St. Stephen’s Minster rises above the town of Breisach am Rhine on Münsterberg hill. Our river cruise docked in Breisach, where we loaded on buses to tour the Black Forest and Colmar, France. But early in the morning I wandered around Breisach and took a few photos.
Construction of St. Stephen’s Minster was begun in early in the 12th century and substantially completed in 1494, although construction continues to this day.
The road to the Minster begins at the Gutgesellentor in the town square. The gate was built in 1402 and is sometimes referred to as the Journeyman’s Gate.
The road to the church is steep and offers a gorgeous view of the mountains in the distance.
In the distance is Eckartsberg, a small volcanic mountain that rises 50 meters above the market square in Breisach. Legend has it that as early as the 4th century C.E. “Faithful Eckehart” had a castle atop the mountain. Through the centuries Eckartsberg was fortified. During the 12th century, it was the protected home of merchants and soldiers. During World War II, Eckartsberg once again was fortified, with bunkers and tunnels used for military purposes. Residents of Breisach sought refuge there during the bombing at the end of the war.
Half way up the hill to the church, you pass through Hagenback Tower (circa 1319).
Beyond the tower, you come upon a small plaza, dedicated to peace and the persons who have died in war.