Schwabisch Gmund Tourist Attractions
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Situation and characteristicsThe old free imperial city of Schwäbisch Gmünd lies in the valley of the Rems, on the northern fringes of the Swabian Alb. It is noted for its goldsmith and silversmith work and for its glassware, an industry transferred here from Gablonz in Bohemia after the Second World War. Schwäbisch Gmünd was the birthplace of the 14th C. master builder Peter Parler and the 16th C. painter Hans Baldung Grien.
Markt
In the charming elongated Markt of Schwäbisch Gmünd are the Town Hall (1783-85) and the important Late Romanesque St John's Church (1220-50; R.C.), with rich sculptural decoration. In front of the church can be seen the beautiful Marienbrunnen (fountain).
Cultural Center
To the west of the church in Schwäbisch Gmünd is a former Dominican monastery (remodeled in the 18th C. by Dominikus Zimmermann; restored 1969-73), now housing the Prediger Cultural Center and the Municipal Museum.
Minster
To the southwest of the church in Schwäbisch Gmünd is the Gothic Minster of the Holy Cross (R.C.), built in the early 14th C. by Heinrich Parler (father of Peter Parler, who built Prague Cathedral). This was one of the first large hall-churches in South Germany.
Fuggerei
Southeast of the Minster in Schwäbisch Gmünd is the Fuggerei, a Romanesque building with 15th C. half-timbering.
Town Church
Southwest of the Minster in Schwäbisch Gmünd stands the Town Church (Protestant), a former Augustinian church built in the 15th C. and remodeled in Baroque style in the 18th C. (fine stucco decoration and ceiling paintings).On the south side of the church are the conventual buildings (1732-49), now occupied by local government offices.
Town Walls
A few towers belonging to Schwäbisch Gmünd's medieval fortifications (14th-15th C.) have been preserved.
St Salvator's Chapel
West of Schwäbisch Gmünd, beyond the railroad station, is a Way of the Cross leading to the curious rock-cut pilgrimage chapel of St Salvator (1617-20; view).
Roman Baths
In Schwäbisch Gmünd's southwestern district of Schirenhof are the excavated remains of Roman baths belonging to a small Roman fort of the second C.In the nearby Rotenbach valley can be seen a remnant of the Rhaetian Wall, built by the Romans.
Lorch Monastery
The Lorch Monastery, built around 1100, is the burial place of the Hohnenstaufens. The numerous buildings have been preserved including the Romanesque monastery church and the cloister.
Surroundings
Rechberg
9km/6mi south of Schwäbisch Gmünd rises the Rechberg (707m/2,320ft; extensive views), with a ruined 12th C. castle and a 17th C. pilgrimage chapel.
