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MAC Bonn - Historical Background
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The history of Bonn goes back beyond the Stone Age and archaeological findings prove that people have lived in Bonn for more than 12,000 years. The fortress "Bonna" was first mentioned in the writing of the Roman Florus between 13 and 9 BC. A Roman castle once stood between today's Rathausgasse and the St. Remigius-Kirche church. Around 69 AD the Bonn complex was destroyed by Germanic reserve troops of the Romans. The first Christian communities in Bonn were founded during this time.

After the Roman Empire

After the Roman Empire dissolved, the Frankish era began in the Rhineland. The Franks spoke of the "castrum Bonna", or Bonn castle, right up until the 9th century. The castle lost its importance over time and could not withstand with the Norman attacks between 881 and 882. In 925 the German Empire was founded through the division of the Carolingian Empire. Signs of the Middle Ages can still be seen today. In 1151 the Doppelkirche (church) was consecrated, the building of the Godesburg Castle began in 1210. The archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden ordered a city wall to be built in 1244, of which the three important city gates Sterntor, Stockentor and Kölntor still remain. The plague epidemic in 1348 meant that the city suffered severe setbacks with regard to economy and development.

The Cologne Electors

The era of government by the Cologne Electors began with the "Truchseßschen War" (1583-1588). The victor, Ernst von Bayern, began a long succession of Electors from the House of Wittelsbach, which reigned until 1761. After Bonn came through the Thirty Years' War relatively unscathed, the city was almost completely destroyed during the war with the Netherlands in 1689. Rebuilding of the city was initiated by the Elector Joseph Clemens, who also laid the foundation for a new residence, later the university.

The 18th century was a peaceful time in Bonn and signalled the erection of buildings by Elector Clemens August. He showed an interest in making structural changes to the Poppelsdorfer Castle, Kreuzberg Church and commissioned the Town Hall. After his death, the "philosopher of the Enlightenment" Max Friedrich governed. His successor, Max Franz, also closely connected to the Enlightenment era, made sure that the Academy erected by Clemens August was given the status of a university. The city experienced a cultural heyday under Max Franz. Bad Godesberg became a health resort and the Redoute ballroom was built.

Growth of the University

After the French invasion of the Rhineland, Bonn was governed from France (1798-1814). The city first became Prussian in 1815. The newly founded university of 1818 was of particular significance for the city, and many prominent students such as the Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia, Emanual Geibel, Heinrich Heine and Hoffmann von Fallersleben studied here and have helped the university enjoy a high standing. The first Bonn professors are just as well known, such as August Wilhelm von Schlegel, Heinrich Hertz, Ernst Moritz Arndt and Georg Niebuhr.

In the 19th century, the unveiling of the Beethoven memorial on the Münsterplatz was certainly the most important event. Both the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV and the English Queen Victoria were present at the ceremony, observing from the balcony of the Royal Palace (today the Main Post Office). In 1898, the first proper bridge over the Rhine was built (Kennedy Bridge).

The 20th Century

After the First World War, Bonn was occupied by Allied troops (1918-1926). In 1938, Hitler and Chamberlain met in Bad Godesberg. During the Second World War, bomb attacks in 1944-45 destroyed much of the city centre and Beuel. Bonn was occupied by American troops in 1945. In 1949 the Bundestag made Bonn a provisional capital city, and in 1989 Bonn's 2000th anniversary was celebrated. With the reunification treaty a year later, Berlin became the capital city of Germany once again and Bonn was made Germany's premier UN city.







