Pharmacy at the Market Square Bretten

You are now on the historic market square in Bretten. Here, at the market pharmacy, Bertha Benz “refueled” her motorcar on her return from Pforzheim to Mannheim.

The square is governed by timber house facades and the birthplace of the German evangelical reformer Phillip Melanchton - It is placed across the market square well and houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of him. Worth a look is the old city hall that proves the cities several changes of country in its history by the many coat of arms.  The market square well is the oldest well in Bretten and was erected in 1440. Near it one can find the hotel “Krone” - in its predecessor Emperor Karl the Fifth is rumoured to have stayed overnight at once.

Other points of interest are the towers of Bretten. The Pfeifertower was the mightiest building of the medieval city fortifications and served – temporarily - as prison. The second cornerstone of the cities fortification was the Simmeltower. In close proximity to it the old tannery house is located – one of the oldest buildings of the city. Within it visitors can find the local museum telling the history of the city. Another museum, the German museum of guardian angels in the “Schweizer Hof”, offers a permanent exhibition as well as regularly changing thematic exhibitions.

Much more in Bretten

Information considering all museums, sights and the animal and wildlife park are available at the tourist information on market square (hours: see above). Guided tours through the historic part of the town as well as the museums in the city center are available as well at the tourist information.

• Museums in Bretten: Melanchtonhaus, Museum im Schweizer Hof mit deutschem Schutzengelmuseum, Gerberhaus, Indianermuseum
• Biggest petting zoo in Germany: Wildlife Park Bretten