Miltenberg
Miltenberg – Youthful Middle Ages
Miltenberg not only delights with a medieval old city centre filled with half-timbered houses, romantic alleyways and hidden corners. It is also a place of vibrant urban culture and youthful Middle Ages.
Discover Germany’s oldest inn for nobility, the “Gasthaus zum Riesen” (“Giant’s Inn”) as well as the famous “Schnatterloch” which forms part of the old market square. This ensemble consisting of the market fountain and magnificent half-timbered houses is a highlight of romantic, historic townscapes. It is one of the most photographed places in Germany.
The award-winning Museum Stadt Miltenberg, counted among the most beautiful museums in Bavaria, presents the daily life of past centuries as well as art, history and our region. A fascinating interaction of ancient ikons and contemporary art can be seen within the historic castle walls of the Mildenburg, where you will find the Museum Burg Miltenberg overlooking the town.
We recommend Miltenberg as the starting point for your activities in Odenwald and Spessart. Discover the countless opportunities: No matter, if you want to play golf on the amazing courses around Miltenberg, if you want to go shopping or walking, go on bicycle or mountainbike tours, have a swim, play tennis, go horse-riding or visit museums or vintners – there is something for everyone!
All year long you can choose between many cultural events, be it guided tours, cabarets, concerts, theatre or kleinkunst, exhibitions, readings or presentations – you can find everything in our online event calendar. Regional festivals like the MainFest, the Michaelismesse (St. Michael’s Fair), the Miltenberger Weinherbst or Christmas markets add to our varied offer of spare time activities.
Miltenberg and its incorporated villages
Would you like to relax, enjoy some tranquility or escape daily routine?
Then our villages resting on top of the pictorial rolling hills of the Odenwald, only a few kilometres outside of Miltenberg will feel just right.
Mainbullau
Wenschdorf & Monbrunn
Schippach & Berndiel
Breitendiel
Sights
“Schwarzviertel” (“Black Quarter”)
Nr. on the small map: 8 (Miltenberg)The Schwarzviertel (black quarter) is the oldest part of Miltenberg with a lot of beautiful half-timbered houses, located between the Schwertfeger Gate and the
House of the Bischoff Family
The tanning family Bischoff moved from Amorbach to Miltenberg in 1669. Here, in the Schwarzviertel, they successfully ran their business. The tanning pits were outside the city walls, near the
Mikvah
Nr. on the small map: 9 (Miltenberg) This narrow, four-storey building with decorative framework was built in the late 16th century.In the cellar there is a former mikvah. Mikvah is
Bann Haus
Nr. on the small map: 10 (Miltenberg) From the 13th century until 1780, the old Bann House used to be a customs office for Mainz. In its courtyard there are
Former Superior Bailiwick (Oberamt „Adelshof“)
Nr. on the small map: 11 (Miltenberg) The former Oberamt (Superior Bailiwick) was originally an aristocratic court. In its present appearance it dates back to the family
First Synagogue
Nr. on the small map: 12 (Miltenberg) Around 1290, the first synagogue was built. It is one of the oldest sacred Jewish buildings of Europe that has retained its original
Pfarrgasse 6
The oldest document mentioning this building dates from 1646. At that time, it was a swineherd’s home. The house may very well be even older. The supporting buildings date from
Parish Church „St. James the Great“
Nr. on the small map: 13 (Miltenberg) The Church “St. James the Great” had already existed since the early days of Miltenberg in the 13th century but has frequently been
Staffelbrunserbrunnen (“Stair-Pee-ers’ Well”)
Nr. on the small map: 14 (Miltenberg) A lot of towns have mocking names which nowadays are mainly used during Carnival season. Citizens of Miltenberg are the “Staffelbrunser” (“Stair Pee-ers”:
Museum Stadt Miltenberg
Nr. on the small map: 18 (Miltenberg) In 1541, the main building was constructed by Bernhard von Hardheim, an amtmann (kind of “bailiff”) of Mainz. It was used as an
Market Square with Market Fountain
Nr. on the small map: 15 (Miltenberg) Without a doubt, the market square with its market fountain is the center of town. The ensemble, which strikes a balance, honors the
Schnatterlochturm
The designation „Schnatterloch“ comes from the medieval German word „snade“, which means “gash” or “swath”. Originally it was a drain resembling a gully and lead down to the Main river.
Museum Burg Miltenberg and Mildenburg Castle
Nr. on the small map: 16 (Miltenberg) King Conrad III most likely gave Burkard, a member of the edelfreien (“free knights”) Lords of Weinsberg, the order to build the Mildenburg
Composer Joseph Martin Kraus and the Baroque House at the Market Square
Nr. on the small map: 19 (Miltenberg) This house was built in 1750/51 by architect, builder and contractor Johann Martin Schmidt (1700 – 1763) as his own prestigious private residence.
