A Visit to Dingolfing!

If nothing else, you just have to love the name. “Dingolfing!” Another ancient,historic and quaint Bavarian town about an hour and a half from us, northeast of Munich. I love getting out and wandering these lovely places. Exploring hidden alleyways. Peering through store windows at the still proudly handmade goods for sale. Starring in awe at Catholic Churches. Centuries old, filled with inspiring hand carved religious artifacts. Wandering the stone paved lanes and sitting a minute in the city center Platz. But this town was different. This town I felt a connection with. A friend and former co-worker’s Paternal and Maternal Grandparents hail from Dingolfing and I promised Rosanne I would go visit and photograph her heritage to share with her. I know how I would feel if a friend would visit my Irish hometown, so off we went on a sunny, Bavarian Blue filled sky day!

Come along on my Journey to Dingolfing!

Spanning the River Isar, Dingolfing, with a population of 18,000, is divided into two sections. The lower section is the business and commercial center and very modern. BMW has an enormous factory there and produces 270,000 cars a year in several plants around the city. I think one has my name on it. Ha ha….

 

Another major player is the Nuclear Power Plant located outside of town. Germany is shutting down the Nuclear plants as it aggressively pursues safe and clean forms of energy.

But….this is not why we went to Dingolfing. We went to see the old town across the river and sitting on a hillside with its narrow twisting streets, and old Bavarian architecture. We drove into town and found a parking place on the Platz. Exiting the VW, we set off on foot to enjoy and photograph the day. This is what we saw first. I love the pictures painted on the buildings depicting the owners occupation or Biblical motifs.

This is the Seethaler Brewery.

 

Every town has a “Platz,” or plaza in the center where traffic is either banned or very limited. This is where the locals gather to sit, chat and otherwise socialize. Celebrations are held in the “Dorfplatz” or town plaza. Many are named after Mary, the mother of Christ, and hence, they are called ” Marienplatz.” This is Dingolfings Marienplatz.

We strolled around the small platz peering in windows. Everything was closed on this Sunday, but we enjoyed being rather alone and not sharing the sidewalks.

The old stone streets. All with a sweeping design!

Looking down the Platz.

Hand knit. Hand sewn and hand made gifts!

Exit the archway ( every town has one) and you exit the town center.

Each building is unique but follows a well defined pattern.

The local Meat Market

This is a residence smack dab on the Platz.

The town Hotel or Guesthouse. Again, every town has one.

EVERY town and I mean every town has the triumvirate of an Asian restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a Turkish Doner Kebab restaurant! This one is no exception. We ate at the Panda and the food was quite good!

Turkish Doner Kebab and Turkish Christmas Tree.

Italian Restaurants all serve real “Italian Style” thin crust pizza.

Love this Guesthouse Sign! BEER!

Moving off the plaza onto the side streets, the sidewalks are covered. No curbs. The sides of the streets are curved for drainage.

Old Brew Pub. Isn’t it just just wonderful looking?

Turn a corner and enter an alleyway where surprises greet you at every turn. Little courtyard with a fountain.

Tunnel through the old Aqueduct. Incredible sight.

We came back out onto the main thoroughfare and headed up towards the Church whose steeple towers over the town and can be seen from just about any location. I knew this was going to be good!

Buildings are attached to the Church at its base.

The Journey Girl at a fountain in the Church Courtyard.

We walked the perimeter of St. Johannes Church and took note of the all the brick work that had been restored and upgraded over the centuries.  Dan is reading ancient grave markers that have been placed into the wall. The script was difficult to read but several were men in their 30’s who died in the 1700’s

This very tortuous scene is also in the wall. Wish I knew what it represented. Anyone have an idea?

See the small Chapel behind Dan? This is what is in it.

Skulls. Lots and lots of skulls. Something else I need to research. Ideas anyone?

We entered St. Johannes through this massive carved door with heavy iron work hinges. And this is what we saw.

Soaring ceilings drawing your eyes to the Christ and Heaven.

Spiral staircase to the Choir Loft

Ornate Chapels lined the Nave.

This door and its twin were on either side of the Church.

The Alter in all its Christmas glory. Worshipers were present during our visit and I tried to be respectful when taking pictures. Some desired photos were not to be had because I just couldn’t snap the camera while people were quietly and privately praying.

Bottles of consecrated wine at the Alter steps.

Below are 3 photos of the Creche in St. Johannes. Possible 4 feet long and the hand carved and painted figurines were incredible.

We ended our visit after touring St. Johannes Church, but there was so much more to see in this small town. We loved every step we took here on Sunday. It’s fascinating to imagine Rosanne’s Grandparents walking these streets to the markets and the church. That really brought an added dimension to visiting Dingolfing!  Maybe we will return, but there is so much more to see in Bavaria and I can’t wait to journey on!