STAUFEN: THE TOWN OF FAUST

The fascinating town of Staufen lies in the heart of the southern Black Forest Nature Park. Overlooking the Rhine Valley, it is surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and forests. From the center you can see the ruins of the Hohenstaufen Castle, perched above the town with its medieval alleys, water channels, and beautifully decorated houses. In the main square stands the house of Doctor Faust — physician, magician, alchemist, goldsmith, and perhaps charlatan. He is certainly the most famous—half-legendary—figure of Staufen. He died here in 1540 when, according to the tale, his soul was taken by Count Mephistopheles. His story was immortalized by the verses of Goethe.

Staufen’s main square is dominated by the late-Gothic Town Hall, built in 1546. Its richly decorated façade displays the coats of arms of the lords who ruled Staufen since 770. At the center stands the Marktplatz fountain, erected in the 16th century in late-Gothic style, topped with a sculpture of a man holding a shield and banner: the Austrian symbol of the right to hold markets, a privilege Staufen had enjoyed since the Middle Ages. Nearby is the Gasthaus zum Löwen, today a fine restaurant and hotel, but also the place where Doctor Faust is said to have died in 1540, commemorated by a fresco and inscription quoting Goethe’s “Faust”.

The main street through the historic center reveals buildings of historical and artistic interest. The house “Zur Krone” depicts the heroic actions of revolutionary Gustav Struve in 1848. Through medieval alleys we find the Church of St. Martin, originally built in the 12th century and reconstructed in the 18th, preserving medieval remains. Inside are notable works by Sixt of Staufen, dated between 1515 and 1532. Finally, we climb the hill dominated by the ancient Hohenstaufen Castle: today a picturesque ruin, perched among vineyards. Acquired by the city in 1896, it was transformed into a landmark and popular tourist destination.