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Stein am Rhein, Switzerland


One place that I really wanted to see was Stein am Rhein, a small town near Zurich.

What I love about driving while on vacation is the ability to stop along the way.  The saying "It's about the journey, not the destination", is very true, we always see something very special on the way.



 These fields of sunflowers were so lovely






The Romans built a settlement on the left bank of the Rhein.  Stein am Rhein (Stone on the Rhein) was born.  It was once a quaint fishing village, and as commerce grew along the river, Stein am Rhein flourished.

This tiny place with a population of 3,000 is regarded as the best preserved medieval town in Switzerland.

 There is a large parking lot right outside the city gates, the town behind the gates is car free.

The main part of the town is entered through the Unteror, The lower gate, also referred to as Zeitturm, Tower of Time.  It was built in 1367 but destroyed during WWII when the American Air Force accidentally bombed Stein am Rhein.



 The street that takes visitors from the main gate to the town square is filled with lovely, colorful buildings, plenty of great shops and places to eat. 











 A beautiful oriel
 


 and another



 Now, doing my research into this town, I knew what the main square looked like but it still took my breath away.  Neither words nor photos could convey the stunning beauty of these buildings.  
 Practically every building had a stunning fresco on its facade.  Some of the paintings told a biblical, mythological or historical story, some were of local life, vineyards and wine or moral tales. 




 "The Black Horn" 1476
The fresco depicts Baron von Schwarzenhorn being welcomed back in Stein am Rhein.  He was born in this building and after a tumultuous life, returned home in 1664.




 "Gusthof zur Sonne", "Get out of the sun", 1448
The fresco depicts the scene between philosopher Diogenes who asked Alexander the Great to move since he was casting a shadow over him. 
 The oriel is from 1659




 "The Land of Milk and Honey", early 17th Century.
The fresco refers to the Old Testament and it shows Joshua and Caleb with a giant grape.





"Roter Ochsen", "Red Ox"
 The oldest Public House in the town, first mentions of this house date back to 1395. 





 "Vordere Krone", "Fore Crown"
 This building dates back to 1398, originally meant to be a merchant's house.
  


"House of the deer" 1707



 The Town Hall (1539), once home to a store and corn exchange.



"Weisser Adler", the oldest and most precious facade paintings in the early Renaissance style dating back to 1520-1530.






 Interestingly, ownership of these beautiful buildings comes with obligations of maintaining the paintings in the same condition without being compensated for it. 
 





The fountain with a soldier holding a shield with Stein am Rhein's coat of arms.  This used to be the town's source of water.













 Just one more stop before heading back to Zurich.  Right by the gate was an awesome wurst (and other delicacies) place. 



I got the regular wurst and my husband enjoyed the curry, both were excellent.   I really need to find a good wurst place in NYC.



Joanna
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