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Historic neighborhood · Bacharach, Renânia-Palatinado
Altstadt Bacharach
Walled old centre of Bacharach, with half-timbered houses, the church of St. Peter and the 14th-century wall with towers, between the Rhine and the vineyards.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Altstadt Bacharach
Bacharach received town rights in 1356 and grew with the wine trade: barrels were transferred there from smaller boats, able to navigate the currents of the Binger Loch, to larger vessels. For centuries, Rhine wine was sold under the name "Bacharacher".
The town wall began to be built in 1344 and was completed around 1400. Much of it still stands, with towers and gates that enclose the centre on the river side and climb the hillside. Sections of the walk along the wall can be followed on foot, with views over the roofs and the Rhine.
Within the walls are Oberstraße and Blücherstraße, with half-timbered houses like the Altes Haus, one of the most photographed. The church of St. Peter, built between 1230 and 1269 and Protestant since the Reformation, mixes Romanesque and early Gothic, with galleries inside.
The town is small and can be seen in a short time. Wine taverns serve wine from the Mittelrhein, the Middle Rhine wine region, and the vineyards climb the slopes just behind the houses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours, including a section of the wall.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the boat groups have left. From September to October, the harvest brings activity to the vineyards.
How to get there
Bacharach train station is on the edge of the centre, a 2-minute walk from Oberstraße. The boat quay is on the Rhine promenade, opposite the walls.
Tip
Climb one of the wall towers to see the town from above. The church of St. Peter is usually open during the day. On Sundays the small shops close, but the taverns stay open.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altstadt Bacharach
Is the Bacharach town wall original?
Yes, largely. It was erected between 1344 and around 1400 and still retains towers and gates despite the damage of 1689.
Can you walk along the wall?
Sections of the path along the wall and some towers can be walked, with views of the Rhine and the rooftops.
How long does it take to see the town center?
About 1 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, including a stretch along the wall.