This adventure takes us to Gelnhausen. The town is located about forty kilometers east of Frankfurt. During medieval times, it was an important trade city on the Via Regia Imperial Road between Frankfurt and Leipzig. Today we enjoy it for its charm. It sits between two mountain ranges with the Kinzig River running through it in the lower part of town. Another interesting fact I learned is that just outside of Gelnhausen, in a wheat field, is considered the geographical center of Europe. I have enjoyed the Frankfurt area for its proximity to other European countries and its location within Germany but had no idea just how central it was.
Gelnhausen was fortified by a wall during early times and was only accessible through five gate towers. All five towers are still in existence today. Within the Old Town there are two primary city markets, referred to as the upper and lower markets. You will see those referenced in the photo captions. Also, for reference you can view the city on Google Maps at the bottom of the page.
Lower Section of Town
Johann Phillip Reis, born in Gelnhausen in 1834, played a significant role in the invention of the telephone. In 1860 he designed and built the very first functioning prototype of a telephone. His work inspired that of Alexander Graham Bell to continue experimentations until a commercially practical phone was invented. Therefore, both can claim their part in the invention.
Lower Market
Saint Mary’s Church is the prominent landmark in town. While walking around Old Town, there is hardly a view where the church is not seen in the background. As with many of these early towns, the church has its origins around the same time the city was founded. In this case construction started on the church in 1170, the exact same year the city was founded, and it continued until the year 1250. Although it began as a Catholic Church, it changed to protestant in 1543 during the period of the Protestant Reformation.
Upper Market
Other Photos from around Old Town
Every moment is of infinite worth; for it is the representative of a whole eternity.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
It is difficult to become tired of visiting so many of the smaller cities and villages around Germany. Every stop is a glimpse into the past. I do hope you enjoyed viewing the photos on this page as much as I enjoyed taking them, and as always, I am already searching for the next jewel of a town to visit.
Interactive map of Gelnhausen
Tim's Photo Blog 
Wonderful job of history telling, Tim. Your photos are magnificent. Thank you for sharing your adventures. You are truly blessed to have the opportunity to make such outstanding and meaningful memories.
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