Welcome to Passau!

Passau on the blue Danube, the green Inn and the black Ilz

Passau in the southeast of Germany is located at the Austrian border. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is worldwide known as "The Three Rivers City".The earliest evidence of human settlement dates back to the Neolithic. Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. It became an Episcopal seat in the year 739 AD. Passau was an independent prince bishopric for over 600 years. Finally in 1803 Passau was annexed into Bavaria. The setting of the Old Town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes.In the heart of Passau on the Old Town’s highest point rises St. Steven’s Cathedral, in which the world’s largest cathedral organ sounds. Sitting high above the rivers, the majestic fortress "Veste Oberhaus" on the Danube’s side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn’s side frame the city outstandingly beauty.Passau with its unique charm and its atmosphere is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube.

In the year 2012 Passau is going to celebrate its 350th anniversary as a baroque town built in Italian baroque style. Year-round will be numerous events like concerts in the Cathedral, festivals, symposia, lectures, music performances, guided tours, etc. based on the theme “Baroque“. The ultimate highlight of the “Year of Baroque“ will be the “Baroque Festival“ in Passau´s city centre from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September, 2012.
Further information you will find in www.barockstadt-passau.de.