Germany I - Pretty Passau

Best overview I have

Passau, a beautiful city in southern Germany. A visit is like walking into a picture postcard. Someone long ago saw this site where three rivers merged wedged between ridges of the Bavarian hills & said, “This is for me!”

Not an especially great photo, but it shows very well the different colors where the Danube & the Ill rivers meet. The Ill coming from the Alps is greener than the Danube coming from the Black Forest.

As is so often the case, beautiful places do not become big, wealthy cities. Nevertheless, in the case of modern Passau, the waterways have contributed to its historic stability as a cultural & learning center, boats for pleasure and transport of goods, surrounded by small, contained industries and farms. 

#2: Our fearless guide -- The water is very high. Note the submerged tree where people can usually walk. Notice in the background a luxury liner that plies the rivers.

The old historical town is a pedestrian’s paradise with its churches, municipal buildings, universities, small shops, & eateries.

Symphony in Rose: The Rathaus (town hall) has a handsome clock

An outdoor cafe/restaurant is behind the fountain.

We park outside the old town along the riverfront & take our place among other old town strollers.

Old: Universität Passau Katholische Theologishe Facultät in the old town

New: Universität outside the old town

Greater Passau is a feast for the eyes everyday, as one must drive along the rivers, cross beautiful bridges, and take in the cultivated countryside. All this & one never has the impression of crowding or pollution, or any of the usual city ills associated with urban areas.  And once again, colorful structures, as you will see. What’s not to love about that? 

Passau for sure has a proud history, but I must admit that I haven’t quite gotten a proper grasp of it, as yet. I have only witnessed bits & pieces of it, & mostly by visiting places.  I know that it’s important to keep in mind that Passau is in Bavaria which is historically Roman Catholic. I’m sure there are Evangelical (Lutheran) churches, but I did not notice many. Most of the churches are what I would call Baroque in style, grandiose, & as the photos will demonstrate, they are richly gilded with art all about.

A good example of decorated arches and a pipe organ

Imagine a wedding procession here!

A bit dark... one of many ceiling murals: angels playing musical instruments 

A baby pipe organ

None would be complete without a beautifully exposed pipe organ...and sometimes more than one.

Baroque size organ - not very big

Modern and big organ

Our special guide was #2 who works as a dentist. He’s become charmed by this Neverland, even learning to love beer which defies his French roots.