Sightseeing in Koblenz - what to see. Complete travel guide

The city is founded at the point of merging Rhine and Mosel Rivers. Once Koblenz has been used as a protective facility by a famous commander Germanicus; later the Romans built there watching towers and a fort. One of walls of that fort has survived till our days and nowadays this is one of the most important sights of the city.

One of the symbolical places in the city is named “German Triangle”. This is part of the embankment that is limited by flows of the rivers mentioned above. The central part of the embankment is the location of the statue of Wilhelm I. He was the first emperor of united Germany. Tourists are usually advised to visit Festung Ehrenbreinstein. This fortress has been considered the most impenetrable building in Europe. Today this fortress is used as a museum facility. The majority of halls are devoted to items that provide information about the history of the city, while one of the museum’s halls keeps memory about the soldiers who have passed during war. Beethoven Museum is another popular cultural place of this city. Here you can find out much interesting about life and work of the great composer.

After World War II the biggest part of the city was newly rebuilt. Only several churches built in the 17th century and military barracks survived, while other ancient buildings were destroyed. However, new architectural sights are no less interesting as old ones. The fountain named Jester is a popular place for walking among tourists and locals. The fountain features a small bronze figure of a jester who spits water. Tourists are also offered to make ship rides on Rhine. During such excursion you will observe local sights that are located on the shore. Local restaurants feature wide selection of dishes of national cuisine and rich choice of wine – there are several large winery centers near this city. Of course, in Koblenz there are many shops and souvenir outlets. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among the religious sites, the Basilica of St. Castor is of great interest. It is located on the territory of the Old City. The construction of this church began in 817. From 836, the relics of St. Castor, brought to the city, were kept within its walls. For hundreds of years of its existence, the church has been continuously expanded and rebuilt. Now it is an architectural monument of impressive size, which will amaze not only with its luxurious appearance, but also with its interior decoration. In the church, beautiful medieval frescoes, religious values ​​and decoration elements of past centuries have been preserved.

An architectural monument of the 18th century is the Palace of Electors. Originally it was built as a residence for archbishops. In the middle of the 19th century, the palace was the official residence of the Prussian royal house. For eight years, Prince Wilhelm lived there. This beautiful palace was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. After the end of hostilities, it was restored in the shortest possible time. Presently, the palace looks as beautiful as it was at the dawn of its existence. In the historical building today there are various state institutions.

Another very interesting sightseeing facility is the house of Beethoven's mother. In the period from 1746 to 1787, Maria Magdalena Keverich actually lived in this house. The future world-famous composer spent his childhood here. In 1975, the historical building opened a thematic museum dedicated to the life and work of Beethoven. Among its exhibits are music notes, letters and personal belongings of the composer, as well as items of household utensils that adorned the house in the 18th century.

An emblematic historical monument is the building of an old Trier Mint. Since the 11th century, Archbishop Trier was engaged in coining money, and in the 15th century it was decided to transfer the Trier Mint to Koblenz. During the Middle Ages it was a large-scale architectural complex; there was a large smelter, several furnaces for annealing coins, several stamping shops and other auxiliary buildings. Until now, only one building survived, in which the master of chased cases worked, it was built in the middle of the 18th century. The old decorations of the historical building have been preserved. On certain days, very interesting excursions are organized.