Official language: German
Time zone: UTC+2
(summer),
UTC+1
(winter)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
A skilled eye will notice a monument of an unicorn on one of the squares, and also a pharmacy under an unicorn. This creature was believed to be a symbol of Virgin Mary. It was also believed to have extraordinary curing abilities.
In Memmingen there are preserved 11 a few hundred years old buildings, who were created as headquarters of different craftsmen guilds, such as guild of merchants, weavers, butchers or carpenters.
The tower of witches from 1150, called Hexenturm, is the oldest out of three prison towers in Memmingen and the evidence of brutality of old judiciary systems.
The city located in the German region of Bavaria, was granted the charter in the middle of the 12th century. The old city is full of cosy streets with lovely, renovated town houses. Most tourists decide to visit Memmingen because of the old city. The authorities of the city must be aware of that, as they drafted two routes for sightseeing. A red one leads through the most important historical places of Memmingen, a green one – along parks and gardens that surround the old city.
Among true masterpieces there is the oldest pharmacy in the city, which foundation is dated at the year 1489. Make sure to step by the oldest inn in the city – The Golden Lion. There is a pub on the ground floor and a lounge for wine tasting. If you take a good look, you will see on the façade, just below the top, a trait after a cannon’s bullet that hit the building during the siege of Memmingen in 1647.
In the heart of the city, close to the town hall, there has been operating Marktplatz since centuries. Today, stalls are set on special occasions, for e.g. before Christmas. You can get there local alcohols, hand-made jewellery or unique Christmas decorations.
If you are fan of meat dishes, Bavarian cuisine will be perfect for you. Classic dish is Weißwurst, white, steamed sausage served with mustard and pretzel. You will buy it in almost every restaurant or bar. For Krustebraten, beef roast with pelt, go to Barfuesser die Hausbrauerei at Schweizerberg 17. To your beer in Klösterle order classic pigs-knuckles, ask for Haxe. Memmingen, as the whole Bavaria, is a paradise for beer gourmands. The best ones – of local breweries – are served in Moritz at Weinmarkt 6-8.
While staying in Memmingen, it is worth to go for a trip. 20 minutes south from the city, in Illerbeuren, there is the Swabian Museum of Household. You can see there old vehicles, tools, household equipment and learn about old local habits. In one place a whole country with houses and barnyards was renovated.