Gemstone Museum Idar-Oberstein, Germany- Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum

The Gemstone Museum in Idar-Oberstein, Germany has one of the finest collections of rocks and minerals in Europe, and it is the reason that we chose to visit. It had begun to snow when we arrived, adding to the beauty of this lovely old town.

As you look upwards at the craggy mountains, you can't help but to stop and admire the stunning Felsenkirche chapel.

The only way to the Felsenkirche is 230 steep ancient steps up from the market place of Idar-Oberstein. Because of slippery walking conditions we decided it would be foolish to make the climb.

According to legend, this unique chapel, known as the Felsenkirche (“Chapel-in-the-Rocks” and “Crag Church”), was built between 1482 and 1484
to atone for the murder of a prince by his jealous brother.
Wyrich and Emich, the two brothers who lived in the castle atop of the cliff, were both in love with a beautiful woman named Bertha. When learning that Emich had wed Bertha while he was away,
he was so angry that Wyrich shoved his younger brother to his death from the tower above (now ruins), Rddled with guilt about what he had done, as penance he built a church with his own hands where his brothers body landed.

Water seepage and falling rocks have repeatedly damaged the church in the course of its history, and because no cars or trucks have access the extensive renovations have been costly.

After checking into our room at Gasthaus Schuck we went off to explore the museum and were not at all disappointed.

In 24 rooms and across four floors, the exhibits have been collected over almost 100 years.

There is former mine that is the only one of its kind in Europe that is open to the public. It has 400m of tunnels that offer the opportunity to understand the formation of semi-precious stones still trapped in the volcanic rock. There is also a section where visitors can do some digging for precious stones themselves. The guided tour is in German but is only available from mid Mar-mid Nov and we were there in January,

If you are ever in the area the area Idar-Oberstein is well worth a visit. The works of Mother nature are quite marvelous!

Shadow Photo Contest Round 45- Fence Shadows

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