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