The weavers' quarter
In 1715, around 60 weavers, in German called Weber, lived in the town of Blaubeuren, many of them in the small houses in the Webergasse. Spinning and weaving brought work and money into families. The looms were in the basement of their houses, in the so-called donk. It is here that the cloths for the linen trade were woven. The damp and cool conditions in the donks were optimal for the yarn, but had a very bad impact on the health of the people working there.
The Kleine Große Haus
The Kleine Große Haus (Small Big House), with its hexagonal tower extension, is one of the most striking buildings in Blaubeuren's old town. The house was built in 1483 as a Catholic rectory. Shortly after the Reformation in Württemberg, the vicar had to leave the house and nobles moved in. In 1622 the house was thoroughly renovated in the Renaissance style. The balcony at the southern side dates back to that time. The building was originally decorated with diamond block painting, which simulates three-dimensionality through the different shades of gray. At the beginning of the 20th century unimaginable conditions prevailed in the house: around 15 people lived under one roof with their livestock. Next to the sty and coop were various workshops, e.g. for turners, weavers and coopers. The poverty-stricken owners did not have the money needed for renovation works, so the building was doomed to decay. Yet today, the Kleine Große Haus is a uniquely well-preserved residential building from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was given an award for its exemplary refurbishment. It can now be rented as an event location.
The Große Haus
This building clearly towers over the surrounding houses and therefore rightly bears its name. Before the impressive half-timbered house was renovated in 1986, it was in very poor structural condition. The two lower floors were built in 1429 in the Alemannic style. In 1595 the owner of the house, Mayor Matthäus Weingärtner, had two more floors added in the Renaissance style. The sheer dimension of the house, but also the bay windows on both corners, speak for the outstanding position of the owner. Today the culturally and historically valuable building accommodates the town's library.
