Speckmannshof in Amberg, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe
Kräuterwiese
⎯⎯⎯
Herb Meadow
Amberg
Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2025
1. Kräuterwiese / Herb Meadow Marker
Viele Jahrhunderte lockte der Bereich am rechten Ufer der Vils, heute als Kräuterwiese bezeichnet, die Bewohner der Stadt Amberg an heißen Sommertagen zum Baden. Regulierend sollte hier die 1827 erfolgte Errichtung einer Militärschwimmschule wirken. Daneben entstanden private Flussbäder mit Badehäuschen in der Vils und schließlich bis 1935 ein städtisches Freibad.
Von der Kräuterwiese aus fällt der Blick auf das Vilstor und den Maxplatz.
Vilstor
1432 - Erste schriftliche Nennung; namensgebend für den hohen gotischen Torturm war die bis zur Flussregulierung unmittelbar daran vorbeifließende Vils.
1574 - Errichtung einer Barbakane mit Rustikaverblendung vor dem Tor, wie sie Ziegeltor und Wingershofer Tor besitzen.
Maxplatz und Maxdenkmal
16. Februar 1824
Feierliche Grundsteinlegung für das Denkmal zum 25-jährigen Regierungsjubiläum des Herrschers (Kurfürst 1799-1805, König von 1806-1825).
Ausführung des Monuments, das auf einem Postament eine Kolossalbüste König Max I. Josephs in Bronze trägt, durch den niederbayerischen Hofbildhauer Joseph Heinrich Kirchmayer (1775-1845).
27. Mai 1827
Feierliche Enthüllung des Denkmals. Zu ihm gehören auch die beiden steinernen Löwen aus dem Hofgarten Sulzbach, die von der Stadt Amberg 1824 gekauft worden waren.
Bildunterschriften
(Foto #1) Das Vilstor mit seinem nach Art einer Barbakane gestalteten Vorbau und der Vilstorplatz um 1910 (Stadtarchiv Amberg Fotosammlung 106-022-003)
(Foto #2) Das König Max I. Joseph gewidmete Denkmal auf dem nach ihm benannten Platz mit einem der Löwen aus dem Hofgarten Sulzbach. Maxplatz 1880. (Stadtarchiv Amberg Fotosammlung 107-043-001).
Over the centuries, the area on the right bank of the River Vils, known as "Herb Meadow", attracted residents of Amberg to go bathing in summer. A military swimming school, established in 1827 was designed to have a certain regulatory effect! In addition, private pools with bathing huts developed, and finally a municipal open air swimming pool, in existence till 1935.
From Herb Meadow you have a view of Vils Gate a Max Square.
Vils Gate
1432 - First documented. The name of the high Gothic tower over the gate comes from the River Vils, which used to flow close by until it was rerouted.
1574 - In front of the gate, a barbican with rustic facing like that of Ziegel Gate and Wingershof Gate was constructed.
Max Square and Max Monument
16 February 1824
Ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the monument to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ruler's government (Elector 1799-1805, King 1806-1825).
The monument, bearing a colossal bronze bust of King Max I Joseph on a pedestal, was produced by court sculptor Joseph Heinrich Kirchmayer from Lower Bavaria (1775-1845).
27 May 1827
The monument was ceremoniously unveiled. The two stone lions from the court garden in Sulzbach, bought by the town of Amberg in 1824, also belong to the sculpture.
Captions
(Photo #1) The Vilstor with its forebuilding designed in the style of a barbican and the Vilstorplatz around 1910 (Stadtarchiv Amberg, photo collection 106-022-003).
(Photo #2) The monument dedicated to King Max I Joseph on the square named after him, with one of the lions from the court garden in Sulzbach. Maxplatz, 1880 (Stadtarchiv Amberg, photo collection 107-043-001).
Erected by Amberg
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.
Location. 49° 26.879′ N, 11° 51.194′ E. Marker is in Amberg, Bayern (Bavaria). It is in Speckmannshof. It is at the intersection of Pfalzgrafenring and Sulzbacher Str., on the right when traveling west on Pfalzgrafenring. The marker is located at the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Amberg BY 92224, Germany. Touch for directions.
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 Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vilstor / Vils Gate (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Vilstor / Vils Gate (about 120 meters away); Ehemalige Hufschmiede Am Vilstor / Former Blacksmith’s Workshop At the Vils Gate (about 150 meters away); Stadttheater / Town Theatre (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Schulkirche / School Church
Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2025
2. The view of the Herb Meadow Marker along the street next to the intersection
Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2025
3. The Vils Gate
Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2025
4. The Max Square and Max Monument with fountain
Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2025
5. Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
