I got off early, and the wife and I went north to Gelnhausen. This place was full of GI's from 1950-1990, but now is pretty much a ghost town.

This is about the church.. I didn't write this :O)

The five towers of St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) rise to capture the gazes of all who approach the city of Gelnhausen. The church is the city's landmark and signpost for all those who passed through this town, which sits on the old trade route from Frankfurt to Leipzig. It is a landmark vibrant with the life of Gelnhausen's protestant congregation. Thick, sandstone walls surround parishioners as they gather till today to pray or listen to one of the exceptional musical events held here. Centuries ago, the mystical charm of the church structure kept pilgrims spellbound, and St. Mary's continues to captivate thousands of tourists every year who are fascinated by the builidings unusual blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. This architectural blend also defines the uniqueness of the church and makes it a cultural as well as national monument.

Shortly after settling in Gelnhausen in 1120 the Premonstratensian order began construction of the church. When Emperor Barbarossa, Frederick I. of Hohenstaufen, arrived in Gelnhausen in 1170, the church underwent expansion and remodeling into what is essentially its present magnificent state.

In 1225 the screen (Lettner) was being built which separated in former times the clergy in the choir from the ordinary churchgoer in the nave. The screen is richly decorated with vivid scenes representing the Final Judgement as well as the Resurrection. The screen illustrates that those who are damned are being dragged down to hell, while those who are being blessed can expect eternal life. A small processional chapel and a vestry were built into the church in the 15th century. In 1543 St. Mary's Church became protestant.

Most recently, between 1986 and 1999, St. Mary's underwent renovations valued at over 14.2 million German marks. Restoration was necessary, because its heavy stonewalls had been damaged by the passing of centuries, the wooden framework of its roof was in danger of breaking apart. After a thirteen-year-long renovation period the church is now being saved from further decay. Still, to preserve this magnificent place of worship for future generations the protestant congregation decided to initiate a foundation that pays for the building’s upkeep. December 1st, 1999 is the official founding date of the church's foundation.