World's largest organ

Today we're in Passau on the Austrian/German border in the region of Bavaria. The cathedral of St Stephen boasts the world's largest pipe organ (more HERE). The photo to the left shows where the pipes should be but the organ is currently undergoing an extensive renovation that will keep it out of action until 2028. There are, however, like any good cathedral, a few other organs to choose from.

Personally, I didn't particularly like the cathedral. This baroque building from the 17th century is just too much. The ornate carvings, paintings and 'bling' is just far too much. We did, however pay a tenner for the half hour daily organ recital which, much to my delight started with Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D (HERE on the main organ). The cathedral was full - mainly due to the number of tourists in town (a stop on many river-cruise itineraries) and the recital was brilliant despite the main organ being out of action. We were able to marvel at the bling and very over the top pulpit, the steps for which looked a little like a helter-skelter (photos below).

On our wanders we did, however, discover a much more beautiful church building in the Votivkirche. An automatic door greeted us before a simple, open space. I was struck by the beautiful stations of the cross on the wall (less so the laminated descriptor cards beneath each). This was a wonderful space of quiet and reflection away from the hustle and bustle of the cathedral. I'd found my space.