Buried Treasures in Idar-Oberstein

Europe » Germany » Rhineland-Palatinate
April 26th 2008

Published: May 3rd 2008

I’m a big fan of semi-precious stones, and seeing a church that had been built into the side of a rock seemed pretty cool to me, so I was happy we were invited along on a tour group headed to the town of Idar-Oberstein. The bus takes us through the town itself to reach the mines located just outside of town, and up quite a steep road. These mines, the Gemstone Mines Steinkaulenberg, are the ... Read Full Entry

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Rosemary

Roaming Rosie

My husband and I just moved back to Florida, but we lived in Maryland from June 2008 until October 2009, and we lived in Heidelberg, Germany from June 2005 until June 2008. I created this TravelBlog to share our experiences and pictures with our family and friends. We love to travel, so I hope that shows! :) I also love photographing new and beautiful places, so I hope you enjoy both the blogs and the photos! This photo of us was taken in Nuremberg, Germany in early 2004. The blogs begin with the Spring of 2006. Don't forget to check out some of my favorite photos from our past tr... full info

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Inside the Gem Mines

Museum display.

Inside the Gem Mines

Red Jasper. Museum display.

The Gem Mines

Stones along the path to the mines that represent the spot where they held medieval hangings.

The Gem Mines

Path to the mines.

The Church in the Rock

The Felsenkirche, or Church in the Rock, built between 1482-84 by the Lord of the Oberer Stein as penitence for killing his brother.

The Church in the Rock

The Church as seen from the town below. You can also see the Old Castle Ruins, located above the church. Castle Bosselstein was built in 1196 and was left in ruins after destroyed in war. Oh, and the castles were both still closed to tourists.

More Ruins

Here you can see the New Castle Ruins, Castle Oberstein, as viewed from the town below. This castle was built in 1320 after the destruction of the old castle.

Idar-Oberstein

A view of town from the vantage point of just below the Church in the Rock.

The Church in the Rock

Looking up at the church from just below it... I assume this is to keep people from falling down the hill, but it's a bit creepy anyway.

The Church in the Rock

This was the path one had to take through the rock to reach the entrance of the church.

The Church in the Rock

Inside the church. Notice the wall above the altar is formed from the surrounding rock.

The Church in the Rock

Gothic baptism stone.

The Church in the Rock

Baroque paintings.

The Church in the Rock

This stairway is found by actually exiting the church through a side door. So these steps are located between the church (left) and the rock (right). This was so cool. And cold, and drafty, and really wet, but really neat.

The Church in the Rock

Looking down that same stairway between the church and the rock.

The Church in the Rock

Looking out from a viewing platform beside the church's steeple.

Idar-Oberstein

Just hanging out and enjoying the town. (And no more hardhats).

5th September 2009

Krutsinger
non-member comment

The wire fence in front of the church
The wire fence is to try and stop any falling rocks from hitting people. In other places they would just cover the rock face with chain link, however , since this is a tourist attraction they opted not to disturb the overall view of the church and it's surrounding rock.

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Buried Treasures in Idar-Oberstein

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