Things To Do in Amorbach

Much of the fun of a visit to Amorbach lies simply in wandering through the streets of the old town, where half-timbered medieval buildings, some of them a bit artfully askew, still evoke old Germany.

The town's most important monument is the Abteikirche St. Maria, Kirchplatz (tel. 09373/971545; www.abteikirche.de). This impressive church underwent at least a half-dozen enlargements and alterations between the 8th and the 18th centuries, but it still retains a degree of charm and cohesiveness, for example the rococo gable between Romanesque towers. The interior is a mass of ornate baroque stucco, centering on one of the most impressive baroque-era organs in Germany. Entrance is free, but a guided tour, conducted in German or English, costs 4.50€ per person. It's open Monday to Saturday 10am to noon and 1 to 2pm, and Sunday noon to 5pm.

The ruined remains of Wildenburg Castle, Odenwald (tel. 09373/20940), lie 5km (3 miles) south of Amorbach. Originally built 1,000 years ago, it's now little more than a jumble of impressive medieval-looking rock piles. The restored watchtower, however, can be climbed every Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission is free. The view over the Odenwald Forest is excellent.