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Bad Godesberg


Bonn
Germany
Bad Godesberg itself, known as a health resort, is also worth a visit, and the Godesburg is not its only attraction. The Kurpark (spa gardens) lies close to the city and the dem Kurfürstenbad (spa) borders the nice facades of the Ballrooms and Town Hall. In addition, Bad Godesberg has a popular chamber theatre and the small theatre in the park. A side trip to the Aennchenplatz and a break at the Lindenwirtin is also delightful. The Museum Mile and government quarter features a multitude of museums and political institutions. The Museum Alexander Koenig, Haus der Geschichte (House of History), Art Museum and the Federal Art Exhibition Hall can be visited here, or visit the Konrad Adenauer memorial on the Bundeskanzlerplatz, the Palais Schaumburg and the Villa Hammerschmidt.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bad Godesberg photo by martin willms
Photo: martin willms
Bad Godesberg photo by Martin Seidler
Photo: Martin Seidler
Bad Godesberg photo by Martin Seidler
Photo: Martin Seidler
Bad Godesberg photo by Analog Berliner
Photo: Analog Berliner
Bad Godesberg photo by Jayne Cravens
Photo: Jayne Cravens
Bad Godesberg photo by baked carrot
Photo: baked carrot
Bad Godesberg photo by Delish Addictability
Photo: Delish Addictability
Bad Godesberg photo by +HoriZon
Photo: +HoriZon
Bad Godesberg photo by David Generous
Photo: David Generous
Bad Godesberg photo by Leila Barker
Photo: Leila Barker
Bad Godesberg photo by Jan Wilhelm
Photo: Jan Wilhelm
Bad Godesberg photo by klalla
Photo: klalla
 

 
Bad Godesberg


Picturesque Area with Many Attractions
Bad Godesberg
Bonn, NRW 53113
Germany
http://www.godesberg.net
Bad Godesberg is definitely the nicest district in Bonn. Not only that, it also has numerous sights, good pubs, restaurants and shopping facilities. To name but a few attractions, here you'll find the Redoute with the adjoining Stadtpark and the Deutsche Museum with its technical exhibits. In Bad Godesberg's town centre, there is row upon row of pubs and good restaurants. The landmarks are defintely the Rheinauen in Plittersdorf, an area of Bad Godesberg. It stretches out over many kilometres and is a great place for flea markets, festivals and other events.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bad Godesberg photo by Kevin Schlottmann
Photo: Kevin Schlottmann
Bad Godesberg photo by Che-Ching Wu
Photo: Che-Ching Wu
Bad Godesberg photo by Amelia Blakeman
Photo: Amelia Blakeman
 

 
Beethoven Monument


Bonn Landmark and Monument of the Great Composer
Münsterplatz
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
The Beethoven Memorial, located in the middle of the Münsterplatz, in front of the Main Post Office, is a Bonn landmark. The City of Bonn can thank pianist Franz Liszt for this memorial, as he performed throughout Germany and gave the proceeds to the Beethoven Society. In addition, he gave a huge donation of over 10,000 Francs, which was used to erect the memorial. The memorial was eventually designed according to plans drawn up by the Dresden builder Ernst Hähnel in a Nuremberg workshop. On the 12th August 1845, it was unveiled to Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert as well as King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia, Alexander von Humboldt and of course Franz Liszt. Even today, tourists stand in wonder before the memorial of this great musician.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Beethoven Monument photo by kai|kre
Photo: kai|kre
Beethoven Monument photo by Dimitar Denev
Photo: Dimitar Denev
Beethoven Monument photo by Woody Norvell
Photo: Woody Norvell
Beethoven Monument photo by ryu1ha84
Photo: ryu1ha84
 

 
City Centre


Bonn
Germany
Bonn's city centre is characterised by the pedestrian zone, with its many shops and the weekly market, the basilica, and university. Numerous pubs, breweries and restaurants also make the city centre a popular place.

Review © 2007, Wcities
City Centre photo by David Wheatcroft
Photo: David Wheatcroft
City Centre photo by Sina
Photo: Sina
City Centre photo by Phil Evans
Photo: Phil Evans
City Centre photo by Paul
Photo: Paul
City Centre photo by Carmel Kozlov
Photo: Carmel Kozlov
City Centre photo by Horatiu Ciurdareanu
Photo: Horatiu Ciurdareanu
City Centre photo by Horatiu Ciurdareanu
Photo: Horatiu Ciurdareanu
City Centre photo by NGC 1952
Photo: NGC 1952
 

