11/27/13   Passau, Germany

The next morning we docked in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its colorful houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade.


Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture.


The autumn air was a bit nippy on the river, but the view of the city was wonderful.


St. Stephen's Cathedral is a baroque church that was built in 1688 AD. 


St. Stephen's Cathedral has the largest cathedral organ in the world with 17,774 pipes.


The Residenzplatz (Residence Square) Fountain is decorated for Christmas.   St Stephen’s Cathedral can be seen in the background.  To the left is the home of the Roman Catholic bishop.


Many of the streets of city are very narrow.   In this picture St Stephens can be seen in the distance.


Here is another picture of the narrow streets of Passau.


On the hill overlooking Passau, the Veste Oberhaus (Bishops Fortress) and be seen.   It was built in 1219 AD as a fortress and stronghold of the Bishop of Passau.   Painted on the front of the building is the date 1499, when this section was renovated.   Between 1535 and 1540, numerous Protestant Anabaptists were imprisoned in the castle dungeon for their beliefs.