Schwäbisch Hall Schwäbisch HallThe former imperial city Schwäbisch Hall lies along the Burgenstraße on the Northeast edge of the Swabian Forest in the Kocher valley. Built in tiers up the steep flanks of the valley, the city grew around salt springs that were known as far back as Celtic times. In the Middle Ages Schwäbisch Hall became famous for the imperial silver coins (Heller) which were minted here. The most colorful local festival is celebrated on Whit Sunday: the Kuchenfest - a dance of the salt-boilers in 16th century costumes. The sloping city square (Marktplatz) is dominated by the monumental stone steps (53) of the St. Michaelskirche (15th cent.), where during the summer Hofmannthal's Jedermann is performed as part of the Schwäbisch Hall Festival. The square is also flanked by the town hall (Rathaus) an elegant Baroque building (1730-1735) and a square fountain (Marktbrunnen), which dates from 1509. It stands against a wall adorned with statues of Samson, St. Michael and St. George.
4km south of town is the impressive fortified Abbey of Comburg.
