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Fritzlar in Germany has been twinned with Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge since 1989. It is an old walled city, population15000 and lies about 20km due south of industrial Kassel. Its history is associated with the West Country since, in 723AD, a Devon monk, Boniface, travelled there to preach Christianity and found a monastery. St Boniface Walk in Burnham-on-Sea commemorates that journey to Fritzlar which became a cathedral city. Poor Boniface and many of his compaanions suffered a martyr's death for his trouble.
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Klostermit Dom |
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Today Fritzlar is still important administratively but is not the largest town in the district. There is a wealth of interesting architecture dating from 16th & 17th century, which includes the Hochzeithaus -a museum -, the Rathaus or Town Hall and the Marketplatz, itself. It is one of few historically and culturally important towns to survive the ravages of wars and over zealous building projects during the German 'economic miracle' period. |
Hochzeithaus |
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Its twin-towered cathedral is impressive and much of the old fortifications remain today; not least the Grauer Turm - or grey tower - which is rounded on the outside to fend off missiles but flat-faced on the inside to save building costs! Fritzlar proudly describes itself as 'Die alte Dom-und-kaiserstadt' - the cathedral town and king's city. |
Grauer Turm |
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In 1999 Fritzlar celebrated its 1275th anniversary and the 10th year of twinning with Burnham & Highbridge. This link was dedicated by the naming of a garden area Englischer Plats, where a large British lion, a gift from us was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Somerset visitors and their German hosts. In return Fritzlar presented their guests with a hand-carved wooden figure of St Boniface, which resides in the Council's chambers at Burnham-on-Sea. |
Englischer Plats |
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Fritzlar is historically attractive to tourists and provides excellent modern comforts in the many charming period hotels. For tourist information contact: Zwischen den Kramen 5 34560 Fritzlar Tel: 05622 988-643 Fax: 05622 988-626 Email: stadt@fritzlarnde |
Secretary of Burnham/Fritzlar twinning is: Mrs G Lyne 11 St Christopher's Way Burnham-on-Sea Somerset Tel: 01278 786789 The society meets regularly, welcomes new members, arranges visits to Fritzlar and hosts German friends when they visit Sedgemoor. |