 
Doppel Church


Church from the 12th Century
Dixstraße
Schwartzrheindorf
Bonn, NRW 53225
Germany
+49 228 46 1609
Schwarzrheindorf is one of Bonn's oldest districts and the most important sight here is the Doppelkirche, which has been standing since the 12th century. The Earldom of Wied at this time possessed a castle complex built by the Carolingians, on which the Cologne Cathedral bishop and chancellor Konrad III allowed Arnold von Wied to build a chapel. After his death in 1156, his descendants changed the castle into a Benedictine cloister. At the same time, the chapel was extended to the west with a nun's choir, so that it soon really began to look like a church. After its deconsecration, it was used as a barn, but its decline was halted and masses were held there once more from 1832. Because it was not damaged during the Second World War, the original Romantic facade can still be marvelled at today.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Doppel Church photo by Daniel Spichtinger
Photo: Daniel Spichtinger
 

 
Godesburg Castle, Michael's Chapel and Town Cemetery


Romantic Höhenburg and Landmarks of Godesberg
Auf dem Godesberg
Bonn, NRW 53177
Germany
+49 228 31 6071
http://www.godesburg.de
The Godesburg is one of the castles which can be found in this part of the Romantic Rhine area. Building first began in 1210 on the site of a Roman and then Frankish memorial to the dead. It was commissioned by the Cologne archbishop Dietrich von Hengebach. In the Middle Ages, Cologne princes particularly liked to come here. The castle was blown up during the siege by Bavarian troops in the Truchsian war against the Cologne prince Gebhard Truchseß, who sided with the Reformation. Since then, only the picturesque castle ruins can be seen - and many Rhine romanticists portray these ruins in their paintings. In 1960 the castle was restored and a restaurant and hotel were built. The adjoining Michaelskapelle (Chapel) was extended into a nave at the end of the seventeenth century and the Baroque decoration inside is particularly worth seeing. The castle cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent Godesberg families. The Jewish cemetery is also found in the middle of the castle cemetery, and dates back to the 16th century. Visits to the Michaelskapelle: Tel: +49 228 63 3179 May-Oct 9a-6p daily. Tours by appointment.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Godesburg Castle, Michael's Chapel and Town Cemetery photo by Peter Schmidt
Photo: Peter Schmidt
Godesburg Castle, Michael's Chapel and Town Cemetery photo by Victor Raphael Amiel
Photo: Victor Raphael Amiel
 

 
Kennedy Bridge


Historical Bridge with a View
Am Boesellagerhof
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
The connection between Bonn's city centre and Beuel is the Kennedy Bridge. From here you get a nice view of both sides of the Rhine, with the Siebengebirge hills on one side, and the Opera and Rhein Promenade on the other. A bridge across the Rhine has been in place here since 1896. Beuel's industry slowly advanced to be the most important industrial area on the right side of the Rhine; and in 1938, the toll for the bridge was raised. On the 8th of March 1945, the brige was blown up by German troops and a short time later, Beuel was occupied by US soldiers. A new bridge, the Kennedy Bridge, was first built in 1949 and opened by the Cardinal Josef Frings

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kennedy Bridge photo by Bastian Fischer
Photo: Bastian Fischer
Kennedy Bridge photo by Henning Störk
Photo: Henning Störk
Kennedy Bridge photo by Juan Carlos García Caparros
Photo: Juan Carlos García Caparros
Kennedy Bridge photo by Jan Arnold
Photo: Jan Arnold
Kennedy Bridge photo by Eins3
Photo: Eins3
 

 
Klein-Amerika


American Estate in Bonn
Kennedyallee
Bonn, NRW 53173
Germany
The American Estate is located on the Rhine embankment in Bonn. The American Embassy, a high school, an American supermarket, and an American cinema are found here. Since the goverment moved to Berlin, mainly business people with their families live here now. The Stimpson Memorial Chapel is situated on the Kennedyallee and reminds one a little of the southern states. The Haus Castanjen, which was built in the nineteenth century, is located in close proximity to the Rhine. The Voluntary Organisation of the United Nations (UNV) set up its office here in 1996.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kreuzberg Church


