Passau’s Mars might not be what you expect. It is not a planetarium. It is an attraction. It is even wheelchair accessible. But what can you expect? Let’s find out together.
Passau, a city where three rivers meet. The Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz converge here. This location has shaped Passau’s history. It has influenced its culture for centuries.
Originally a Celtic settlement, Passau became a Roman camp named Castra Batava. In 739, it became an episcopal see. Bishops ruled Passau until 1803. They were princes of the Holy Roman Empire since 1217.
Passau was a vital medieval trade center. Salt from the Inn River was a major commodity. The city was also known for knife and sword blades. Fires in 1662 and 1680 caused significant damage. The subsequent rebuilding gave Passau its Baroque character.
Today, Passau is southeastern Bavaria’s economic and cultural hub. Industries include bell founding, brewing, and manufacturing. They make clothing, bicycles, organs, and electrical products. Tourism thrives due to river traffic on the Danube.
The Oberhaus Fortress dominates Passau’s skyline. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is another landmark. It has one of the world’s largest church organs with over 17000 pipes. The bishops’ palace and fine churches reflect the prince-bishops’ era.
The Gothic town hall features paintings of Passau’s past. These include its connection to the Nibelungen legends. Niedernburg Convent holds the tomb of Gisela. She was the first queen of Hungary. The University of Passau opened in 1978.
Museums include the Oberhaus Museum. The Passau Glass Museum showcases Bohemian glass. There is also a modern art museum and a diocesan museum with religious art. Passau houses city and state libraries, plus a municipal theatre.
Passau’s history includes periods of upheaval. During World War II, it had sub-camps of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp. After the war, the American sector established a displaced persons camp here. Floods have often ravaged Passau. A major flood occurred in 2013.
Throughout the centuries, Passau has hosted dignitaries. Emperor Leopold I married here. Empress Elisabeth, or Sisi, stayed here for six days en route to her wedding in Vienna.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is a jewel. Architect Carlo Lurago designed it in Italian Baroque style. He preserved the Gothic east choir. The cathedral’s organ is the largest outside the United States, except for one in Los Angeles. Stucco adornments feature about 1000 figures. These are prophets and cherubs. The central cupola shows God the Father enthroned.
The Glass Museum houses the largest Bohemian glass collection. Over 15000 objects from 1700 to 1950 are displayed. The fortress Veste Oberhaus offers stunning city views. You can see the different colors of the three rivers. The dark Ilz, the blue Danube, and the light green Inn meet here.
The town hall’s façade is Neo-Gothic. Watermarks show past floods. The Rauthausturm tower has Bavaria’s largest carillon. Niedernburg Abbey was founded in 740. The Neue Residence has exquisite stucco. Its ornate stairway is one of Germany’s most beautiful.
The Roman Museum displays items from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. The Pilgrimage Church of Mariahilf has 321 steps. Emperor Leopold I prayed here for victory over the Turks. His prayer was answered. The Madonna on the altar is a copy by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
So, as you explore Passau, remember its rich past. The city’s unique location and history have shaped it into the place it is today. It is a blend of culture, art, and resilience. Enjoy discovering Passau.