THE CITY OF ANSBACH
For more than a century history has left indelible marks on the city of Ansbach: baroque facades, hidden renaissance-style courtyards, the Court Gardens with the Orangerie and the Margrave Residence as well as two historic churches, the Saint Johannis and the Saint Gumbertus. The city center with its old cobblestone streets and pathways invite the visitor to walk about and discover its many beautiful shops and squares. The impressive church of St. Gumbertus with its stone work, both outside and in, its massive organ installation and protestant simplicity make for a memorable day-tour. A walk in the Hofgarten – or court garden – is relaxing at any time of year, but it's most memorable during summer months, when the grass terraces in front of the Orangerie are placed and cultivated in its original baroque-style. Guided tours of the Margrave Residence, where 18th century court life is still on display throughout the 27 majestic rooms, restored to the period, everything in its original state as if time has stood still; the embroidered tapestries and gilt framed oil paintings, gilt furniture, ceiling adornments, sparkling crystal chandeliers and inlaid marble floors. The Margrave-Museum displays not only artifacts from the pre- and early history of Ansbach, but also the Margrave period, the 19th century, and a fascinating presentation of memorabilia and art from the life of the enigmatic Kaspar-Hauser, the tragic, mysterious foundling murdered in Ansbach under ominous circumstances.
CULTURAL EVENTS and CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
The International Guitar Concert Festival brings virtuosos of world renown to the stylish surroundings of the Ansbach concert halls. The Prince’s Court of the 18th century comes back to life during the Rococo Festival in front of the backdrop of the Orangerie, rustic celebrations take place in the alleys and squares during the Old Town Festival or in the beer tents at the Ansbacher Kirchweih Fair. The Ansbach Open, an Open-Air Festival in the Martin-Luther Square in July or August, with pop concerts, cabaret or classics, is very popular with the young and young at heart.
The highlight of the year for gourmets and food-lovers are the culinary festivals in October. Under the headline "from historic cookbooks", creative chefs in a variety of restaurants delve into old cookbooks for interesting recipes that can be modified to suit the present-day taste, pampering their guests in unexpected ways.
Those who like a good book and other bibliophobes are in their element in November during the literature series "LesArt", where they can get new titles and works and even meet their favorite author after a reading.
In December, the traditional end-of-year Ansbach Christmas Market is open until Christmas Eve in the city center, with hot spiced wine (Glühwein), traditional German pastries and snacks and gift shops full of handmade crafts.
The Bach Music Festival, which lasts an entire week and takes place every two years (odd numbers), delights audiences from all over the world with internationally famous muscians performing the works of Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Kaspar-Hauser Festival (which takes place during even numbered years) views the life of this foundling from all facets. Theatre plays, exhibitions and performances bring an international community of fans to Ansbach to speculate on the strange life - and mysterious end - of the enigmatic Kaspar Hauser. Tickets for continuous cultural events with regular concerts and theater performances are offered at the "Kultur am Schloss" (Culture at the Castle) institution. The section Performing Arts, Cabaret, Film and Avant Garde Concerts is filled with the extensive programme of the largest cultural association in Bavaria - the "Ansbacher Kammerspiele", or Ansbach Theatre Society. Click on the links at right to see the schedule and learn more!