Opinions

My friend Beverly snubs her nose at Rudisheim and Heidelburg.  She says too many tourists detract from the charm of a German town.  Rick Steves agrees with her.  I explained how much our family loved both towns - the cathedrals, castles, and boat rides.  She suggested we visit Marburg so we could see the difference.

Marburg developed sometime around the 9th or 10th century as a trading town between Prague and Koln.  In the 1200's a widowed princess Elizabeth chose it as her town since she detested her brother in law.  Subsequently, she dedicated the rest of her life to the sick and nine years after her early death she became canonized.  In the 1500s, Marburg founded the first Protestant University in the world.  The Brother's Grimm entered the scene in the 18th century when Marburg became a leader in the Romanticism movement.  Currently, the University thrives and a cathedral marks Elizabeth's sainthood.

Skeptical there would be much difference, we plugged the town into our GPS and arrived an hour later.  We went straight to the TI only to find it opened at 1:00.  At a stranger's advice, we found an elevator to a picturesque street where we killed time eating.  (Our favorite European activity)  We went back to the TI only to realize I misread the sign the first time.  This place would remain closed all day, and instead, we should walk to the town's center to speak with a guide and procure maps.  (I really need to improve my German reading skills.)   By the time we actually headed toward the cathedral, the kids tolerance for the stroller and each other puttered out.  We parked the stroller atop of a big hill and ran down toward the cathedral.

The intricate stained glass, sandstone walls, and Gothic architecture amazed both Dave and me.    The benches, broom closets, and renovation scaffolding amazed the kids.  Dave and I respectfully crept into the sanctuary while Emily and Owen scrambled toward an early Renaissance alter piece.  Emily said "Mommy you just have to see this."   I thought "ohh an interest in art" until she excitedly showed me the closet.  I pointed out the painting to which she wondered out loud why the man was bleeding.  I sat both kids next to Elizabeth's statue and explained her story.  Owen asked if Swiper the Fox would also be making an appearance.   Eight minutes after entering the Cathedral, Dave and the kids left me inside to enjoy five minutes of art.  (Outside, the kids took turns sprinting in the courtyard.)

I did love the town and now understand Beverly's perspective.  I noticed few Americans, not much tourism, and a quaintness the other two town's lacked.  We ended the day with our favorite treats- ice cream and chocolates.