Given the chance, if one could spend a day in Passau, Germany, one would be overwhelmed with beauty and architectural bliss. Enjoy your time there while on your cruise stop. Passau, also known as the City of three rivers, is located on the point of three rivers. The city has a large university which almost twenty percent of its population attends.
Passau is dominantly Catholic and one of the most amazing sites is St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Der Passauer Stephansdom) and the “Old City” (Die Altstadt). With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, the organ at St. Stephen’s was long held to be the largest church pipe organ in the world and is today second in size. The church was built by Italian architect Carlo Lurago. This cathedral is magnificent to see and hear. This is a must see in Passau.
What is Lebkuchen?
Another must while in Passau would be to try Lebkuchen. This is a German version of gingerbread. This is a very traditional baked treat that would be equivalent of the American chocolate chip cookie. You owe it to yourself to try the many different variations. There are bakeries along the marketplaces that fill the streets with the smell of sweet spices that can tempt just about any one. There is a bakery that has five generations creating Lebkuchen masterpieces, Café Simon. One of the best of the best.
The Streets of Passau
Just walking the streets of Passau is an experience. There is so much culture, art, and ease blended into the streets, alleys, and walkways of this laid back location. There are unique sights at every turn of the corner. The small coffee shops have the most fragrant drinks and scrumptious treats. There are little town markets throughout the areas to taste and sample the old fashioned German lifestyle. A day would be just a tease to experience Passau, but an experience that should not be missed.
