“View of Münzenberg from the north” (F. Wirtz, J. M. Bayrer), depicting the town after its reconstruction
following the devastating fire of 1725, which destroyed large parts of the settlement.
“The Last Execution” in Münzenberg on May 22, 1742
Historical Walking Tour with Map & Audio Guide
The Freundeskreis Burg und Stadt Münzenberg e. V. invites you to experience the gripping and tragic story of Jacob Wagner – brought to life through an immersive audio guide. During a historical walking tour through Münzenberg, you will follow the traces of an 18th-century criminal case that ended with Wagner’s execution in May 1742. It was the last execution carried out at the Münzenberg gallows. Why he was the last, how the judicial system of that time functioned, and many other fascinating details can be discovered at the original historical locations.
The audio guide takes you back in time through the narrow streets of Münzenberg, past important landmarks such as the town hall and the old city wall, all the way to the execution site outside the town. The circular tour covers approximately 2 km without visiting the gallows and around 4 km including the execution site. A barrier-free route is also available.
The Freundeskreis Burg und Stadt Münzenberg e. V. wishes you an interesting and memorable tour.
The Stations of the Historical Walking Tour “The Last Execution”
(Length of the circular tour without visiting the gallows: approx. 2 km, with visit to the gallows: approx. 4 km)
Information: All links below are based on direct locations in the Google Maps service. Simply click on the respective station and use your mobile phone to navigate to the desired location.
P – Starting Point at the Cemetery Parking Lot
1 – Lower Eicher Gate
2 – Eichergasse 13
3 – Tränkgasse 29
4 – Upper Steinweg Gate
5 – Churchyard
6 – Market Square
7 – Linden Tree in Front of the Castle Gate
8 – Old Town Gate
9 – Gallows
L – Highwayman’s Song: “There Is No Better Life”
Information About the Audio Guide
Welcome to our audio guide! At each stop along our historical walking tour, you will be greeted with an engaging audio explanation tailored to the respective location. The audio guide allows you to discover a fascinating chapter of Münzenberg’s history at your own pace.
Functions of the Audio Player
- Audio Playback Controls: Using the controls in your browser, you can conveniently play the audio for each station, pause it at any time, or stop playback completely.
- Skip Forward and Backward: You can move forward or backward within an audio recording to listen to specific sections again or skip parts as desired.
- Switching Between Stations: You are free to switch between the audio recordings of the different stations at any time according to your interests. Simply use the corresponding controls in your browser.
Introduction
Station 1: Untereicher Gate
Station 2: Eichergasse 13
Station 3: Tränkgasse 29
Station 4: Obersteinweg Gate
Station 5: Churchyard
Station 6: Marketplace
Station 7: Linden tree in front of the castle gate
Station 8: Altstädter Gate
Station 9: Gallows
Highwayman´s Song: „Es gibt doch kein schöner Leben“
Download Area:
Project Goal
There is currently only limited written and tourist-oriented information available in Münzenberg to adequately inform residents and visitors about significant monuments, historic buildings, and important historical events without the need for guided tours.
The project idea aims to engage people interested in Münzenberg with fascinating historical aspects of jurisdiction and the administration of justice. The authentic locations of a real historical event are intended to be brought to life through a walking tour using a route map or flyer, combined with audio-supported descriptions at each station. In this way, visitors gain exciting insights into the era, the history of the town of Münzenberg, and the lives of its former inhabitants.
An overarching goal of the project is the further development of tourism activities within the town of Münzenberg and the Freundeskreis Burg und Stadt Münzenberg e. V., while simultaneously supporting the economic development of the local hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Among other things, the project can be classified under the objective of “Appreciative Cultural Work”: As an association, we aim to further develop and enhance the recreational and cultural infrastructure within the Münzenberg area, promote socio-cultural activities, and especially encourage the active involvement of different target groups as well as intergenerational exchange.
In addition, the presented project makes a significant educational contribution to the understanding of the rule of law and fundamental rights. It demonstrates to participants the merciless structure of the authoritarian state of the past in stark contrast to the constitutional state governed by the rule of law today.
The Freundeskreis Burg und Stadt Münzenberg e. V. would like to express its sincere gratitude to the regional management of the LEADER region Wetterau/Oberhessen, Count Karl Georg von Solms-Laubach, Mr. Gerhard Steinl of Hungen, Mr. Jürgen Thelen of Mainz, Mr. Wolf Becker from Atelier am Markt in Münzenberg, Werkraum 56 in Marburg, Mr. Alexander Füller of Münzenberg, the town of Münzenberg, all property owners who agreed to the installation of signage, and many others without whom this extensive project would not have been possible.
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