Bonn
Sights in Bonn
The 50-year history of Bonn as the federal capital has left its mark:
Besides the “classical” Bonner landmarks the views from the government district are also known far and wide. The most famous landmark of the city is the Baroque town hall from 1737. Numerous heads of state and celebrities have already climbed the steps of the free staircase.
At the other end of the marketplace the Bonngasse begins. In 1770 Ludwig van Beethoven was born in house number 20. Today the outward inconspicuous building is a well-attended museum.
The famous and often surrounded Beethoven monument is situated on the Cathedral Square. In front of the photogenic monument you find the Cathedral Basilica with a beautiful cloister built in the 11th century.
Just south lies the former Elector Residence – University since 1818 – with the ?Hofgartenwiese? which is populated by students and tourists in the summer. Massive peace demonstrations were held here in the 80?s.
From here, the Poppelsdorfer avenue guides you to the Poppelsdorfer palace, which now also houses university institutes. Behind the castle there is the botanical garden of the university.
Although the federal government and ?Bundestag? moved to Berlin now – the government district is still worth a visit. The Villa Hammerschmidt, the Bonn office of the ?Bundespraesident? and the Palais Schaumburg are very impressive. Moreover, the museums lure on the museum mile – and here is the Post Tower, the tallest office building in North Rhine-Westphalia.
