What if these cobblestones beneath our feet could talk? They would tell tales of Roman soldiers. They would tell of Bavarian saints. This is Passau-Innstadt.
Innstadt stands apart as Passau’s only district east of the Inn River. The Inn typically marks the border with Austria. Here, Innstadt breaks that rule. It lies nestled between the river and the Austrian border.
Around 270 AD, Romans established a settlement here. This was the Kastell Boiotro. Saint Severin arrived around 450 AD. He founded one of Bavaria’s first monasteries near the Kastell. St. Severin church likely grew from this monastery. It is Passau’s oldest preserved church. It served as Innstadt’s parish church until 1787.
Around 1500, trades moved here from Passau’s old town. These were riskier trades. Blacksmiths and tanners set up shop in what is now Lederergasse. From 1624 to 1627, they built the Mariahilf pilgrimage church. It still attracts many tourists.
A fire devastated Innstadt in 1662. It damaged Mariahilf and St. Gertraud churches. In 1787, the parish seat moved from St. Severin to St. Gertraud. St. Gertraud officially became the parish church in 1968. The parish still keeps St. Severin as its patron saint. Innstadt’s current look largely comes from rebuilding after Passau’s great fire in 1809.
The community of Beiderwies was established in 1816. It included all areas outside Innstadt’s walls. This area came to Bavaria in 1803. St. Severin, St. Ägidien-Spital and Mariahilf all belonged to Beiderwies. St. Gertraud was part of Passau. In 1923, Beiderwies became part of Passau.
The name Beiderwies comes from the Celtic name Boiodurum. It evolved through Boiotro, Peiter and Peichter to Beider. The stream through Lindental is still called Beiderbach.
Until 2013, the Innstadt Brewery was a local economic power. Hacklberg Brewery took over the Innstadt brand in 2012. They continue to produce Innstadt beer using the original recipes. Many pubs and bars fill Lederergasse and Löwengrube. They are popular with students.
Two railway lines pass through Innstadt. The Wels–Passau line runs for about two kilometers. The Passau-Voglau–Hauzenberg line branches off. It includes the Passau-Innstadt and Passau-Rosenau stations.
The Innstadt Faschingsfreunde were founded in 1987. They organize several carnival events each year. The Gaudiwurm parade is the largest event. It is Passau’s only carnival parade.
To experience the true essence of Passau, a stroll through Innstadt is essential. Here, history whispers from every corner. Here, the spirit of Bavaria thrives.