Consider the year is 1773. The Alter Kranen is brand new. Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim wanted a crane to boost trade on the Main river. That is why he ordered the construction of the Alter Kranen.
The Alter Kranen stands tall. It is near the old warehouse and customs post. Franz Ignatz Michael Neumann completed it. He was the son of Balthasar Neumann.
Picture two burly men inside. They are walking the treadmills. This powers the crane. Two to four more men turn the top part. A master oversees everything. He ensures the loading goes smoothly.
The Alter Kranen has two arms. One is 11 meters. The other is 14 meters. These arms lift goods from ships. They also load goods onto wagons. This location is strategic. It serves the river and the land.
Look at the crane’s design. It has a round base. It is a stone tower. The top can turn 360 degrees. This makes loading easier. The Alter Kranen is not just practical. It is beautiful. People call it one of the Main’s finest sights.
Notice the coat of arms. It belongs to Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim. See Franconia and Moenus. They are gods. Franconia protects Franconia. Moenus is the god of the Main river.
The Alter Kranen stopped working in 1846. An iron crane replaced it. But the Alter Kranen remained. It even helped move wood briefly in the 20th century.
The Alter Kranen is a symbol of Würzburg’s history. It shows the importance of trade. It is a rare piece of baroque architecture. It is also a popular meeting spot. People gather here to enjoy the view. They relax in the nearby beer garden. The Alter Kranen is more than a crane. It is a landmark. It is a place where history and modern life meet.