Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Louis II

The Basilica di San Pietro e Paolo is known since the 9th century, as the erection was funded by Engelberga, the powerful wife of Louis II (aka "Louis the Younger"). Louis II was the King of Italy and Roman Emperor from 844, co-ruling with his father Lothair I until 855, after which he ruled alone. In October 1106 the "Council of Guastalla" took place here. The council was chaired by Pope Paschal II. The dignitaries discussed the relationship to Clement III, the (Anti-)Pope by the grace Henry IV, whom Clement III had crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Another episode of the very long investiture controversy. The friendly gardener, who was cleaning the place, opened the church for us. Mille grazie!

The Basilica di San Pietro e Paolo is known since the 9th century, as the erection was funded by Engelberga, the powerful wife of Louis II (aka "Louis the Younger"). Louis II was the King of Italy and Roman Emperor from 844, co-ruling with his father Lothair I until 855, after which he ruled alone. In October 1106 the "Council of Guastalla" took place here. The council was chaired by Pope Paschal II. The dignitaries discussed the relationship to Clement III, the (Anti-)Pope by the grace Henry IV, whom Clement III had crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Another episode of the very long investiture controversy.

The Romans had a "castra" here on the banks of the Danube. There might have been even a bishop´s seat in the late Roman times. The bishopric got refounded by St. Boniface in 739, when Regensburg was the seat of the Agilolfing ruling family. Charlemagne ended that when he punished his disloyal cousin Tassilo III. Charlemagne stayed two winters here (791–793) to ensure his influence. Later this was the seat of Ludwig II ("Louis the German") in 843. The "Steinerne Bruecke" (= Stone Bridge), seen here, was built across the Danube 1135-1146. The bridge, protected by three towers during medieval times, was used by Louis VII of France ("Louis VII le Jeune") and his army on their way to the Second Crusade. Two of the three towers got demolished over the time, the remaining one can be seen here. The large, semicircular opening right to the tower was created for the tram, that used to run over the bridge. Meanwhile only pedestrians and bikers are allowed to cross the Danube here. Left to the tower is the "Salzstadel", built 1616, as a storage house, when the harbour was here. Unfortunately not visible from this point of view is the "Historische Wurstkuchl" ("Historic Sausage Kitchen"). left to the "Salzstadl". The Wurstkuchl may date back to the time, when construction work was done, catering for the workers. The Wurstkuchl is probably the oldest of it´s kind worldwide - and may be judged as the mother of all Take-Aways (incl. McDonald´s and Burger King). It is owned by the same family since 1806 - and still serves sausages with kraut and mustard. Meanwhile there is even an English website: www.wurstkuchl.de/tavern.html The large Regensburg Cathedral, seen in the back, has been a huge construction site for hundreds of years So the Wurstkuchl had customers from there as well, when the workers had their lunch hour. Now it serves to locals and tourists like me. I have tasted the sausages - and recommend them.

The Romans had a "castra" here on the banks of the Danube. There might have been even a bishop´s seat in the late Roman times. The bishopric got refounded by St. Boniface in 739, when Regensburg was the seat of the Agilolfing ruling family. Charlemagne ended that when he punished his disloyal cousin Tassilo III. Charlemagne stayed two winters here (791–793) to ensure his influence. Later this was the seat of Ludwig II ("Louis the German") in 843. The "Steinerne Bruecke" (= Stone Bridge), seen here, was built across the Danube 1135-1146. Regensburg at that time was not only important but due to long distance trade pretty wealthy. Since 1245 Regensburg was a Free Imperial City. The building of the large Cathedral (St. Peter) started in 1278 and replaced an older church, destroyed by fire. For about 300 years, the construction continued, before around 1520/1550 all building activities stopped. The two towers were actually finished in 1869, so the building history of the "prime example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria" has parallels to the cathedral in Cologne and Ulm, where as well, the towers were completed within the 19th century. The Regensburg Cathedral is the home of the famous "Regensburger Domstpatzen" ("cathedral sparrows"), a boys' choir with a history spanning more than 1000 years. - In case you consider to join the celebrated "Domspatzen", you should be a young boy - and consult this German website: www.nachwuchsspatzen.de/ Regensburg still has some fortified, medieval tower houses. Some can be seen on the right.