Hala, ad Cocharum Flumen in Suevia Op. [Schwäbisch Hall]

A decorative bird's-eye view of Schwäbisch Hall by Braun and Hogenberg, with key to locations..
CARTOUCHE: Schwäbisch Hall on the Kocher, famed for its abundance of salt.
COMMENTARY BY BRAUN: "Schwäbisch Hall is an important imperial city, situated in the valley of the Kocher, which in former times was a special bulwark against the Franks and their attacks, and which was granted important privileges by emperors, kings and princes. [...] The city is divided into three parts: the part where salt is produced is referred to as the Old Town, here there are salt springs and the parish church of St Michael. The second part is on this side of the Kocher. Here stands the church of St John. The third part is called Gelwinger Gass, here is the horse market."

In this view from the northwest looking down across the Kocher Valley, the 15th-century Gothic church of St Michael with its Romanesque west tower stands out; to the left is the Galgenberg (Gallows Hill), in the foreground the stone Henkersbrücke (hangman's bridge). The landing of logs in the Kocher and the big storage yard for lumber (7) are a reference to the flourishing timber industry. Schwäbisch Hall was granted a municipal charter in 1204 and became an imperial city in 1280. The saltworks and the mint brought wealth to the city. In the 16th century there were 1,124 households in Schwäbisch Hall; in the first half of the 16th century the town embraced Protestantism and was therefore occupied by Emperor Charles V in 1546, during the Schmalkaldic War. (Taschen)

Reference: Van der Krogt 4, 3922; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.174.