European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - March 7, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Tote old Lahn Bridge brought prominence and and Prosperity to Limburg in medieval  close v fat i 1 Fra amp <5va above galleries and boutiques Dot Fie old fish Market. Left Snow frosts a Fountain stilled by Winter. R Viv Ifa i old in kit a to a yes amps photos by Dave Didio continue from Page it. Over the Lahn in the mid-12th Century. The geography b reality of the water Barrier meant that nearly Al the. L important highways in the Region were funnelled Throwell the City. It soon became a commercial Hub and an important Stopover Point on the transcontinental Trade route connecting Antwerp and constantinople the original wooden Span was replaced by. A Stone Structure in the Early 14th Century. In 1357 emperor Kal in granted the City the right to charge a Bridge toll and for nearly 500 years this toll was the City s major source. Revenue. A. A. A a a a. A a a a a a. Today the old Lahn Bridge is the City s second most famous landmark after the Cathedral. One of the most i popular walks in town leads along the Riverbank from the Bridge past the Cliffs of the Burberg to the boat Landing a. Area upriver. A. \ / beginning around the 15th Century wars plagues and shifting political economic alliances caused a progressive decline until in 1624, the City was absorbed by the electorate of Trier. In the Early 19th Century it experienced something of a rebirth when it was made t seat of a roman Catholic diocese and was linked to major rail lines. Today Limburg is a blend of the medieval and modern. The City s historic Center has been splendidly restored and it rivals Bamberg and marburg in this respect. In 1978, the City received a National award for i preservation efforts. Claustrophobic streets and alleyways wind Between half timbered houses that lean in Over the pavement. It was these Quot Little streets the bid buildings the houses that Mcdavit found  appealing. One of the oldest buildings in Germany a dating to 1289 a is located at Romer 2-6. A number of others Date to the 14th and a 1�tlj centuries. A \ a /.Quot. A thanks to enlightened City planning in recent decades the commercial and government infrastructure of modern Limburg a department stores City Hall Public i auditorium a were located close to the old town this assured that the medieval Center would not become a museum piece but remain integrated into the City s Day to Day life. _ a because it is Small  to reach Limburg is in for a Day trip. Even on a snowy Winter Day it is an enjoyable town to explore. The closeness of the building provides Protection from the wind and if you get chilled you can Duck into one of the Many shops cafes or restaurants to warm up. Jewelry stores woodcarvers shops clothes and leather boutiques provide ample opportunities for shoppers. But be prepared to pay Steep a a prices. V Limburg is a quiet contemplative City Ideal for browsing and sightseeing. But if you re looking for action spots try Hamburg or Munich. In the old City some of the More interesting spots Are Barfuss Strasse do Strasse fisc Markt the old fish Market the Altes Schloss old Castle behind the Cathedral the Cathedral museum and the kor Markt Grain Market. If you have time for a meal try the Limburger Edelsack pork Steak staffed with sauerkraut _ local specially served in the Gasthaus Schwarzer Adler Alj Barfuss Strasse 14. V. Other Good moderately priced restaurants in town include St Georg stuben at Hospital Strasse .4, the Bauer Schanke at Hospital Strasse 6 and Zum Schloss Jean Barfuss Strasse 18-20.be sure to take a stroll along the River for a closeup of i the old Bridge and the Best View of the Cathedral. There Are ducks for the kids to feed and in the summer tour boats depart from the Riverbank below the Castle. But Don t bother searching for the cheese factory. The is not the Limburg that Lent its name to the pungent milk solids product that distinction belongs to Limbourg Belgium. V. -.1 among Limburg s historical novelties is its link to one it Germany s most famous Folk heroes. Johannes Buckler a who was known by the name , was a Robin Hood figure who roamed the Countryside during the Napoleonic occupation. In 1804 he was captured by Quot French troops at a local pub and executed a year later i Mainz. Today a restaurant die Gabel occupies the building at ruts he 5 where Buckler s Fate was sealed. Despite its highly visible location Limburg is far from. Overrun by tourists. Brigitte Steinheimer business direct at the Limburg tourist office says about 90,000 visitors year Stop in at her office. Some 15,000 of them take \ guided Tours. Of these Quot Only a few Quot Are americans she says. Tours Are available in English As Well As German dutch and French a 12 stripes Magazine March 7, 1991