The story
Welcome to the beating heart of our city. As you stand here in the Marktplatz, you are likely feeling that specific rush of history that only a true European square can provide. I’m Avsha, and over the years, I’ve noticed that guests always seem to have the same three questions when they first arrive here.
Let’s answer them for you right now as you take in the view. The first thing everyone asks is, Is this all original? It’s a fair question because the architecture looks almost too perfect.
Look over at the Town Hall, or the Rathaus. Those intricate, lace-like stone carvings and the towering spire have stood as a symbol of local pride since the 15th century. While parts of the square have been meticulously restored following the scars of various wars, the layout remains exactly as it was in the Middle Ages.
The stones beneath your feet have been polished smooth by centuries of merchants, monks, and travelers just like you. The second question is usually about the central fountain. You’ll notice the figure perched at the top, often a statue of Justice or a local hero.
Guests always want to know if people actually drank from it. The answer is a resounding yes. Before modern plumbing, this wasn't just a piece of art; it was the city’s lifeline.
It was where the news was traded as often as the water. If you look closely at the basin, you might see small grooves worn into the stone where generations of locals rested their heavy buckets. Finally, people always ask, What is that smell?
If it’s a market day, you’re smelling a tradition that is over eight hundred years old. The scent of roasted almonds, fresh bratwurst, and damp earth from the flower stalls isn't just for the tourists; it is the authentic rhythm of our city. Look for the "Golden Milestone" or a specific brass plaque embedded in the cobblestones nearby.
That marks the point from which all distances in the region were once measured. You are quite literally at the center of our world. As you walk toward the shadow of the cathedral on the corner, notice the narrow guild houses lining the square.
Each one has a unique symbol on its gable—a golden anchor, a baker’s pretzel, or a blacksmith’s hammer. These were the original logos of the medieval corporate world. Take a moment to find your favorite, and imagine this square filled with the shouting of traders and the clatter of horse-drawn wagons.
You aren’t just visiting a square; you’re stepping into a living time capsule. Now, let’s head toward the arches of the old meat market to discover a secret that most people walk right past.