European Cultural Route "Großostheimer Renaissance"

Follow the coat of arms of the market town of Großostheim, starting at the marketplace with its magnificent half-timbered ensemble and the main highlight, the old manor house "Nöthigsgut." The estate belonged to the Mainz Cathedral Chapter, and from 1762 to 1921, the eponymous Nöthig family were tenants of the property. Today, the Bachgau Museum with an exhibition area of about 1100 sqm is housed here (open Sundays 2-5 pm and by appointment). Also under the patronage of Electoral Mainz, the new construction of the St. Peter and Paul Church took place around 1250/70. Among the late Gothic fittings, the Lamentation altar by Tilman Riemenschneider holds an outstanding position.
After leaving the marketplace, we pass through the Old Cemetery, where two tombs of the Nöthig family are located at the rear. We exit the cemetery and stand at the Stumpfer Turm, a round tower first mentioned in 1500. A few meters down Grabenstraße is the Spitzen Turm, from where, by arrangement, a panoramic view of the rooftops of Großostheim is possible. The well-preserved 28 m high Spitzen Turm demonstrates its fortifications through loopholes, dripstones, and battlements. The tower also formerly served as a prison.
Then we follow the circular route along Breite Straße to the Old Town Hall, located on the site of the old tithe barn. Here, natural products were handed over and stored, which were to be delivered to Mainz. Nearby, the wealthy farrier Peter Drippels had the eponymous Drippels Chapel built. The small domestic altar from 1492, called the "Großostheimer Krippchen," contains in fine woodcarving the Nativity of Christ. Further along, one reaches the third preserved tower of the old town fortifications, the Kalk- or Hexenturm, now uncovered. It was built as a defensive tower with battlements and a guard platform around 1500. The tower was where the "painful interrogations" (torture) of persons accused of witchcraft took place.
Then we reach the Schmalzgrube, virtually the Großostheim "black quarter," where day laborers, small craftsmen, and small farmers lived in the small courtyards. The name may originate from the rich, black alluvial soil found here or from the network of narrow alleys. On the main road to Niedernberg stands the Holy Cross Chapel, which contains a special artifact: a crucifixion group made of red sandstone, whose figures are life-sized (1510), originating from the school of Hans Backoffen in Mainz. Another Marian chapel, popularly called "Frauhäuschen," dates from the early 17th century and forms the conclusion of the old town circular walk upon returning to the marketplace.