In the traditional region of Franconia, in state of Bavaria, Germany

 'I do not seek. I find.” -- Pablo Picasso

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(in the traditional region of Franconia in the German state of Bavaria) Franconia, in the northwestern part of the state (with a history that dates back to at least the 8th century), is a region characterized by its distinctive culture and language, and may be roughly associated with the areas in which the East Franconian dialect group, locally referred to as "Franconian" (Fränkisch, in German), is widely spoken. Somewhere between Ingolstadt and Nuremberg, Bavaria’s accent mellows, the oompah bands play a bit less boisterously, and wine competes with beer as the favorite tipple. This is Franconia (Franken) and the Franconians, who inhabit the wooded hills and the banks of the Main River in Bavaria’s northern reaches, are a breed apart from their more brash and extroverted cousins to the south. Having lived and worked in and around this part of Germany for some 15 years of my adult life, I usually recommended (to lots of visiting friends and professional associates) that the city of Würzburg -- featured here -- should be their first stop on any trip to Franconia. (Set on the vine-clad banks of the Main River and embellished with beautiful baroque masterpieces and delightful Franconian wineries, the lively city of Wurzburg serves as an especially suitable starting point for a trip along Bavaria’s Romantic Road.) With its pleasing harmony of history, culture, and wine, this university city and former royal seat is idyllically located on Main River, offering a vibrant atmosphere while exuding an endearing charm. A Baroque city offering southern German flair and Franconian hospitality, Würzburg's architectural masterpieces from various eras shape the cityscape. Even from afar, the two imposing towers of St. Kilian Cathedral (one of the largest Romanesque churches in Germany) point the way to the city. Other famous landmarks include the Würzburg Residence with its Court Gardens and Residence Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Marienberg Fortress and the 180-meter long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints. Gracefully straddling the banks of the river amid many vineyards, the location alone is reason enough to visit Würzburg. (Although most of the city was destroyed in World War II, its postwar reconstruction has been quite thorough.) Other landmarks include the round church within the courtyard of the fortress, which is one of the oldest churches in Germany (from 706). Würzburg’s Romanesque cathedral, consecrated in 1189, and restored after World War II, recalls the city’s former status as the capital of an ecclesiastical principality. Other notable medieval churches include the Marienkapelle, the Neumünster (with a Baroque facade), and St. Burchard’s, and among many fine examples of the Baroque and Rococo styles are the Hauger Stiftskirche and the Käpelle, a pilgrimage church (by Neumann). The present University of Würzburg was founded by Bishop Julius in 1582.