Bad Wurzach, Germany

Right smack in the center of Bad Wurzach (population 15,000) stands Schloss Bad Wurzach (Castle of Bad Wurzach). It was originally a Roman Catholic seminary which explains the gold statue of Mary (mother of Jesus) outside the entrance. During World War II it was used as a P.O.W. camp for French officers.

I wasn't expecting to find a former monastery (founded 1183) in the center of Bad Schussenried (population 9,000). One enters through the tower gate

The monastery compound is huge with an impressive collection of structures. In the right of this photo is the entrance to the church with the big white building to the left housing a spectacular baroque library.

Found the Amerkia Hotel on the outskirts of Bad Schussenried and atop the building you'll see a Statue of Liberty (made of wood).

Want to know the real reason people come to Bad Schussenried? No, it's not to use the spa facilities or even to wander the grounds of the former monastery. The town is home to beer brewer Schussenrieder. Adjacent to the brewery is the world's only beer stein museum. (over 1,000 beer mugs on display). This is the beer garden behind the museum.

This swimmer is one of the many pieces of art scattered about the beer garden.