Speyer has a basketball team --- BIS BASKETE

Speyer, located on the main European traffic routes along the Rhine between Basel, Switzerland and Mainz, Germany, has ideal river banks. They are high enough to prevent flooding and yet, river going vessels can dock close to the shore.

Temperatures in April: highs in the low 60's. Lows: high 40's - low 50's

HISTORY: The Romans captured Gaul in 50 BC and the Rhine became the border for the Roman Empire.

1061: Consecration of the Speyer Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church of its time. The Speyer Cathedral became the burial place for eight German emperors and kings. Today, it remains the largest Romanesque church.

WW II: The Nazis seized the city in 1933. For a few centuries, Speyer accepted a large Jewish population; it was considered a safe haven. However, in 1938, Kristallnacht, the Speyer synagogue was burned. The Jewish population was expelled and most were killed.

Speyer escaped most WW II bombing, though one bomb did destroy the train station. The German Army was headquartered in Speyer and as they retreated from the city, they blew up the bridge over the Rhine. The American Army took the city.

THINGS TO SEE:
The Main City Gate (built in the 13th century), one of Germany's tallest. Climb it for a view of Speyer's old town.

Speyer Cathedral: Constructed from stone, this cathedral has no stained glass windows. The cathedral has four towers. It took 80 years to complete this cathedral which is 133 meters long. You can visit the crypts of the eight German emperors and kings while you're there.

Speyer Technik Museum: This museum has a collection of airplanes, classic cars, locomotives, fire engines, a German U-9 submarine and a Russian An-22 transport plane that you can enter and explore.

Jewish Ritual Bath which was built before 1128.

Historical Museum of the Palatinate: View the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt. This thimble shaped artifact from the Bronze Age is covered with gold. The museum has the oldest unopened wine bottle in the world (dated from the 3rd century).

SPRING FAIR while we're on the Rhine: From April 10 - 21, 2014 - food stands, rides and more

Kings Square Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Strolling through the city, you will find boutiques, department stores, restaurants.....

You can also pick up maps for urban hikes.