Wertheim is a small town on the Main River by the confluence of the Tauber. We visited there last spring and loved it. The town stretches along the river (and has flooded many times). It’s basically one long main street full of fun shops and CMS Market stalls in the town squares.
We strolled down the main street, stopping for bakeries (I got a pretzel roll and John bought a Stollen to take home) and for fun shops. I also bought a bag of peanuts in the shell from a nut vendor.
On the doorway below you can see the high water marks from the years when it flooded here.
I am always on the lookout for unique hand-crafted items made locally. Today we met Johann Zimmerman. He said his family had a tradition of woodcarving in Hungary–his great-grandpa, his grandpa, his father, and now he carries on the tradition, the last. His sons aren’t interested in it. He had a small stall. We bought a carved Nativity from him–it’s one piece with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. Johann’s initials are carved on the back. He was thrilled that we’d come all the way from America to buy his Nativity. We took photos with him. He was great. That purchase made his day and ours too. Really. It was worth every Pfennig just to see him so happy.
We spent about 1.5 hours here, on this Friday afternoon, enjoying it very much.
The “Blue House” built in 1593 is one of the half-timbered houses in Wertheim’s old town. “Smalt” was used for the blue color in the framework. Smalt is a glass with cobalt in it. When finely grated, makes a pigment. It’s a very expensive process that would have showcased a landlord’s wealth. It was beautiful!
The castle up on the hill overlooking Wertheim:
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 