germany on the
Danube River. It lies at the western foot of
theBavarian and Bohemian forests, east of Straubing. Founded about 750, it
passed to the dukes of Bavaria in 1242 and was chartered in 1316. The river and
the forested mountains form a picturesque setting for the city, which retains
its medieval pattern and parts of its fortifications. Deggendorf is a market
centre with a harbour on the Danube, and it has become an important regional
tourist centre. Notable buildings in the city include the town hall (1335), the
Baroque parish church, and the Heilige Grab Church (1337), built in atonement
for a violation of the consecrated Host and the scene of an annual pilgrimage.
The history museum has notable archaeological displays.
Back
on the ship we relaxed till it was time for lunch. After lunch, we joined a bus
tour to Regensburg.
Located
on the Danube River in Bavaria, this medieval town contains many buildings of
exceptional quality that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its
influence on the region from the 9th century. A notable number of historic
structures span some two millennia and include ancient Roman, Romanesque and
Gothic buildings. Regensburg’s 11th- to 13th-century architecture – including
the market, city hall and cathedral – still defines the character of the town
marked by tall buildings, dark and narrow lanes, and strong fortifications. The
buildings include medieval patrician houses and towers, a large number of
churches and monastic ensembles as well as the 12th-century Old Bridge. The
town is also remarkable for the vestiges testifying to its rich history as one
of the centres of the Holy Roman Empire that turned to Protestantism.
The
history of Regensburg is complex ranging from the Roman Empire to the modern
times. The following are the main periods:
•
Antiquity: from AD 179, the site became a strong military base (Castra Regina),
built in stone. It developed into a considerable trading post with workshops
and also had a large temple. The fort had to resist continuous attacks from 230
until the fall of the Roman period in 476, when it finally passed to the hands
of the Teutonic tribes.
•
Early Middle Ages: the Roman buildings were not demolished, but continued being
used and gradually adapted to evolving needs. It became the main centre for the
Bavarians. From the 6th century, it was governed by the Agilolfinger dukes,
whose palace was in the north-east corner of the Roman fort (Alter Kornmarkt).
In 739, Regensburg was made the permanent seat of one of the four old Bavarian
bishoprics. The last Carolingian king, Louis the Child, held the last Imperial
Diet in the city in 901.
•
Later Middle Ages: There followed a period of power struggle, but the
importance of Regensburg continued growing. From the 10th to the 13th century,
it often hosted royal sojourns, including the christening of Duke Miesko I of
Poland, in 966, thus marking the beginning of Polish history. In the 11th
century, Bavaria remained royal property, and from 1096 it was again ruled by
dukes; the Welf dynasty. In 1139, Duke Leopold IV took over the Bavarian duchy,
but he failed to get the support of the Regensburg citizens, who were
increasingly involved in decision making.
•
Imperial Free City: throughout the 12th century Regensburg was administered by
outside rulers, marked also by the struggle between the Bishop and the Duke.
With the help of King Philip of Swabia (1198-1208), the citizens of Regensburg
finally established a stronger position as an urban commune. In 1245, Emperor
Frederick II laid the legal foundation for the establishment of the municipal
rule, the election of the Council, Mayor, and the municipal officers. At the
crossroads of important trade routes, Regensburg played a leading role in
trading with eastern Central Europe and the Balkans. It then developed its
contacts especially to Northern Italy and especially Venice. In the 15th
century, Regensburg fell behind in comparison to growing cities such as
Nuremberg, Augsburg and Ulm.
•
15th century: After long negotiations, a royal governor was appointed by the
Emperor to rule Regensburg, in 1499. The first governor prepared the Imperial
Government Regulations to guide all important administrative issues. In 1514,
in keeping with the city's constitution, an inner and an outer council were
established. With some modifications, the constitution remained legally binding
until 1802.
•
16th to 18th centuries: Protestantism began officially in Regensburg, with a
sermon in the Dominican church, 14-15 October 1542. Rapidly the citizens took
over the new faith even though the city council was trying to counteract the
trend. During the Thirty Year War, Regensburg was made into a garrison city.
There was a bitter conflict between Regensburg and Bavaria, and the city
suffered of plundering. In 1633, it was under the siege by the Swedes, but was
saved from the worst. However, its economy suffered seriously. After the war,
in 1663, Regensburg hosted the Imperial Diet, with some interruptions, until
the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, in 1806.
•
19th century: during the Napoleonic wars, Regensburg suffered some bombardment.
After the peace treaty between France and Austria, in 1809, Bavaria was able to
push its claim to Regensburg, which was handed over to Bavaria in 1810 becoming
a provincial city. The destroyed buildings were now rebuilt. After the
inauguration of Walhalla in 1842, it was decided to convert the Cathedral,
which had baroque interiors, back into its Gothic form, and complete its
western towers with Gothic spires. The city started expanding and, by 1878,
most of its medieval walls had been demolished.
•
20th century: in the 1930s, some industry was introduced to the city, but
outside the medieval city. During the Second World War the town was also
subject to bombing, but the Old City remained the only intact historic city in
Germany. The population had grown from 29,000 in 1871 to 53,000 in 1914. After
the Second World War, due to a flood of immigration, the population grew to
147,000. In the 1950s, the city was subject to restoration and improvement
works. The protection of the historic area was integrated into city planning
legislation in 1973-75.
We
were meant to cruise to Regensburg but because of the water level in the river
it means there is a bridge in Regensburg that we can’t get under. So we went by
coach there (about 1 hour). Our coaches were late in arriving at the ship as
they had taken another ship load of passengers to Regensburg for the morning
and were an hour late getting back, so we didn’t leave till 2.00pm so it was
3.00pm by the time we arrived in town. There we were greeted by guides to take
us on a walking tour of the city centre. It was interesting, but the rain
spoiled the tour a little. We only had a short time after the walking tour
before it was time to head back to the ship. We went into a shop that has lots
of locally made (by hand) cuckoo clocks. There one of the staff told us a
little about the origins of the clocks and how they are made. It would be great
to have one, but they are very expensive! And you would need the right place to
put it! After our tour we headed back to the coach and back to the ship for dinner.
At
dinner there was an announcement telling us we would be staying docked in
Deggendorf for another day, then the river level will be checked again. But
tomorrow we have the option of doing two different tours – one in the morning
and one in the afternoon. Even though we are not able to cruise at the moment,
we are certainly being well looked after!
(Sorry, I am too tired to label all the photos)
Doreen
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