This morning, we left Bavaria and entered the state of Baden-Württemberg where Wertheim is located. Located on the confluence of the rivers Tauber and Main, Wertheim is another well preserved medieval town with many half-timbered buildings. The town is also know for its rich glassmaking heritage.
Wertheim was founded between the 7th and 8th century but did not become a settlement until the Wertheim Castle was built in the 12th century. The castle was continuously expanded with defensive fortifications and large residential palaces until the 17th century. It was partly destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1619. In the Thirty Years War, it was further destroyed due to the bombardment of the imperial troops in 1634. From 1982, the ruins were restored with considerable support from the state. We took a trolley up to the castle for a visit.
Castle Entrance
The Octagonal Towner, Palace Façade and Staufen Keep: I climbed half way up the keep; but when the spiral staircase became dark and narrow, I turned around.
This is the view of Wertheim from the castle.
There has been a Jewish community in Wertheim since the 13th century. Like in many places of Europe, however, they were persecuted. During parts of the the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries the Jews were banished; but they always managed to return. That changed in 1938-1940 when all Jewish people were deported and many killed.
After the war and well into the 60’s, people of Germany did not want to talk about what happened to their Jewish population. Today, however, that has changed; and many memorials have been built throughout Germany. Below is a memorial to the Jewish people of Wertheim in the location of the old synagogue from medieval times.
Below Lina Klaus’s house are seven stolperstein (stumbling stones) which are concrete cubes bearing a brass plate inscribed with the name and life dates of individual victims of German Nazism. This project began in 1992 to commemorate individual persons at exactly the last place of residency (or place of work) before he or she fell victim to Nazi terror. As of January 11, 2015, over 50,000 stolpersteine have been laid in 18 European countries, making the stolperstein project the world's largest decentralized memorial.
Today has been an extra special day because it is Bonnie’s birthday. Many of the ship’s crew paraded around the dining room at dinner tonight singing happy birthday to her while carrying her birthday cake.
Birthday Video: https://youtu.be/to0owlsXCro
We have set sail for Offenbach. In the morning, we will then be bussed to Heidelberg where we’ll spend the day.
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