Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Wasserspeier

Manegold of Lautenbach, a celebrity of his time, lived here in the 11th. century. During the Investiture Controversy, Manegold sided strongly with Pope Gregory VII. Emperor Henry IV was so annoyed about this, that he sent an army, to destroy the monastery and churches. About 50 years later Augustinian Canons settled here - and rebuilt the church, reusing a lot of old material, so some of the carvings seen here, may orginate from the older church. Many changes took place in and around the building (now the parish church) over the time, but some parts seem seem still unchanged. This gargoyle is for sure not reused from the older structure. This gargoyle was carved, after the choir was added to the church around 1235. The cone-shaped "Jewish hat" makes very clear, that the person seen here, is a jew. To wear such hats was enforced in many places in medieval times, in order to distinguish Jews from others. Here is another example of a "jewish hat", taken in Lemgo, Germany. www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4338575468/