The Churches of Regensburg

On the 4th of July, we didn't get to see any fireworks, but we enjoyed ourselves immensely in the company of our friends, the Finch Family, on a visit to the city of Regensburg.  The Finches are stationed not too far away from Regensburg, which is in southeast Germany in the state of Bavaria.  The last time we were in Bavaria was when Malu went to drill for the first time two months ago.  I love Bavaria.  I've heard Germans refer to Bavaria, jokingly, as the back country; as if it's a bad thing.  The truth is that Bavaria really is farm country.  It is soooooo beautiful!  It's much more open and green.  And let's face it, Bavarians are much more friendly than Swabisch Germans.  People welcome you with open arms and warm smiles in Bavaria. 

I'll be honest...I'm much to tired at the moment to go into details about Regensburg, so I'll let you guys Google it (or click on the big, bolded Regensburg above).  What a great city!  We saw so much in a such a small amount of time.  A lot of people we've met here say that once you've seen one church or castle in Europe, you've seen them all.  I've seen loads of churches and castles already and I never tire of them.  Each and every one is unique.  The churches of Regensburg are no different.  They were so fascinating and take-your-breath-away amazing.  We went to three churches.  There are probably more, but we didn't have time.  Check these out.  I took tons of pictures, but had to narrow them down to a few favorites here...

This is actually a cathedral, built in the Gothic style of the 11th century.  The Regensburg Cathedral, or Dom, which is dedicated to Saint Peter and is the most important and landmark church of the city.  Inside the cathedral are magnificent stained glass windows as well as a crypt that is the burial place for some prominent bishops.  A wall in the crypt bears the names of bishops of the Regensburg diocese.

The Finches told us that just about every city/town in Germany has a church or chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary (they are obviously more well-read on Germany than we are).  We did know that you could find churches in the oddest places.  This chapel dedicated to Mary was literally on street corner, amidst a shopping area and is about the size of our living and dining rooms (although this church has vaulted ceilings).  If we were on our own in that city, we probably would have zoomed right past this church and thought nothing of it.  Apparently, the statue of Mary in the middle of the chapel is a life-sized version of her(if this is true, she was really petite).  There was a wall at the back of the small chapel where people posted letters to the Virgin Mary with fervent prayer requests and praises.  Some people hung pictures of loved ones.

 The Collegiate Church of Our Lady, or the Alte Kapelle (Old Chapel), is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.  The entire place is gold plated.  I stared at the frescoes the way I did when I visited the Vatican years ago. It was that beautiful.  While we were there, there was a service going on.

I dare you to tell me that you're not completely blown away by these churches.  Even these pictures don't do the churches justice.  I wish all of you could see them in person.

I still have more pictures of Regensburg that I'll be sharing tomorrow, so stay tuned!

One more work day, then the weekend!