ArtandCulture, Bayreuth

One of the most impressive squares, featuring architectural styles from all periods.The Imperial Cathedral with four spires is perched on top of one of Bamberg's seven hills and forms the heart of the city and the region's most significant edifice. St. Peter's and St. Paul's Cathedral was originally established by Heinrich II, who founded the diocese of Bamberg in 1007. https://en.bamberg.info/poi/cathedral_square-5017/

Today, after numerous additions and alterations, you can admire the three-section building complex dating from the 13th century which consists of the Town Hall tower, the Gothic Imperial Chamber building and the baroque Town Hall. From 1663 to 1806 the Perpetual Imperial Assembly met in the Imperial Chamber. It was there that the well-known expressions “to put something on the long bench” (to postpone something) and “to sit at the green table” (to take important decisions) originated. https://tourismus.regensburg.de/en/about-regensburg/more-sights-to-explore/architectural-monuments/old-town-hall.html

Pilsen's main square of the Republic is dominated by the beautiful Gothic cathedral of St. Bartholomew with the highest church tower in the Czech Republic. You will find many beautiful historic houses, lots of cafes and restaurants. During the year there are dozens of cultural events, festivals and festivals. https://www.plzen.eu/turista/poznej-plzen/to-nejlepsi-z-plzne/namesti-republiky/namesti-republiky-2.aspx

The most beautiful of all the city's preserved gates, the cross gate, leads from the west into the Old Town. Four small corner towers and sparingly used limestone decorations embellish the red brick gateway tower from the late 14th century, a Romantic witness to medieval architecture. http://www.ingolstadt-tourismus.de/en/exploreingolstadt/sightseeing/kreuztor-emblem-of-the-city.html

The Baroque Duchcov Chateau is situated in North Bohemia near the spa town of Teplice. It was here where world renowned lover Giacomo Casanova worked as a librarian, wrote his memoirs and later died in 1798. http://www.czechtourism.com/c/duchcov-castle/

The orphanage founded in the year 1700 by August Hermann Francke, with its subsequent framework building ensemble, also Europe’s larges framework house, is a remarkable cultural monument at European level with it being included on the list for selection as a world cultural heritage. http://www.halle.de/en/Culture-Tourism/Points-of-Interest/Culture-wherever-o-06059/

Halle’s largest art gallery, the Stiftung Moritzburg Art Museum Saxony Anhalt, was named after the time honoured walls within which it is situated. New halls have been and are being built to harbour its treasures. http://www.halle.de/en/Culture-Tourism/Points-of-Interest/Culture-wherever-o-06059/

The route from Johannisburg Palace to the town hall is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, where traditional bars and quaint restaurants occupy pretty little half-timbered buildings. https://www.info-aschaffenburg.de/en/tourism/tourist-attractions.html

This palace, made of red sandstone, is one of the most significant and beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. Its unique features include the chapel (complete with Renaissance altar, pulpit and portal sculptures by Hans Juncker), the royal living quarters, the world's largest collection of architectural models made from cork, the state gallery with paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Palace Museum of Aschaffenburg that houses works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Christian Schad. https://www.info-aschaffenburg.de/en/tourism/tourist-attractions.html

The oldest spa in Czechia and one of the oldest spas in Europe is located in the valley between the Central Bohemian Mountains and the ridges of the Krušné Mountains. Come visit the “little Paris of Bohemia” with attractively built spa buildings, parks, gardens, fountains, a long pedestrian zone and a Baroque Marian column. http://www.czechtourism.com/t/teplice/

Die Kiste,” the museum of the Augsburg Puppet Theatre, is found one floor above the theater in the Heilig-Geist-Spital, a former hospital now preserved as an historical monument http://www.augsburg-tourismus.de/augsburg-city.html

The collection of over 10,000 exhibits (currently the most comprehensive exhibition of clocks in our country) presents clocks from all over the world. The European "watchmaker" powers, which include England, France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria-Hungary, are the most represented. We will also find clocks from China, Japan and America in the sample. You can see clocks and timing machines of all types and sizes, from pocket or wrist chronometers, through alarm clocks, table and wall clocks to so-called floor clocks and tower machines. You will see the works of important watchmakers and inventors as well as nameless watchmakers. You will get to know simple all-wood mechanisms, but also carillons, various so-called automatic machines and the most precise machines, which we call regulators. You will enjoy painted clocks from a country cottage, decorated from a burgher's household or from aristocratic residences. We will also show you a well-equipped ancient watchmaking workshop with various period machine tools, measuring instruments and work aids that used to be necessary in the production of any type of clock or watch. http://www.muzeumhodin.eu/cs/

