Last outing

One last walkabout in a charming medieval and fortified Alsatian village, Bergheim, on a day where the sun made a rare (and brief) appearance. The pic features the outside of the fortified wall with the Vosges mountains in the background, dotted with the remnants of old castles (there are castles on just about every mountain top)


The village dates back to the 700s, and was completely enclosed in thick fortifications in the 12th century.


In the 16th and 17th century, it distinguished itself by becoming the first 'sanctuary' city, opening its doors to the downtrodden and (minor) criminals. During that same time, it unfortunately also engaged in witch hunting and a dozen women were burnt at the stake...


Aside from the beautiful fortifications, half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, the village is home to a 1,000-yr old linden tree, under which the villagers conducted celebrations as early as the 1300's.


After all the year-end festivities and exhibits (and with a bit of soft rain falling), the town felt nice and quiet, with barely anyone in the streets today. One more day in Alsace -- packing and getting organized tomorrow to fly back to the States on Tuesday --provided we don't get snowed in either in my home town or in Munich! Time's really flown by quickly...