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The Church of Saint Martin in the old city district of Landshut
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The past is the town’s landmark
The people of Landshut are looking to the future, so, why are they said to be unrealistic? This can only be traced back to one of the biggest parties of the 15th century, the Landshut wedding. An event, that is still the locals’ pride and joy: in 1475, George the Rich, later Duke of Bavaria-Landshut married Hedwig (1457–1502), the daughter of King Kasimir IV of Poland, with this ceremony uniting the Christian Occident.
Every four years the medieval highlight is reenacted, and everyone gets carried away with medieval jousting, pageantry, feasting and wedding processions for a short period in the summer.
But it’s not just the locals, who love the festival with historical costumes: thousands of enraptured tourists flock to the town with the Gothic gable fronts and join the party.
But even if you miss the revival of what is said to have been one of the largest courtly celebrations ever, you will nevertheless become an authority on the Landshut wedding in no time at all: there are reminiscences of it everywhere. The paintings of the historical wedding procession in the town hall state room are a ‘must’ for any tourist. You will furthermore find interesting details on the plaques of buildings, too.
Beauty wherever you go
Where did Princess Margaret of Saxony spend the night before the legendary wedding? You will find out, if you keep your eyes open when strolling through the “old center” of Landshut, praised by its inhabitants as one of the most beautiful in Germany. The boulevard is so wide, it seems to be a large square. Besides the impressive town houses, the other Landshut landmark is St. Martin’s church, which features a tower entirely made of brick. At 439 feet, it is the world’s highest brick tower.
Almost all of the town center, including the boulevard, was built in the Middle ages; there are only a few modern buildings, which are harmoniously integrated into the surrounding old architecture. And history permeates ‘modern cuisine’ as well, for even a fast-food restaurant looks inviting in a magnificent Gothic building.
Hidden between the large gabled houses, are the small, only 6 feet wide, winding alleys in all of their beauty. Especially at night, they have their own particular charm: in the dim light of the antique street lamps, you can hear the echo of the steps on the cobblestones, and the only thing that is missing is the night watch.
Savoring life high over the town
Where may he have gone, he who promised a good night’s sleep? Probably retired to Trausnitz castle, where he is now sitting high upon the town in the ducal castle from the Middle Ages, dreaming of the old times, when there were still coaches on the streets and he used to take delight in Italian comedies. Today, the paintings on the fool’s stairs are the only reminders of a happy past.
But, life at the castle is still a cheerful one. Chatting over a glass of wine or simply enjoying the view of the town, is what the people of Landshut savor.
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