It is one of the most beautiful Gothic cities in Bavaria and inspires everyone who visits it. It is not just its fascinating sights or its location on the Isar, the "most Bavarian of all rivers", that are the secret of its appeal. It is also the very special ambience that captivates the visitor, the mixture of medieval romance and Mediterranean "dolce vita", of Bavarian coziness and lively life that make a stay here an enjoyable experience.
Seen in Mantua, built in Lower Bavaria: the city residence with its arcaded inner courtyard and ornately painted vaults was the pride and joy of Duke Louis X, who was inspired to build this gem by Palazzo Té during a trip to Italy in 1536.
A century longer still, the tower of the Basilica of St. Martin rises skyward and loftily above the rooftops, an eye-catcher and landmark of the city and, at almost 133 meters, the tallest brick church tower in the world. It was built by the proud inhabitants of Landshut, who confidently stood up to the rich dukes. Legend has it that the tower was built so high so that they could look into the soup bowl of the high lords at the top of the castle.
The castle, called Trausnitz , was founded in 1204 and was the ancestral castle of the Wittelsbach dynasty. It served as the residence and seat of government of the Lower Bavarian dukes from 1255 to 1503. The exterior of the castle with its towering fortified towers, the old battlements and the almost intact fortification wall gives it a medieval appearance, while the magnificent inner courtyard with its arcades transports visitors back to the Renaissance period.
Those who have now had enough of the noble past can take a walk into life along the city's most attractive street, the old town. With its gabled houses, decorative façades and arcades, it is one of the most impressive boulevards in Bavaria and also boasts the longest street café mile in the region. The restaurants and cafés are a great place to rest and relax, and the stores and small boutiques in the romantic alleyways are a wonderful place to stroll and browse.
In Landshut, enjoyment is highly valued. Even the old dukes knew that...
