Eschbronn: St. Mark's Church and Fasnet

The Catholic parish church of St. Mark and Fasnet give Eschbronn two distinct cultural points of reference. At the church in Eschbronn-Mariazell, the focus is on its architectural history and details; the local Fasnet includes several named groups. When planning your trip, you can distinguish these local themes from the cultural offerings in the wider destination of Rottweil.

St. Mark's: Architectural History and Tower Details

The Catholic parish church of St. Mark in Eschbronn-Mariazell is originally Romanesque. It was rebuilt in the Gothic style in 1607/08, and its tower was raised by two octagonal stories at the same time. Its architectural history thus combines an original Romanesque structure with a later Gothic-style renovation. Anyone interested in the development of church architecture will find both this sequence of changes and precisely described details of the tower at St. Mark's.

Early stonemasons' marks can be seen on the sandstone blocks in the tower's two lower stories, which are topped by huge gargoyles. The tracery of the lower tower windows also has a distinctive design: one letter from “AVE MARIA” is incorporated into each of the eight windows. Read together, the letters form the Marian invocation, recalling “cella Mariae.” Thus, a single architectural feature brings together its material, stonemasons' marks, and lettering. These details complement the architectural history with specific features that help describe the tower's design.

Fasnet in Eschbronn

Eschbronn's Fasnet includes the Heuliecherzunft Mariazell e.V. with its Rotseehexen, the Hecke-Pfiefer-Narrengilde Locherhof e.V., and the Geistersteinhexen Locherhof e.V. The names locate different groups within the local tradition: Mariazell is represented by the Heuliecherzunft, while Locherhof is represented by the two named guilds. If your trip is linked to a specific Fasnet event, check the dates for the relevant year in advance; the groups named here represent the tradition, not the event calendar.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Rottweil

In the wider destination of Rottweil, the Salinenmuseum Unteres Bohrhaus offers insight into salt production by boiling. It is presented in original buildings with original equipment, a waterwheel, and two brine pumps. The museum also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Saltworks of Wilhelmshall, described as Rottweil's oldest industrial enterprise. The presentation of salt production and the history of the former industrial enterprise are thus presented as two aspects of the same museum topic.

At the Dominikanermuseum, the “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” exhibition combines historical context with a narrated day: it takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil on August 4, 186 AD, from the morning at the forum through various public and private appointments to an evening feast. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. Visitors of all ages can also try on a Roman wool tunic, chain mail, a Roman soldier's helmet or shield, and a Roman rider's saddle. As availability of the hands-on activities may vary, it is advisable to check before visiting.

The Roman Trail in Rottweil's old town also focuses on the former Roman city: information steles along the route describe important sites. The Test Tower explores a different subject. Modern elevators are tested and certified in its twelve shafts, with travel speeds of up to 18 meters per second. Rottweil is also connected to the cycling route network of the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb.

For Fasnet, Rottweil offers another recurring event: the famous Narrensprung. It begins on Fasnet Monday at the stroke of 8 a.m. behind the Schwarzes Tor; the exact date varies from year to year. If you plan to include it in your trip, check the dates for the relevant year. For travel by public transport from Rottweil railway station, the Test Tower's official visitor information describes bus 5011 on weekdays and a dial-a-bus service on Saturdays and Sundays. Check these transport details before setting out, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Aichhalden, Hardt, Schiltach, Villingendorf, Sulz Am Neckar, Dietingen, Dunningen, Schramberg.

Back to the wider travel guide: Rottweil.