Station: [104] Kirchstrasse

M: It may no longer be obvious, but Kirchstrasse – Church Street – is the oldest part of the village. By the 15th century, it already had a smithy and an inn called Steinhäusersche Tafern – the Steinhäuser Tavern. It was a convenient location.

F: The name harks back to a wealthy patrician family from Gmünd. The Steinhäusers not only owned the tavern, they also had an Imperial Privilege. And that allowed them to serve wine, yay!

M: The medieval tavern later became the Reichsadler Inn. Occasionally, visitors will voice doubts about the name, wondering whether Imperial Eagles are even appropriate these days. But a quick look at history provides some insight. The name Reichsadler goes back to Emperor Sigismund. He ruled over the Holy Roman Empire from 1433.

F: He was the one who granted the tavern the Imperial Liquor Privilege. That's why the black double-headed eagle on a gold background is still emblazoned above the entrance. It's a symbol of imperial power.

M: Let's stay in the Middle Ages for a little longer. Back then, the Imperial Highway – the Reichsstrasse – went right past the inn. That particular highway linked the imperial cities of Gmünd and Nuremberg, among other places.

F: Imperial cities had the distinction of being directly subordinate to the emperor. They enjoyed a number of rights, including being allowed to set the local weights and measures. In 1433, Emperor Sigismund also granted the people of Gmünd the highest penal authority, allowing them to operate what was called a "blood court". Serious crimes – such as murder, robbery, forgery or blasphemy were tried before this criminal court. In the worst cases, the accused were sentenced to death.

M: Now, let's take a closer look at Kirchstrasse. Today, the Mühlbach – or Mill Stream—gently burbles along here. The shady willow tunnel was planted for the Rems Valley Horticultural Show in 2019. The route taken by the street actually reflects the course of the underground River Lauter. In the past, the river flowed along the surface. There have been times when Kirchstrasse had rows of shops. Local businesses included a baker, a confectioner, a butcher, a glazier and a painter. The first village school also originally stood here. 
 
Fotos: © Jürgen Bahnmayer