Hümplerhof
In spite of looking rather inconspicuous today, this was the “Hümplerhof”, the guild house of the bargees and fishermen from the 14th century until 1671. “Hümpler” were owners of small
New Synagogue
Miltenberg probably had a Jewish community from the very beginning. The first synagogue of Miltenberg was built in the late 13th century. After a long history of many ups and
Historic Town Hall
Nr. on the small map: 20 (Miltenberg)The historic town hall was first mentioned in 1379 as the weigh house. Its upper floor was additionally used as dance and council hall,
Zum Goldenen Ochsen
Constructed in 1387, number 108 is the corner house. The name of the restaurant Zum Goldenen Ochsen (the Golden Ox), which was later built here, is derived from a family
Staffelbrunnen (Stair Well)
Nr. on the small map: 21 (Miltenberg)Up to 1897, 10 to 12 wells were the only water supply for the town. The Stair Well, which had been built around 1600
Apothecary Museum
Nr. on the small map: 22 (Miltenberg) In 1514, the first pharmacy in this area – which was under the Mainz electorate – was established in Miltenberg. The fact that
Inn Zum Riesen (The Giant)
Nr. on the small map: 23 (Miltenberg) In 1411, the tavern Zum Riesen was first officially mentioned. However, it is most likely considerably older. In 1504 it is named a
Hospital
The hospital was founded by Archbishop Peter von Aspelt before 1319. It also offered medical treatment for ill wagoners and traders. The half-timbered house was built in 1543/44. It served
Wammesser Gate and Town Walls
Miltenberg grew quickly in its early years and saw its first expansion around 1300. The eastern border was marked by the Wammesser gate. The gate, which was removed in 1784,
Town Wall and “Witch Huts”
Nr. on the small map: 24 (Miltenberg)Having had at least 200 victims in total, evenly divided between the male and female sex, the district of Miltenberg (about 6500 residents) was
Older Jewish Cemetery
Nr. on the small map: 25 (Miltenberg) The Older Jewish Cemetery of Miltenberg was already established in the 15th century. It was in use until 1900. From 1901 on the
Town Park (Arboretum)
Nr. on the small map: 26 (Miltenberg)At the end of the 19th century, the town park of Miltenberg was laid out by Gustav Jakob, a wealthy citizen of Miltenberg, in
Lutheran Church John the Apostle
Nr. on the small map: 27 (Miltenberg)The Lutheran Church was built in 1897 and, because of its architecture and choice of material, well worth a visit. The Statue of Christ
Vögelein’s Gate
In this place the so called “Upper Gate” was taken down in 1827/28. Eight cartloads of building stones were delivered for the “4 columns at the New Gate”. The statue
Main River Bridge
Nr. on the small map: 28 (Miltenberg) The passage across the Main River near Miltenberg had already been very important in the Middle Ages.Initially, ferries crossed the river near the
Square Engelplatz
Today’s Engelplatz („Angel’s Square“) was used for various purposes throughout the centuries:Before Miltenberg was extended for the second time in the late 14th century, today’s Engelplatz belonged to Bürgstadt. After
Former Post Office
Built in 1712 in the Baroque style, this building was the town house of Bernhard Rödinger, who was the archiepiscopal bailiff. It was used as a post-office from 1824 to
Tourist Information and Town Hall
The carpenter, architect and builder Jakob Stoer built today’s town hall in the early 17th century. For a while it was also used as the bailiff’s administrative building. In the
Monument “DenkOrt Deportationen 1941 – 1944”
In memory of the Jewish citizens of Miltenberg 1933 – 1945 They were humiliated, robbed, driven away and deported. 30 people who had lived in Miltenberg in 1939 were murdered
Franciscan Monastery
Nr. on the small map: 30 (Miltenberg)The Franciscans, already established in town since 1630, lived in the hospital. Due to the Thirty Years War, the construction of their new home
Former Archiepiscopal Tithe House (Hartigsbau)
Nr. on the small map: 31 (Miltenberg) The archiepiscopal bailiff’s seat received its name Hartigsbau honoring its owner in the 19th century. Beforehand, it had been the administrative center of
Former Court House
Built in 1779 as the customs office of the archbishop of Mainz it became the temporary residence of the Prince of Leiningen in 1802. After a short use as an
Institut der Armen Schulschwestern (School Sisters)
In 1851 the priest Dr. Franz Ludwig Bardum invited the School Sisters of Notre Dame to teach at the girls’ school and to manage the orphanage and the primary school
Civil Settlement (Vicus) of the Roman Fort Numerus
Nr. auf dem Plänchen: 32 (Miltenberg) In 1998, during construction works at house Maria Regina, a craftsmen’s site of a civil settlement was excavated. It had been part of the
Würzburg Gate
Nr. on the small map: 33 (Miltenberg)The Würzburg Gate was built before 1379 with a platform and battlement on top. The roof was only added in the early 15th century.
Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones)
Gunter Demnig laid the first nine “Stolpersteine” (“stumbling stones”) in Miltenberg in May 2016, by the instigation of the Initiative “Miltenberger Stolpersteine – GEGEN DAS VERGESSEN” (“Miltenberger Stolpersteine – FIGHT
Tower “Zuckmantelturm”
Nr. on the small map: 34 (Miltenberg)The “Zuckmantelturm” was erected in 1451 and rebuilt several times. Its location and architectural design suggest it was a cornerstone guarding the south eastern
Museum Burg Miltenberg and Mildenburg Castle
Nr. on the small map: 16 (Miltenberg) King Conrad III most likely gave Burkard, a member of the edelfreien (“free knights”) Lords of Weinsberg, the order to build the Mildenburg
Town Park (Arboretum)
Nr. on the small map: 26 (Miltenberg)At the end of the 19th century, the town park of Miltenberg was laid out by Gustav Jakob, a wealthy citizen of Miltenberg, in
St. Lawrence’s Bridge and Statue St. John of Nepomuk
The medieval bridge was partly destroyed during the disastrous “St. Michael’s Flood” on 29th September 1732. The builder Johann Martin Schmidt from Miltenberg was commissioned with the reconstruction.The statue of
Chapel St. Lawrence
The Chapel St. Lawrence was first mentioned in 1380. The choir dates back to 1456, the nave was extended in 1594. The late Gothic winged altarpiece from 1509, the frescos
Mainz Gate
Nr. on the small map: 5 (Miltenberg)The Mainz Gate, sometimes called Mainz Tower, was first mentioned in 1379, as the utmost western borderline of the town. The Mainz Gate to
Sachsengrab (Saxons’ Grave)
Nr. on the small map: 6 (Miltenberg)On April 12th, 1814, 62 soldiers of the light infantry „Banner der freiwilligen Sachsen” (Banner of Voluntary Saxons) and three local ferrymen died when
Schwertfegertor (Sword Cutler’s Gate)
Nr. on the small map: 7 (Miltenberg)The Schwertfeger Gate was the westernmost boundary of the town after the first extension around the year 1300. It was probably named for a
Bismarcksruhe (Bismarck’s Rest)
The wealthy globetrotter and citizen of Miltenberg, Johann Robert von Capitain, gave the „Association for the beautification of Miltenberg“ a small piece of the grounds above today’s Conradyweg in about
Malakoff Tower
This structure was built to support the walls around the property of the mansion “White Palace” in 1870. It was nicknamed “Malakoff Tower” for the fort Malakoff near Sevastopol. This
Town Park (Arboretum)
Nr. on the small map: 26 (Miltenberg)At the end of the 19th century, the town park of Miltenberg was laid out by Gustav Jakob, a wealthy citizen of Miltenberg, in
Heunesäulen (“Giants’ Pillars”)
Nr. on the small map: 1 (Miltenberg)The Romans already exploited red bunter sandstone needed for their forts around Miltenberg. The so-called “Heunesäulen” bear witness of the “Red-Sandstone-processing” during the (later)
Roman Fort „Cohort“ Miltenberg / “Old Town”
Nr. on the small map: 2 (Miltenberg)Around 159/169 AD, the Romans extended their borderline, the so-called Limes, all the way to the “Miltenberg Mainknie” (Main River Knee) and here they
Ringfort on Top of the Mountain „Greinberg“
Nr. on the small map: 3 (Miltenberg) The Greinberg dominates the Main Valley at Miltenberg. Findings from the Bronze Age confirm that the area was inhabited between 1700 -1200 BC.
Blockfield (“Felsenmeer”) and Circular Hiking Trail “3 im Wald” (“3 in the Forest”)
Nr. on the small map: 17 (Miltenberg)“Felsenmeer”The spectacular natural monument “Felsenmeer” is situated above the Schnatterloch and is a product of geological processes which started approximately 245 m years ago.
