About 2 500 years ago suprised Celts found out, that drying water from the hills around the river of present name Koher brings white powder of enormous quality – the salt. The deposits were rediscovered and developed between 8th and 9th centuries by the old German tribes, who named the new town ‘Hall’ which meaned ’salt’.
Middle Ages brought the prosperity to the salt producing towns, Hall was given the privilege of Royal Mint.
Although the salt deposits run out at the beginning of th 20th century, the life of the town is still tied to ‘White Gold’ of medieval times.
The most important feast in Schwäbisch Hall is called “Kuchen- und Brunnenfest” the Feast of Cake and Fountain, which is gong to take place between 21th to 24th of May, 2010.
Every year during “Kuchen- und Brunnenfest” several hundred of actors and bakers take part in shows and performances celebrated here since the fourteenth century.
Visitors can see the old way of salt production performed by the Saltsimmerers eat the fresh cakes and enjoy the Gothic atmosphere of the town.
“Sommernachtsfest” ( 28th of August, 2010 ) is a romantic night marking the Summer’s End , during which the music concerts will be held under the ’sea of light’ provided by some 30 000 f ornamented light-chalices and colorful lampions hanging from the aged trees.
Beginning of September brings feast of farmers – “Backofenfest”
and “Internationales Vorderladerschießen” (3th to 5th of September, 2010) the excuse to make old rifle shooting competitions and cover the town with the smoke of cannons
in the Wild West style, with Country music, Indian Teepees and opportunity to wear vintage clothes as trappers, yankee soldiers, cowboys or Native Americans.
The steps leading to the church of st. Michael in June and July are taken by the artists giving the performances based on the worldwide recognised literature masterpieces.
St .Michael’s church features Roman tower with the sculpture of Patron defeating the dragon from 1290, and Gothic interior with Jesus on the Cross by Michael Erhart from Ulm ( 1494) and 15th century stone tabernacle.
Opposite of the church stand late baroque building of the town hall, and on nearby streets there are many of wooden-timbered houses from 15th and 16th centuries.
The Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum presents art and cultural history of Schwäbisch Hall Region, opened Tue-Sun 10-17.
Hohenloher Freilandmuseum in Schwäbisch Hall-Wackershofen (phone. 0791/971010 ) shows the old way of farmer’s life. The whole families can meet the local pigs, geese or cows.
The local entrepreneur Prof. Dr. hc Reinhold Würth is the founder of great art collection, which at presen has two exhibition places Kunsthalle Würth and the hall of St. John Church ( Johanniterkirche).
Kunsthalle Würth
( free entry daily 10-18 )
Eduardo Chillida, Max Liebermann, Anthony Caro,
Johanniterhalle
( free entry daily 11-18 )
Recently renovated hall of former church with details from 12th century host the exhibition ‘ Alte Meister in der Sammlung Würth’presenting ‘Old Masters’ paintings,drawings and sculptures from Würth collection, including works of Lucas Cranach the Elder.
More info at:
www.schwaebischhall.de
www.kunsthalle-wuerth.de
[photo by Juergen Kurlvink]