WALDSASSEN, GERMANY

I made a last minute decision to drive to Waldsassen, Germany, today. 

This might seem like your average German city upon arrival.

Then you discover the 3 wonders this city holds.

*Sorry for the photo overload about to happen.*

 #1 is the Basilica located in the city center.

Go inside to see the gorgeous baroque decoration 

Bohemian high Baroque with Italian flavor to be exact.
(I paid attention in art history class.)

 There is also a lovely organ.

You will also find ten richly dressed (and bejewelled) skeletons. 

The skeletons were removed from the catacombs of Rome and were ornamented by Adalbart Eder in the 18th century.

That's right...these are my tales from the crypt.

This entire area is a Cistercian nunnery (formerly a monastery).

So you will see photos of nuns and catholic decoration.

 The buildings and decorations are just beautiful.

#2 Next door to the basilica is the most wonderful library.

It costs 3 euros to visit, and is totally worth it. 

 I was given slippers to wear on top of my shoes and a paper in English of the history. That's the entire tour. 

The library was completed in 1726 and decorated in late Baroque and early Rococo style.

Richly and super intricately carved shelves hold thousands of volumes (I think the paper said 4,000).

 There are 10 columns with allegorical men holding up the mezzanine representing human weakness such as vanity, ignorance, and boastfulness.

The paper will tell you things to look for like mice in the beard, the appearance of the faces at different angles, and so forth.

 It really is a sight to see.

This guy is my favorite.

 The ceiling is decorated with awesome paintings and plaster work.

All of the books are bound in white pigskin or dark calfskin and are handwritten.

 As I walked back to my car, I grabbed a pretzel from a little bakery (I can't resist these). 

#3 I drove about 5 km out of town (follow the signs) to the kappl.

It is a 3 spire chapel.

 

It is called the Kappl Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity.

There wasn't anyone around to answer any questions, but I think the chapel was built in 1711.

 The roof was destroyed by fire and the painted ceilings were added in 1940.

Waldsassen is a city you do not want to miss!

CHAM, GERMANY

 My trusty Skoda (Czech car whose name literally means what a pity) drove to Cham, Germany, today for a small adventure.

 The first thing that caught my eye was the Maria Hilf Kirche der Redemptoristen. It's massively beautiful on the outside. 

 Apparently it has great stained glass inside

but I thought it was a school and was afraid to go in and disturb studies.

 I walked by Franziskanerkirche.

 It was a Franciscan monastery in 1631, then used as a barn, and finally rebuilt in 1866 and used as a church again.

Some cute little drive-thru.

Cool art at a nearby school.

Next, I found St. Jakob church.

 Outside of it is this cool castle fountain (turned off for the season).

Inside, I found 14th century baroque decoration (if it ain't baroque, don't fix it),

this amazing set of pipes,

and a man wearing lederhosen cleaning the floor. I love Germany.

 Moving on to the Marktplatz, I found this guy sitting outside the Town Hall.

 He is holding this proclamation

and just around the corner from this guy.

 There is a large Christmas tree and decorations in the marketplace for the coming holiday season.

The Marktplatzbrunnen fountain's water is turned off, but it's crazy story was still there. Apparently, there is Count Luckner (Marshal of France) who plays a song every day at12:05,

a forest witch with her children,

 and a German corn sprite named Bilmesschneider.

These guys are all over the city to charm you.

 I'm not sure what this is, but it looked neat.

Inside this cute yellow church I found this church.

Spitalkirche

Some cool chairs as I walked back to the parking garage 

and almost didn't make it out. It only cost me 80 cents to park for a few hours.

Thank you, Germany.