Soil Profile Stele
This stele gives you intriguing information about the soil, its origin, composition and what it means for the forest, nature and climate. All this has been laid out clearly on
Haagsaussicht (“View Point by the Wood”)
Haag = small wood This enchanting view point was established on a heap of rubble left from the nearby quarries. The bunter sandstone mined here is fine-grained, of a deep
Ancient Roman Watch Tower
The UNESCO listed the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes as World Heritage in 2005. The Romans were in our area from about 160 to 250 AD and left astonishing marks of their
Signal Fir Wenschdorf
Signal fires in the Odenwald – The “signal fir” of Wenschdorf-Reichartshausen The highest mountains in the Odenwald used to be connected by a network of signal stations, which made it
History
Citizens of Pre and Early History left vestiges all over the region. Approximately in 3000 BC and again in 1500 BC, mighty ringforts were erected on the mountains Bürgstadter Berg and Greinberg above Miltenberg. Both served as refuge castles of significant size.
The Romans inhabited the region from around 160 to 260 AD and constructed two forts (castra) during that period: South of where the river Erf flows into the Main was the Fort Numerus, holding about 120 men, and at the mouth of the river Mud, the Fort Cohort (see Kleinheubach), holding about 480 men, where later, on its ruins, the town Wallhausen evolved.
With a length of 550 km, some 900 sentries, and 120 forts and keeps, the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes is the biggest archeological monument of Germany. While Emperor Antonius Pius ruled, the “Wet Limes” along the Main River was extended, connecting Großkrotzenburg and Wörth, stretching to Miltenberg/Bürgstadt. From here, the “Solid Limes” lead via Walldürn, Osterburken, and Lorch all the way to Regensburg.
First mentioned in a document of 1237, the town Miltenberg can proudly look back on a turbulent history. Making the best of its conveniently situated position along the busy escort road Nuremberg-Frankfurt next to the Main, Miltenberg grew to be a significant customs point and substantial trading venue. Its most important growth factors were viticulture, wine trade, shipping, timber and stone industry, alongside with trade and craftsmanship.
In 1367, Emperor Karl IV granted Miltenberg several privileges, e.g. arranging trade fairs, and implementing the staple right which helped Miltenberg at an early stage to become a thriving medieval trading center. In 1379, the city gates Würzburger and Mainzer Tor were mentioned for the first time and by then the town had already covered an area which was not surpassed before the 1800s.
In the Peasant’s War 1525, Miltenberg was not destroyed, but a few years later, in 1552, Miltenberg partly went up in flames during the Margrave War. After that war, Archbishop Daniel Brendel of Homburg initiated the re-erection of the castle.
In 1583, the sculptor Michael Juncker created one of the most beautiful renaissance monuments of Miltenberg: The Market Fountain. The Market Square, better known as “Schnatterloch”, is surrounded by magnificent half-timbered houses; e.g. the former Centgrafenhaus, the old Amtskellerei and the Gülden Cron. One of Germany’s oldest taverns, the Gasthaus zum Riesen (The Giant’s Inn), was altered in 1590 to present itself as seen today. Century after century, kings, princes, and other secular and clerical officials would stay in this “princely tavern”.
In the 1600s the witch-hunting started. The Mainz territory around Miltenberg was especially affected. Men and women were equally denounced, tortured and executed.
During the Thirty Years War (1618 – 1648), the convenient position along the so-called “Highway of the Middle Ages” which once had helped Miltenberg become a thriving trade center, turned into a disadvantage. The town lost more than half of its population to lootings, pillage, and epidemics, introduced by soldiers because all troops were using that road. The once splendid era was over.
After the electoral state of Mainz had been disestablished in 1803, Prince Leiningen became legal successor of the Archbishop of Mainz. Nevertheless, in 1806, Leiningen already lost its political sovereignty but not its property to the Grand Duchy Baden. In 1810, Miltenberg became Hessian and in 1816 Bavarian.
In 1818, the revocation of previous centuries-old customs and market rights by the Kingdom of Bavaria lead to substantial financial losses. The town lost its former central position and was now located at the outskirts of the Bavarian Kingdom. The main stages of urban development lay in the past but, as hopeless as it seemed then, this situation supported the preservation of the medieval townscape. The award-winning Museum Stadt Miltenberg shows how people used to live here in the course of centuries.
Miltenberg is a member of the “German Half-Timbered House Road”. Under the slogan “half-timbered unites”, the holiday route presents unique landscapes, historic sites, and carefully restored monuments.
Having such an eventful history, Miltenberg can display itself gloriously: A wide main street with marvelous half-timbered houses and medieval alleyways. The oldest, still preserved half-timbered house dates back to 1339.
Miltenberg not only offers a lively present and impressive history, it was also awarded the title Bayerischer GenussOrt („Bavarian place of culinary delight”). There are only few places in Bavaria (just 100) that can call themselves a “Genussort”.