Stadt Ellwangen

History of Ellwangen

Welcome to Ellwangen...

You've decided to visit Ellwangen, which has a history dating back over 1200 years. Magnificent churches, impressive town houses, pretty lanes, secluded corners and attractive squares - you'll want to linger for a while and enjoy these marvellous sights. Go ahead and find out yourself - there's so much to discover. With the help of our map it should be easy for you to find a parking space right in the centre of the town.

What you ought to see:

• The Basilica St. Vitus and Market Square: "The Centre of Town"
• Protestant Town Church: "Beautiful Frescoes for the Behold"
• Palais Adelmann: "The Distinguished Facade"
• Baroque Church of Schoenenberg
• Castle: "The Prince-Provosts' Residence"
• The Artist-Priest Sieger Köder: "Glowing Colours-Floating Figures"

More Information: KLICK on Sights

Reflect 1200 years of Ellwangen's History

Bold rising towers, curved gables, beautiful 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 silhoutte - namely the Castle, boasting a Renaissance arcaded courtyard and the magnificent Pilgrimage Church of Schoenenberg, both taking pride of place above the picturesque town, and below, on the elegant market place, the renowned Romanesque Basilica 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 Schoenborn, 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.

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. 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 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 St. Francis Chapel of the "Marienpflege Children 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 have led to the fascination of the local Christmas crib tour.