The Museum of Nativity Scenes is located on Karlštejn Square. On the ground floor of the building, you can see a quality collection of Czech historical nativity scenes carved from wood, complemented by nativity scenes from period rare materials such as wax, sugar or bread. The attraction for children is several mechanical nativity scenes, which run on their own. Directly under the roof, the most spectacular building is hidden in the audience - the Karlštejn Royal Nativity Scene. It is the largest puppet nativity scene in the Czech Republic, covering 80 m 2. The several-meter scenery of Karlštejn Castle is equipped with 46 puppets carved from wood and dressed in period suits. Santa Claus brings gifts from the 10 most important Czech monarchs, led by Charles IV, who brings him gifts from Karlštejn Castle. In the lowest part of the house, there are two floors of Baroque cellars, where a permanent exhibition on the history of viticulture in Karlštejn and the Sklep exhibition hall are installed. The mysterious figure of the White Lady attracts children's attention in the cellars, to whom a somewhat morbid story from the history of Karlštejn Castle relates. http://www.muzeumbetlemu.cz/

The tour begins with a giant kaleidoscope. Thanks to the rear projection and countless mirrors, the 70-meter-high imaginary sphere brings a unique spectacle. You will look into the lives of craftsmen, potters, armourers and the legendary rat. You will see the medieval prison with your own eyes, you will peek under the executioner's arm and you will envy the White Lady that she can disappear from these horrible places at any time. On the contrary, the exposition full of well-being is the part dedicated to the founders of the castle and many other important monuments of Charles IV, who is cheered up by a traditionally dressed clown. Everything is watched indulgently by four of Charles's wives, including Elizabeth of Pomerania, who is said to have been able to break iron with her bare hands. You will discover the secrets of the alchemical court in the part where Rudolf II. oversees astronomer Tycho de Brahe, Yehuda Lowe works on a giant Golem and the legendary Sirael seduces poor men with a look. Then a newer time awaits you. Maria Theresa, Napoleon or Francis Joseph I will appear in front of you. In the final hall, you will meet Masaryk, Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana and Mother Tereza. http://www.waxmuseumprague.cz/wax-museum-karlstejn

Prince Wilhelm von Hessen-Kassel decided to make a spa in 1777 and did so by forming a romantic park, using money earned by mercenaries sent to help the English against the Americans. https://www.gardenvisit.com/gardens/wilhelmsbad_hanau

Dresden’s Royal Palace was once the hub of power for the Saxon princes and kings. First mentioned in the 14th century as a castle complex, the four-wing palace structure was developed in the 15th century. After it was destroyed by fire in 1701, the palace was reconstructed under Augustus the Strong. After air attacks during the last few months of the Second World War, the palace – with its approximately 500 halls and rooms – once again burned down to its foundations. Most of the valuable interior furnishings were lost. In 1985, reconstruction began on the palace to create a museum complex for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections). The first museum to move into the Royal Palace was the Kupferstich-Kabinett (Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs); it has been displaying its treasures there since April 2004. The New Green Vault was opened in September 2004. Since September 2006, the Historic Green Vault can once again be admired in its original rooms. Today, the exterior of the Royal Palace is decorated in Neorenaissance style, while the large courtyard of the palace displays Renaissance-style sgraffito paintings. The Hausmann Tower overlooks the whole ensemble, offering a wonderful view of the Old Town. Starting in 2010, after five years of construction, the English Stairway in the Dresden Royal Palace is once again accessible. The Baroque stairway was reconstructed at a cost of four million euros, following its original historic pattern. In the future, it will serve as the main entrance for the museums of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen. The Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber) was also opened in March 2010, containing countless small treasures that were not open to the public for more than seventy years. The renovation of the Palace is completed since 2013. https://www.dresden.de/en/tourism/attractions/sights/old_town/royal-palace.php

Dresden’s Semper Opera House is the most famous opera house in Germany; it houses the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world’s oldest and best-known orchestras. Built by Gottfried Semper between 1838 and 1841, the Semper Opera House was closed in August 1944 and was destroyed six months later by the Allied air attacks. https://www.dresden.de/en/tourism/attractions/sights/old_town/semper-opera-house.php

In the Middle Ages, knightly games and tournaments took place in the Stallhof (Stall Courtyard), which is part of the big Royal Palace complex. Today, the court between the Johanneum and the "Langer Gang" (Long Arcade) is used for cultural events. The Procession of Princes is located on the outside of the Stallhof, on Schlossplatz Square. https://www.dresden.de/en/tourism/attractions/sights/old_town/stallhof-and-procession-of-princes.php

The baroque palace in the west part of Munich was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs. Five generations of Wittelsbach rulers were involved in the construction of this stately ensemble, which houses several outstanding collections. With its lavishly decorated interior and the famous "Gallery of Beauties" commissioned by Ludwig I, the palace is one of Munich's favorite attractions. Among the highlights are the former bedroom of King Ludwig II and the impressive banquet hall with fine ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. The Nymphenburg Palace west of Munich is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe and is not to be missed on a sight-seeing tour through the Bavarian capital city. The oft-visited Baroque tourist attraction with it’s expansive landscaped garden and museum draws not only guests from around the world, but is also a beloved institution for Munich residents. In 1664, Prince Ferdinand Maria had the castle built as a present to his wife, who had borne him the long-awaited heir, Max Emanuel. Max Emanuel himself later played a significant role in expanding the palace layout. http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/castles/nymphenburg-palace.html

Outstanding works of European art and sculpture from the late 18th to the beginning of the 20th century are in the spotlight of the Neue Pinakothek. One focus is on the German art of the 19th century - this collection, which goes back to the private collection of King Ludwig I, is one of the most comprehensive of all. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/museums/neue-pinakothek.html

