Bonn is a pretty university town in the West of Germany. Originally founded by the Romans as a depot for their Agrippan Legion (Castra Bonnensis) Bonn is somewhat older than nearby Cologne, which later became the capital of roman Germany. Like in Cologne, christianisation arrived early in the region, and it is not without logic that the archbishops of Cologne chose Bonn as their residence after falling out with the strong Farmer lobby (Battle of Worringen) in 1288. The residence, which was rebuilt a number of times during the Middle Ages today houses the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhem University, which counts some 24000 students.
A major portion of the student body can usually be found in the famous Hofgarten park, a nice soft patch of lawn ideally suited for napping, ball-games and learning.
Bonn also was a custom station on the Rhine river, and the wealth of its citizens is reflected in the many historical buildings throughout the town. Having been largely destroyed during the war, Bonn was chosen to be the temporary Capital of German. It was the capital of West Germany before the fall of the wall.
Bonn itself always was a rather small town but by acquiring a number of villages along the Rhine it grew into a town of more than 250000 inhabitants and still retained a somewhat laid back village-like atmosphere.
A number of very interesting museums can be found in Bonn, including the Rheinische Landesmuseum (displaying the famous 'NEANDERTHALER' head), the Museum Koenig with its vast collection of stuffed animals, the German Art Museum and also the German Modern History Museum.
Bonn is also the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and this classic musican and composer is omnipresent. Don't forget to see his house of birth on Bonngasse.
The Bonners are very laid-back people who enjoy arts, history and of course a nice sip of Kölsch. The best spot to do so is at the Alter Zoll beergarden, near the university, just above the Rhine. Here you can enjoy your Beer with good food while gazing at the Siebengebirge and chatting with locals and visitors.
The Seven Mountains (Siebengebirge) are of volcanic origin and provide a picturesque backdrop for the high-rising, ultramodern Post-Tower on the brink of the Rheinauen (see below). Two of the mountain tops border on the edge of the eastern bank of the Rhine river and are famous for their spectacular view over Bonn, the Eifel region and the Rhineland: The Drachenfels on the southern end of the Siebengebirge is the monumental sign-post for a romantic Rhine valley voyage. On Petersberg summit the former Guesthouse of the Federal Government - now a 5-star hotel - served as a temporary and very comfortable home for honorable international guests. Be sure to enjoy a lazy afternoon on its sunswept terrace.
About 30 minutes south of Bonn in the city of Rhöndorf (take subway 66 to Bad Honnef), you can visit the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus and see where the first German Chancellor resided during the times of the 'Bonner Republik'.
If time permits, go and visit the Rheinauen. It is Bonn's very own 'Central Park' with several gardens, fountains, and cafes. It is also the home of several festivals.
Bonn is a city with an absurdly high quality of living. In spite of its clean and tidy smallness and its dreamy air of the Wilhelminian style, it has all the benefits of a modern, vibrant metropolitan city: Excellent infrastructure, traffic connectivity and public transport with a wonderful Old Town for everything from everyday to extravagant shopping and a truly comprehensive cultural offering.
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