Beilstein is a small town in the Cochem-Zell district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is located on the Moselle River, about 15 minutes drive from Cochem. It is known as the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle because of its picturesque setting and historic buildings.
Here is some extensive information about Beilstein
History
Beilstein was first settled around AD 800 by the Franks. In 1309, it was granted town privileges and fortified by the Lords of Braunshorn. It also had a Jewish community and a cemetery, which still exists today. In 1360, the town passed to the Lords of Winneburg, who were later enfeoffed by the Electorate of Trier with the Lordship of Winneburg and Beilstein.
In 1488, the town became part of the Electorate of Trier. In 1636, a Carmelite monastery was founded, which was dissolved in 1803. In 1689, the town and the castle Metternich were destroyed by French troops. In 1794, the town was occupied by the French Revolutionaries, and in 1815, it was assigned to Prussia. Since 1946, it has been part of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Attractions
Beilstein has many historic and cultural attractions, such as
The castle Metternich, which was built in the 13th century and offers a panoramic view of the town and the river. It is also a venue for cultural events and concerts.
The Carmelite monastery church, which was built between 1691 and 1783 in the Baroque style. It has a rich interior with paintings, sculptures, and an organ. It is also a pilgrimage site for the Black Madonna of Beilstein, a wooden statue from the 12th century.
The former parish church of St. Joseph, which was built in 1310 and renovated in the 18th century. It has a Gothic choir, a Baroque altar, and a Rococo pulpit.
The historic town center, which has many well-preserved half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and fountains. It also has several restaurants, cafes, and wine taverns that offer local specialties and wines.
Wine
Beilstein is part of the Moselle wine region, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in Germany. The town has several wineries that produce high-quality wines from the Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Elbling grape varieties. The town also hosts wine festivals and events, such as the Beilstein Wine Festival in July and the Beilstein Wine Days in September.