PASSAU tourist attractions

Passau is a city located strategically at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilza. Unlike most German cities, its buildings have a baroque character, in which large Italian influences are visible. Above the waters of the Danube, on the rock is the 13th-century Veste Oberhaus Castle, which now houses several museums.

The beginnings of Passau are associated with the Celts, who founded their settlement here. Later there was a Roman stronghold here, and the first church was built here in the 5th century. In the eighth century, St. Boniface, who founded the bishopric here. In the Middle Ages, Passau developed mainly thanks to profits from trade and transport of goods by rivers. It was a rich city with many beautiful buildings. Unfortunately, in 1662 most of the original building was consumed by a great fire.

It is to him that Passau owes its present appearance. After the fire, the local bishop brought from Italy architects and artists under the direction of which the city was rebuilt in the Baroque style. The most important monument from this period is the monumental, domed cathedral of St. Szczepana with rich stucco and painting decoration. Most of the tenement houses in the market square come from the same period, where the previous Renaissance town hall and on Ludwika Street have survived.

The most important monument of the city from before the fire is the Veste Oberhaus Castle. On its walls is the Dreiflüsse Lookout, from which you can see the junction of three rivers flowing through the city. The castle interiors house the Fire Brigade Museum and the Veste Oberhaus Museum. You can also visit the Gothic chapel of St. George and climb the lookout tower.