Passau

About

Settled since the 2nd century BC, Passau thrived thanks to its position at the confluence of 3 rivers. The city grew rich trading Bohemian salt, reaching its pinnacle as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire. Following a massive fire in the 17th century, much of the city was rebuilt in the Baroque style, and has remained essentially the same ever since. Today, the Old Town is a maze of narrow passages and alleys between beautiful buildings. Within one of the area's most striking houses you'll find the Museum of Modern Art, which hosts some unusual touring exhibitions. At the heart of the Old Town is St. Steven's Cathedral, which, along with incredibly ornate ornamentation, is home to the world's largest organ. Since the 13th century, the Veste Oberhaus fortress has watched over Passau, and now provides stupendous views of the city below, and a museum exhibiting everything from archaeological finds to medieval weaponry and Gothic painted panels in one of Europe's largest preserved castle complexes.