Originally published on September 7, 2025
To wrap up our village tour, we ended the day in Villingen, and judging by the number of photos I snapped, I really liked this place. The standout for me was the Villinger Münster (Cathedral of Our Lady), built in the late 12th century. Inside, the ceiling features dark-toned stone ribbed vaulting—not timber, but stone—and its earthy brown color gives the cathedral a distinctive and almost solemn atmosphere compared to the bright vaults found in most Gothic churches.
In the square we came across a fascinating copper fountain—the Franciscan Fountain, created in the 1980s. Its four sides depict scenes from Villingen’s history, from medieval guild life to religious processions, almost like a graphic novel in bronze. It’s a striking way to tell the story of the town.
Of course, I couldn’t resist photographing more of those wrought-iron shop signs, each one a miniature work of art. After finishing our walk through the square and the historic district, Peggy and I found a café still open (a small miracle on a German Sunday) and sat outside to enjoy a true German “delicacy”: currywurst. Simple, spicy, and absolutely delicious—the perfect end to the day.
👉 Fun fact: Villingen was once a fortified town of the Zähringen dynasty, and much of its medieval wall, towers, and gates are still preserved, adding to the city’s charm.
