Böblingen Old Town was heavily destroyed during the war. It sits on a small hill surrounded by what is a larger city today. The buildings were rebuilt over the decades, but only a few on the market square beneath the restored church were restored to their former half-timbered glory. The rest of the buildings suffered what I call the bland fate: façades were stripped of shutters and the exposed timber was completely plastered over. Heavy wooden doors were traded for white metal or glass. Or, destroyed buildings were completely rebuilt in a similarly boring fashion. Thus, I praise the work of at least the few that maintained the charming integrity of the masters of old.

Fabulous images! marilynx · 2012-05-07: 03:24

Love this kind of architecture. And everything is so well taken care of. angil · 2012-05-07: 04:47

Lindas x 8 !!!! These shots are extraordinarily spectacular, Jay !!! Love the color, sharpness, composition !! I also do appreciate the architecture of "old" masters, it's impressive to see what they were able to do, with so much details, and such heaviness, and simply gorgeous works, considering the "equipment", resources, they had at the time....pretty much....hand made, manually done...lovely set !!! ValMacedo · 2012-05-07: 07:02

Thank you again! This is terrific! Lsample · 2012-05-07: 07:18

Wonderful set, I'm especially drawn to the B&W shot! KatysPassionata · 2012-05-07: 10:01

Oh, more half-timber buildings. Beautiful!!! Really great set :) inawe · 2012-05-07: 12:12

great photos ivab23 · 2012-05-07: 15:04

wow it's a fantastic set ! photodeclair · 2012-05-07: 21:50

Such interesting architecture, thanks for sharing, I don't have that around here. I especially like #4 and #5, looks great in black and white with all those lines and shapes. great series. sooch · 2012-05-07: 22:56

So much was destroyed during wars...and still is. Will we ever learn? Beautiful architecture! Eiram · 2012-05-08: 13:40

Great photos!!! And the real thing (half timber houses)! I so dislike the 'fake' German towns we have in this country... like Frankenmuth... a tourist trap located in the middle of Michigan that advertises itself as "Michigan's Little Bavaria"! DancingDolphin · 2012-05-08: 19:09

Amazing set! honzicek · 2012-05-09: 12:41

I'm completely in love with those "Fachmannhäuser", I like them in any shape and color. And can you tell me if the rooms in this tower are also round? Charming old town! Unchained · 2012-05-09: 13:50

Tagged: halftimberedhouses germany böblingen badenwürttemberg history