Station: [18] Bürgel Marketplace

M: Bürgel had been established in medieval times at the intersection of two trade routes – a small town of artisans, merchants and farmers. But it was completely gutted by major fires on multiple occasions. Today, the oldest surviving houses were built after 1754, following the last of the fires to devastate the town.

F: The town hall on the north side of the market square was also built after 1754. The structure successively housed the Ratskeller bar and restaurant, the savings bank, a cinema and a large vaulted cellar, which served as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War. There were rental apartments on the upper floor, where the town council now has its offices.

M: And if you look around, you'll see the typical Bürgel residential buildings. They often have a small shop or workshop on the ground floor with living quarters above. People would have used the garden to grow food. Some families also had an agricultural plot, which they either farmed or leased out. 

F: Bakers, butchers, tailors, linen weavers, tanners, coopers, carpenters, turners, watchmakers, roofers, builders with their own quarries, small shops and inns – they all shaped the appearance and life of the town. It supplied the surrounding villages with almost all the necessities. By the late 19th century, several factories making canes and walking-sticks were established. At times, Bürgel was even known as "Stick-Bürgel" as a result. 

M: During the period from 1871 to 1914, the sleepy little town experienced a significant economic upturn. And finally, even the steam railway came puffing along. Nicknamed the "Bürgel donkey", it operated from 1905 to 1969 and brought a modest degree of prosperity.

F: Until the 1930s, the old brewery stood in the middle of Market Square. Next to the well, there was a pond that was used for fire-fighting but has since been converted into an underground cistern. The pretty octagonal pavilion with the curved roof used to house a transformer. It's a reminder of the town's electrification in the 20th century. The display cases have been used to exhibit pottery since 1984, when the town celebrated its 750th anniversary.

M: Feel free to look around and set out to explore the eventful history of Bürgel, the pottery town.