Welcome to the Bavarian Millitary Community

26 Welcome to the U.S.Army Garrison Grafenwoehr. Dear american Guests, let me tell you something about “your Home away from Home” Grafenwoehr. Through its 650-year history the city of Grafenwoehr has provided its residents and visitors with a plethora of enter- tainment and activities. This tradition continues today. Visitors can explore historical documents in the Altstadt (historical town center), starting with the late Gothic Rathaus (town hall), which was constructed in 1462, and is therefore older than Colum- bus’ famous voyage to the Americas. Currently, the city’s administration con- ducts business in the Rathaus. The City Council meets there and residents hold wedding ceremonies in the building’s historical rooms. In the past, the building also functioned as a school, a bank, fire department, police station, night-watch- man quarters and as a prison. The Rathaus is a single building in the center of the market square, which is typical for a 14th century town. In front of the Rathaus is the Mariensaeule (Saint Mary column), which was constructed in 1922 in memory of the Grafenwoehr resi- dents who died in World War I. It also honors the victims of World War II and the allied bombings on April 5 and April 8, 1945. The plague column located at the lower market square dates back to 1496. It is assumed that it was con- structed in appreciation by the survi- vors of the plague. History buffs will be interested in the Oberpfälzer Kultur- und Militaermu- seum (Cultural and Military Museum), which is located next to the city pond and city park. The newly designed exhibition at the Culture and Military Museum in 2015 considered in addition to the history now, the development of the train- ing area Grafenwoehr and shows the many facets of coexistence of the local population with the stationed soldiers of the US Army. It also warns about the consequences of military activities. Complex groups of visitors, also mem- bers of the allied forces stationed, can thus discover an interesting and unique exhibiton. Grafenwoehr’s churches and small chapels provide another opportunity for exploration. For example, the 15th century “Alte Pfarrkirche” with its rich Baroque interior, provides a sharp contrast to the modern Friedens- kirche (Peace Church) which boasts a 114-square meter altarpiece. Grafenwoehr – Your Home away from Home Gourmet Movie Theater at the Naturbühne am Schönberg.