Stadt Ellwangen

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Reflect 1200 years of Ellwangen’s history

Bold rising towers, curved gables, beautifully crafted portals and latticework reflect 1200 years of Ellwangen’s history, and it is undeniably their beauty, which gives Ellwangen its enchanting townscape.

Three majestic monuments shape the town's wonderfully romantic silhouette - namely the castle, boasting a Renaissance arcaded courtyard and the magnificent Pilgrimage Church of Schönenberg, both taking pride of place above the picturesque town, and below, on the elegant market place, the renowned Romanesque Basilica of St. Vitus.

These and other imposing buildings were initially founded by the Ellwangen prince-abbots but in 1460 they passed into the hands of the prince-provosts.

Further notable buildings were added to the dramatic townscape during their rule over Ellwangen, which came to an end in 1802.

The religious past is still very much alive today

Distinguished noble Houses such as the Palatine line of the House of Wittelsbach or the House of Schörnborn, known as the family who were ’great patrons of art and architecture’, once ruled in Ellwangen.

They brought with them renowned artists and architects of the time such as, Baltasar Neumann, Maximilian von Welsch or Christoph Thomas Scheffler, who left their distinguished marks - still visible today.arts and architecture

It's all around you in Ellwangen - the religious past is still very much alive today.

Strolling through the lanes you may discover a secluded chapel here and there and if you glance up you might spot Madonna figures, draped in sumptuous robes, tucked in the niches of baroque houses.

Church of the Holy Spirit

Religious art has an important place in Ellwangen too.

The market town has been greatly enriched by the many-sided work of the artist and priest Sieger Köder and the town boasts an important collection of his contemporary religious art such as his expressive cycle of stained glass windows in the Church of the Holy Spirit or his wonderful Christmas painting in the St. Francis Chapel of the Marienpflege Children’s Village, attracting art lovers from near and far.

Furthermore, it is Sieger Köder who has also created charming and unusual Christmas cribs, with delightful figures, which without question have led to the fascination of the local Christmas crib tour.

"Come on, let's go and have a look", the local people say, when cribs from different epochs are put out on display in the neighbouring villages of Rosenberg or Hohenberg.