Eschbronn: St. Mark’s Church and Fasnet

In Eschbronn-Mariazell, two cultural themes lead to quite different details: the Catholic parish church of St. Mark, with its architectural history, and the local Fasnet carnival with its named groups.

St. Mark’s: Romanesque origins and Gothic remodeling

The Catholic parish church of St. Mark in Eschbronn-Mariazell is originally Romanesque. In 1607/08, it was remodeled in the Gothic style, and its tower was raised by two octagonal stories. This allows us to distinguish between two changes: the remodeling of the church and the extension of the tower. Together, they provide a specific chronological anchor for its architectural history.

Early stonemasons’ marks can be seen on the sandstone blocks of the tower’s two lower stories, which are topped by enormous gargoyles. There is also a detail in the tracery of the eight lower tower windows: each incorporates one letter from “AVE MARIA.” The motif recalls “cella Mariae.” Alongside the major alteration to the tower, the material, stonemasons’ marks, and window tracery offer details of their own to explore.

Eschbronn’s Fasnet includes the Heuliecherzunft Mariazell e.V. with its Rotseehexen, the Hecke-Pfiefer-Narrengilde Locherhof e.V., and the Geistersteinhexen Locherhof e.V. Their names bring together Mariazell and Locherhof as distinct local connections to Fasnet. While the history and architectural details of St. Mark’s Church make it tangible, here the focus is on the groups that carry on the local tradition.

Culture and experiences in the wider destination of Rottweil

In the wider destination of Rottweil, further themes range from salt production and Roman history to technology, Fasnet, and cycling.

The Unteres Bohrhaus Saltworks Museum presents salt production in original buildings with original equipment, a waterwheel, and two brine pumps. It also explains the history and significance of the former Royal Wilhelmshall Saltworks, described as Rottweil’s oldest industrial operation. This shifts the focus from church architecture in Mariazell to another subject: salt production and the history of a former industrial operation.

At the Dominican Museum in Rottweil, the “Roman Rottweil – Arae Flaviae” exhibition takes visitors through a day in Roman Rottweil on August 4, 186 AD: from the forum in the morning through various public and private engagements to a feast in the evening. Reconstructions and interactive areas complement the exhibition. Visitors of all ages can try on a Roman wool tunic and chain mail, handle the helmet or shield of a Roman soldier, and try out the saddle of a Roman horseman. Check the current availability of this hands-on activity before your visit.

Along the Roman Trail in Rottweil’s old town, information pillars describe important points in the former Roman city. The Test Tower in Rottweil offers a technological contrast: modern elevators are tested and certified in twelve shafts, at speeds of up to 18 meters per second. Rottweil is also connected to the Black Forest and Swabian Alb cycling route network, making it relevant for cycling trips.

The Rottweil Narrensprung also brings its own Fasnet flavor. It starts behind the Black Gate on Shrove Monday at the stroke of 8 a.m.; the exact date changes from year to year. If you want to include this event in your plans, check the date for your travel year.

Focus your search on the destinations that interest you most.

Discover more destinations

Epfendorf, Schramberg, Dietingen, Dornhan, Rottweil, Zimmern ob Rottweil, Wellendingen, Vöhringen

To the wider travel overview: Rottweil.