The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town. The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. Today, with the museums of the Bavarian Palace Administration (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) along with other cultural institutions, this is one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria. http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/

Munich is the capital of beer - with six breweries, the Hofbräuhaus and the Oktoberfest. Interested in the story of beer? So go into the Bier- und Oktoberfestmuseum. Learn more about the history of beer from migration of peoples, the monasteries, the purity law, and the unique quality of Munich's beer. And what about the story of the Oktoberfest? Established as the national festival for King Luis's wedding with Princess Theresa from Sachsen Hildburghausen to the world's great fair. Moreover, you can visit one of Munich's historical buildings. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/museums/beer-and-oktoberfest-museum.html

The late Baroque Asam Church is located on Sendlingerstraße just a few minutes’ walk away from the Sendlinger Tor (Sendling Gate). It was erected between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers and bears the official name of St. Johann Nepomuk. Originally planned as a private church for the builder, its Baroque facade is integrated into the row of houses on Sendlingerstraße. Two massive rocks arise from the base of the columns at the entrance. The luxuriously furnished interior breaks from Baroque convention with its proportional distribution. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/asam-church.html

Which is the largest castle in the world? The one in Prague of course! You can wander around its courtyards, palaces, museums and garden all day long and whilst doing so, admire the overwhelming beauty of a place which has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors and presidents for a thousand years. The whole castle grounds are dominated by the monumental St. Vitus Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Discover the secret of this symbol of the Czech Republic and a place which makes Prague one of the most beautiful cities in the world. http://www.czechtourism.com/c/prague-castle/

This terraced Baroque garden in the Italian style is situated on Petřín hill. Although just a few steps away from Lesser Town Square and Charles Bridge, finding it requires a great deal of attention. Passers-by tend to miss the garden’s entrance, however, if you make the Vrtba Garden your destination and pay attention to the signposts, you will find it. A bit of looking around is certainly worth it . This Baroque beauty is cut off from the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist destinations by high walls and buildings. Thanks to them you will feel as if you were in a different, grand, ornate and perfect world. http://www.czechtourism.com/c/baroque-vrtba-garden-prague/

The city square in the centre of Prague is a traditional venue for celebrations, demonstrations, and public gatherings. It was witness to many historic moments. It is also the second-largest square in the entire Czech Republic, and is a gathering place for Prague residents. When you say, "Let's meet at the horse," everyone knows that the meetup place is the equestrian statue of the patron saint of the Czech lands: the statue of St Wenceslas, which reigns over the entire square. http://www.czechtourism.com/c/prague-wenceslas-square/

It now represents a classic example of the traditional half-timbered architectural style of times gone by. Every single house bears its own name. In the 17th century, the corner house, named "Grosser Engel", became the home of Frankfurt's first bank. https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Best-of-Frankfurt2/Roemerberg-Ostzeile

The Archaeological Museum, formerly the Museum of Pre- and Early History, is housed in the Carmelite Church. A modern annexe designed by Joseph-Paul Kleihues has recently been added. The Archaeological Museum devotes itself to the investigation, documentation and presentation of archaeological findings of Frankfurt and its environs from pre-historic times, the Roman period, the Middle Ages and the modern era. https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Media/Attractions/Archaeological-Museum

The Frankfurt Goethe House, birthplace of Germany´s most famous author and poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, was built in the typical 18th-century bourgeois style. It is decorated with period furniture and paintings, providing an authentic and striking impression of the environment in which Goethe spent his youth. The Goethe Museum, a gallery of paintings from the Goethe era, elucidates Goethe's relationship to the art and artists of his epoch. https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Best-of-Frankfurt2/Frankfurt-Goethe-Museum-and-Goethe-House

Behind the historical facade of the previous Frankfurt Opera House lies one of the most outstanding concert halls of major importance, way beyond the borders of Germany. The visitor is offered a high-quality program in all sections of music: classical music, jazz and world-wide famous musical and show productions. https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Media/Attractions/Event-venues/Old-Opera-House

Opera, operetta, musical, symphony concert, ballet, drama - the Anhalt Theater serves many interests and attracts the attention of the audience from all over Germany with its productions. https://tourismus.dessau-rosslau.de/nl/kultur/theater/anhaltisches-theater.html

When today's talk is of classic modernism, nobody comes past Dessau. From 1926 to 1932, the city housed one of the most famous architecture and art schools in the world: the Bauhaus. https://tourismus.dessau-rosslau.de/welterbe/bauhaus-dessau.html

A baroque jewel with a colourful past - the Old Observatory will enchant you with past and present. Who can fail to be attracted by the stars? Built under Elector Carl Theodor, the old observatory was the place for celestial observations and for surveying the different parcels of land that made up the state of Baden. Even Wolfgang A. Mozart and Thomas Jefferson paid a visit. Today, one of the city's oldest surviving buildings is home to numerous artists' studios. Thanks to extensive refurbishment, it can now be seen in all its former baroque splendour. https://www.visit-mannheim.de/en/Media/attractions/old-observatory