Burghaus Castle, Bavaria, Germany -- This arch holds the crest of Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria and the date 1523 -- about halfway through his 42 year reign (much of it with his younger brother as co-ruler. The brother refused to join the clergy). The year 1523 was when Wilhelm married Jacqueline of Baden -- but the commemorative arch was built later. Wilhelm fought the forces of the Reformation, supported the arts, and -- perhaps his most lasting contribution -- issued the purity regulations that make Bavarian beer perhaps he best in the world. (These weren't repealed until 1986 but are used as a marketing ploy even today.)
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