Tangermünde, dating back to 1009, is one of a group of north German towns which have been preserved to look as they did in the Middle Ages. The town is situated behind a beautiful wetland plain, on the confluence of the River Tanger and the River Elbe. Because Tegermunde was part of the GDR (under Russian control), and Grand Circle is the only US river cruise to come through this area, the people here do not speak much English. It is amazing what a little pantomime and sound effects can communicate.
This tower was built in 1480, but jail cells were built in it during the 18th century. The above wall goes around the city.
The most formidable building in town is St. Stephan’s Church. This organ in the church was built in 1624 by Scherer and is among the 10 best historical organs of Europe. You would think with all my interest in pipe organs that I loved organ music. I really don’t, but I am fascinated with their appearance.
Yet another Rathaus… This city hall was constructed in the 1430s with a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic features. The town museum is located in the lower level of the building. A farmers market was taking place while were were here.
Storks can be found nesting on the Rathaus.
Many of the houses in town are half timbered dwellings built after the 1617 fire that destroyed the majority of the houses inside the town walls. A half timbered house is built from timber and mud, which was less expensive than a brick house.
Grete Minde (the one on the left), was the accused culprit for staring the 1617 fire and condemned to die at the stake. Her life has been the subject of various books and a movie.
This is our ship’s captain, also know as Johnny Cash of the Elbe River, entertaining us after dinner.
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