Marbach, birthplace of Friedrich Schiller, is idyllically located on the steep right bank of the River Neckar, nestled between lush vineyards and colourful orchards some 20 kilometres north of Stuttgart. Narrow lanes lined with prettily painted timber-framed houses and little fountains lend the old quarter its character. The upper gate tower is the symbol of the town. The late-Gothic Alexander Church is outside the town centre.Old quarter
Most of the buildings in the well-preserved historical old quarter date from the first half of the 18th century. The old quarter is surrounded by a wall, complete with fortifications, and is under a preservation order. In the Holdergassen, where the wine-growers and farmers once lived, carefully restored houses stand opposite barns.The Upper Gate Tower
The former eastern gateway to the town is the only remaining one of three original towers. Part of the medieval town fortifications, the upper gate tower is the oldest building in the town. An exhibition on five floors tells the story of the upper gate tower and of Marbach's town fortifications, and is open every day.St. Alexander Church
The prestigious Württemberg architect Aberlin Jörg was commissioned to build the St. Alexander basilica by the Counts of Württemberg in 1453. The church then changed hands and after 1462 construction work continued under other architects in the late-Gothic style. St. Alexander has tall, slender pillars and a notably wide central nave, which towers above the side aisles, covered by extensive reticulated vaulting. Some of the original painting has been preserved. The stone pulpit and the keystones of the choir vault are particularly impressive.