10/4 Boppard, Germany • Day 10 Grand Circle, Total travel Day 39. Ave. temp. 60 high, 46 low. Ave. chance of cloudy - 44%, chance of rain - 25%. Phone says I walked 12,199 steps for 5.3 miles and climbed 4 floors.
Optional Marksburg Castle tour
Optional Marksburg Castle tour
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: River Ship
TOUR INFO "This morning, you’ll pass through the most beautiful part of the Rhine, where an imposing rock rises 440 feet above the river. Ancient Greek mythology is littered with tales of sirens who lure sailors to their death with sweet songs. The Germanic variation of this legend places one such siren—Lorelei—here, and it is said she enticed sailors to destruction on the reef below the rock.
Disembark for a walking tour of Boppard. This cultural and historic center of the Middle Rhine region has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its famous Rhine Promenade and the white towers of the Church of St. Severus have drawn visitors to this lovely town for decades. Following your tour, return to the ship for lunch followed by free time to continue exploring Boppard on your own."
Boppard is a state-recognized tourism resort and wine growing center.
It was cloudy and drizzling this morning as we passed by castles and vineyards. The weather was better when I did a Viking River Cruise in 2016 through this section of the Rhine. Luckily, by the time we were doing our walking tour, it was no longer raining. We had lunch on the ship and returned to Boppard for the afternoon. I walked around town and then joined some other passengers in the town square for a “Battle of the Bands”. We sat with some people that were in Boppard for the Wine Festival this weekend and next weekend. They were from the Netherlands and told us that both bands were also from the Netherlands. The bands were enjoying themselves and made it fun to be in the audience. Tonight, different members of the crew presented slide shows about their countries and some demonstrated folk dances or songs. It was a lot of fun.
This nice town has a castle on a hill, vineyards and the riverfront. Traditionally the grape vines are planted vertically to assure all plants have sunshine. Now, sometimes to stop erosion, sections are planted horizontally. Many small vineyards are closing as they cannot compete.
Saint Severus's Church, Evangelical Christ Church (Christurskirche) The 13th-century church has twin towers and is a fine example of late Romanesque architecture. See the intricate frescoes, massive cross and Jesus from 1220. Five bells ring every day at 10:00 and 12:00. The crucifix portrays Christ in glory on the cross, not suffering.
In the Industrial Age, the rich built summer homes away from their factories, often on Boppard's riverfront. One lovely, impressive, original riverfront home was built at that time, now it is a business. Half-timbered houses can be found throughout Boppard. Haus Heimburger is of historical significance. The children loved Mrs. Heimburger’s little antique shop as she had large jars filled with all kinds of goodies for only a few pfennigs. It is one of the oldest half-timbered houses and is now a restaurant. Historical Teehausje, is a little tea house found on the Lower Market Street. The oldest half-timbered building in Boppard was built in 1519. There was a fake half-timber house located near my ship. The waterfront house was listed at 1.5 million Euros and finally sold for .5 million Euros. Every change an owner wants to make must be approved by the town. Medieval town walls that are in near-original condition can be seen throughout the town.
This nice town has a castle on a hill, vineyards and the riverfront. Traditionally the grape vines are planted vertically to assure all plants have sunshine. Now, sometimes to stop erosion, sections are planted horizontally. Many small vineyards are closing as they cannot compete.
Saint Severus's Church, Evangelical Christ Church (Christurskirche) The 13th-century church has twin towers and is a fine example of late Romanesque architecture. See the intricate frescoes, massive cross and Jesus from 1220. Five bells ring every day at 10:00 and 12:00. The crucifix portrays Christ in glory on the cross, not suffering.
In the Industrial Age, the rich built summer homes away from their factories, often on Boppard's riverfront. One lovely, impressive, original riverfront home was built at that time, now it is a business. Half-timbered houses can be found throughout Boppard. Haus Heimburger is of historical significance. The children loved Mrs. Heimburger’s little antique shop as she had large jars filled with all kinds of goodies for only a few pfennigs. It is one of the oldest half-timbered houses and is now a restaurant. Historical Teehausje, is a little tea house found on the Lower Market Street. The oldest half-timbered building in Boppard was built in 1519. There was a fake half-timber house located near my ship. The waterfront house was listed at 1.5 million Euros and finally sold for .5 million Euros. Every change an owner wants to make must be approved by the town. Medieval town walls that are in near-original condition can be seen throughout the town.
 |
This picture has it all; castle, vineyards and riverfront town. Traditionally the vines are planted vertically to assure all plants have sunshine. Now sometimes to stop erosion, sections are planted horizontally. Many small vineyards are closing as they cannot compete.
On the bottom of the picture, a legend says this was a toll castle. Near the center of the picture a pipe is sticking out of the white wall. If a ship did not pay the toll, a chain that was attached to the other side of the river was pulled up damaging the bottom of the ship.
Wine grapes are smaller than table grapes. These were grown in town as an example.
Saint Severus's Church, Evangelical Christ Church (Christurskirche) The 13th-century church has twin towers and is a fine example of late Romanesque architecture. See the intricate frescoes, massive cross and Jesus from 1220. Five bells ring every day at 10:00 and 12:00.
 |
| Crucifix portrays Christ as a victor, not suffering. |
Rhine Promenade, a walk along the river.
My home.
Historical Teehausje, a little tea house found in the Lower Market Street. The oldest half-timber-red building in Boppard was built in 1519.
Johannes, my excellent guide, is in front of another historical dwelling, Haus Heimburger. The children loved Mrs. Heimburger’s little antique shop as she had large jars filled with all kinds of goodies for only a few pfennigs. It is one of the oldest half-timbered houses and is now a restaurant.
More half-timbered houses can be found throughout Boppard.
Medieval town walls have sections that are still in near-original condition.
.
There are sections of walls around the Old Town, this diagram shows the extent of the fortification.
These Netherlands guys were having a great time entertaining. They were also good at drinking beer between their sets. 
This house was right by my ship on the waterfront. It is a fake half-timber house. The house was listed at 1.5 million Euros and finally sold for .5 million Euros. Every change the owners want to make must be approved.
In the Industrial Age, the rich built summer homes away from their factories. This is a riverfront home that was built at that time, now it is a business.
No comments:
Post a Comment