THEN (probably earlier than 1800s)
NOW
NOW, in color
COMMENTS
The building to the left of center is still there today – and I don’t think many people stop to realize it is contemporary with the tall Fachwerkhaus on the right!
And what’s really interesting is that the tower in the old painting had no windows – so it makes one wonder what exact purpose the tower served when it was built? Often towers served to house grain or wheat – but then in a case like that there would usually be a visible pulley. This is the Holländerturm and interestingly, nobody knows how old it is! It’s part of an original defensive wall – but that bit on the top is a recent addition, dating back to the 1600’s by a mercenary from Holland. I don’t know if it is true or not, but I was always told this is also called the “Raucherturm,” or smoking tower, since people would come here to smoke tobacco – and at the time, tobacco was illegal! Amazing!