Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe
Old Cranes
Alter Kranen
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2009
1. The Old Cranes Marker
In den Jahren 1767-1773 errichtete Fürstbischof Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim ein Hebewerk am Mainufer, das unter dem Namen “Alter Kranen” bekannt ist. Dieser Kran diente den Binnenschiffern bis 1846 zum entladen ihrer Schiffe. Der ausführende Architekt war Franz Ignaz Neumann, der Sohn des berühmten Barockmeisters Balthasar Neumann. Franz Ignaz Neumann hat mit diesem Bauwerk eine noch heute in der Fachwelt bestaunte Anlage geschaffen.
In the years 1767-1773, Prince-Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim built on the banks of the Main River a lifting facility, which is known by the name "Old Cranes". This crane was used by barge operators to unload ships until 1846. The executive architect was Franz Ignaz Neumann, the son of the famous Baroque master Johann Balthasar Neumann. With this structure Franz Ignaz Neumann created an engineering marvel which is still admired today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 49° 47.767′
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Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pleicher Handwerkerhaus / Pleicher Craftsman’s House (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Hof "Zum Stachel" / The Mace Inn (about 210 meters away); Hof Castell (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Vom Judenplatz zum Marktplatz / From Jewish Quarter to Market Square (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Marienkapelle / St. Mary's Chapel (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Lower Main Mill (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Haus zum Falken (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Emy Roeder (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Würzburg.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the north side of the crane structure, below street level (take the stairs down from the street to the quay level).
Also see . . . Alter Kranen (Würzburg). Wikipedia.org's German language article on the history of the Old Crane. (Submitted on September 24, 2009.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2009
2. The Old Cranes Marker- Wide Shot
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2009
3. High Water Marks by the Marker
Engraved in the stones below the marker are several highwater marks and dates: February 7, 1909; January 16, (19)20; and February 25, 1970. This location is the oldest flow measuring station on the Main River, with measurements dating back to October 1823. Although not so engraved, records indicate flood levels in 1342, 1784, and 1845 that were even higher than the 1909 level.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2009
4. Old Cranes - Looking North
The crane mechanism is simple chain, pulley, and hook system within a double treadmill, supported by copper clad oaken beams. Two men could lift loads up to two tons, with another 2-4 men necessary to rotate the structure, overseen by a crane master.
Artist Unknown, Copy of Engraving Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
5. Wuerzburg - Looking South Along the Main River (early 1800's)
Looking south along the Main River, Old Cranes is visible on the left, the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge) in the center, and the Marienberg Fortress on the bluff on the right.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 27, 2009
6. Old Cranes as seen from the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,325 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 24, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
