This time we’re going to take a little trip to Landshut. This is a great little city about 60Km from Munich on the Isar River located on the foothills of the Alps. The town was founded in the 1200s, and became the capital of lower Bavaria. It is the home to the first Renaissance palace north of the Alps.
Trausnitz Castle is one of the main points of interest in the town. It’s been there since the early part of the 13th century. For some time it was the source of the town’s protection and later became a palace. Built on a hill overlooking the town, the view is wonderful, and the courtyard and palace make for some great photo opportunities. It’s used now for tourism, and even more importantly, for part of the Landshuter Hochzeit.
BurgTrausnitz, as seen from the Goldenne Sonne Hotel
ISO 100, 1/150, f/8
The Landshuter Hochzeit is a re-enactment of the wedding of Prince George of Bavaria to Princess Hedwig from Poland in 1475. This event takes place every 4 years. The next one is scheduled for June and July 2013. Tickets are usually available for 6 months or so before the event, so look for them in December 2012. The main tourist event of Landshut, it draws over 100,000 visitors, and involves over 2000 local persons re-enacting the different roles of the time. Some of the highlights include; jousting tournaments, camp games involving medieval events, a huge parade, and other shows throughout the summer weekends. Definitely not to be missed.
The "Princess" arrives
ISO 200, f/8, 1/250
Another tourist site is the Landshut residence. This Renaissance palace in the town itself was built in about 1540, and was the first of its type North of the Alps.
Landshut has a slew of Gothic architecture and styles throughout the town, including Trausnitz Castle the Church of St Martin. St Martin’s has the worlds tallest brick tower, and is majestic, inside and out. Then there is the Old Town Hall, with its splendid rooms and stage, where dances and court life is recreated during the Hochzeit. Another great site is the Landtor, remains the old medieval walls.
Sunset over St. Martin's
ISO 400, f/4.5, 1/20
Examples of Baroque and Renaissance art and architecture are abundant as well, including the Jesuit church and the Dominican church as well.
A must see is the Isar river. Don’t take a trip here without a stop and some time to view and wander the banks.
The day can pass quickly when visiting, so make sure you either stay at a hotel in town, or schedule time to come back! It’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left. With all the great photos you’ll be taking, memories of this little gem will always be a fingertip from being re-kindled! Check out the town’s website at Landshut Tourism.
I'll leave you with this shot of an alley into a restaurant.
ISO 200, f/5, 1/15
Here's hoping you make to Landshut, and get some great pics. If you do, let us see by posting at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page.
Remember; leave your comments and questions here and on our Facebook pages, also.
Enjoy the week ahead, and keep shooting the gems in your viewfinder!
No comments:
Post a Comment