Old city of Eichstätt is mostly known by the works of Maurizio Pedetti and Gabriel de Gabrieli, great architects which lived and worked here at the beginning of the 18 century. Of course Eichstätt is older city. According to the chronicles, it originates from the 8 century and from those times it known as the important religion center.
The central place of the city – is a Marktplatz – old trade square which stands in the so-called burghers’ district. Here you can find old Town hall of the Eichstätt which was built in the middle of the 15 century. Of course in the first part of the 19 century it was refurbished and renovated.
Others key squares of the city - are Domplatz, Residenzplats and Leonrodplatz.
Among them especially wonderful - Residenzplatz which is treated as one of the loveliest squares in Germany. Main trait of this square is that it has uneven shape what is very untypically for Germany. At the Leonrodplatz you can find old Jesuit church.
You easily discern Eichstätt’s cathedral by its Baroque façade and twin Romanesque towers which flank its nave. City’s cathedral is a real mix of different styles of architecture with a big set of art pieces inside. Among the many works of Cathedral don’t miss the statue of St Willibald who was the first bishop of Eichstätt. It’s work of Loy Hering who completed the statue in 1514.
Another nice church in Eichstätt is a Schutzengelkirche – former Jesuits’ church which originates from the beginning of the 17th century. This church has been destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and renovated in 1660. Like others Jesuits’ church across the Europe it has lavishly adorned interior.
In additional to the sacral monuments Eichstätt has few civil sights. For example, former summer residence of Eichstätt’ bishop which has been built in the middle of the 18 century. Today this building hosts Catholic University while its galleries occupied by the commercial offices. Next to the residence you can find the city’s park which descents to the Altmühl River.
The city’s castle Willibaldsburg stands on a hill at the southwest part of the Eichstätt. It’s very hard to reach the castle by walk. To get there you will have to overcome big tunnel and it definitely will be easier if you rent the car.
Willibaldsburg preserved its 17th century fortifications. During the long period of the history castle was the main residence of Eichstätt’ bishops and some parts of its walls consist the ruins of first residence which has been built in the 16 century.
Today castle hosts a few city museums among which I want to distinguish the Museum of Prehistory.
If you have a little more time try to find Walburgskirche which has been built in 9 century. Of course during its existence church has been rebuilt and it took its current guise in 1629-31. The main relic of the church is a St Walburg tomb. Also note the Gothic altar of the church and its chapel which is decorated by wonderful murals.