Baroque Church from the Era of Elector Ferdinand
Stationsweg 21
Bonn, NRW 53127
Germany
+49 228 2 8999
The famous Kreuzbergkirche is located on Stationsweg in Poppelsdorf. A place of pilgrimage stood on the site before the Elector Ferdinand allowed the Baroque church to be built there in 1627. The entry-way was first added under Elector Clemens August. The well known builder Balthasar Neumann designed the splendid stone steps which lead to the altar. The church was renovated for around two million Marks in the middle of the nineties, and the partly lost original decoration from 1750 was restored.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kreuzberg Church photo by Erika Mlejova
Photo: Erika Mlejova
 

 
La Redoute


Splendid Classical Building in Godesberg
Kurfürstenallee 1
Bonn, NRW 53177
Germany
+49 228 36 7720
One of the last construction of the Electoral times, Max Franz, the youngest son of Empress Maria Theresia, commissioned the architect Michael Leydel to build a dance and games house for courtly society. This splendid, classical masterpiece is the result. The young Beethoven, who was a member of the Electoral court chapel, played in the large music room. Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' was performed here shortly after its premiere. Today concerts, receptions and large dinners take place in the Redoute.

Review © 2007, Wcities
La Redoute photo by richardbn1
Photo: richardbn1
 

 
Main Post Office


Once a Royal Palace, Today the Main Post Office
Münsterplatz 17
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
This wonderful building borders the north west side of the Münsterplatz. It was built in 1876. Till today it is known as the Royal Palace. In those days, the building was the living quarters of the founder dean Rademacher. The post office symbol can be seen in the gable of the Baroque canon house, and the rebuilding and cleaning measures, which were started in 1997, were finished in the year 2000. You can even see the nice facade from the glass department store Wehmeyer, which is next to the post office building.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Main Post Office photo by Corina Belle Villar
Photo: Corina Belle Villar
Main Post Office photo by Marcelle Phaneuf
Photo: Marcelle Phaneuf
 

 
Münsterplatz


The Most Lively Square in Bonn
Münsterplatz
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
In the Middle Ages, Münsterplatz was very lively. It is still the most happening area of the city. The Beethoven Memorial, the Basilica, the old Main Post Office are all situated here, as are some department stores. Various events also take place here throughout the year, such as festivals, craft markets, fairs, rallies and of course the large Christmas Market. The long established Milchpavillon as well as the traditional pub Hähnchen are also found here. Situated only a few minutes away from the main station, the Münsterplatz is the first sight many visitors see. The tourist information office is also located close to the main post office building.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Münsterplatz photo by Rainer Freynhagen
Photo: Rainer Freynhagen
Münsterplatz photo by Karsten Kneese
Photo: Karsten Kneese
Münsterplatz photo by Peter Radunzel
Photo: Peter Radunzel
 

 
Old City Hall


Historic City Hall
Am Markt
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
+49 228 77 2080
http://www.bonn.de/rathaus/
The Marktplatz is more or less the heart of the city. Visually, it is ruled by the magnificent Rathaus, which was built under the Elector Clemens August. The foundation stone was laid in 1737. The building was constructed by court builder Michel Leveilly, who also built the Koblenz Gate. In 1944, the Town Hall was almost completely destroyed by an air raid, but was rebuilt with only a few minor changes in 1949-50. The wonderful double outside flight of steps has been the scene for many historical events. The professor and revolutionary Gottfried Kinkel gave a captivating talk and waved the national flag to Bonn citizens here on 20th March 1848. The town hall has been the headquarters for the city administration for 700 years.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Old City Hall photo by Julia Janßen
Photo: Julia Janßen
Old City Hall photo by Sashka2006
Photo: Sashka2006
Old City Hall photo by Manuel Wesser
Photo: Manuel Wesser
Old City Hall photo by Manuel Wesser
Photo: Manuel Wesser
 

 
Poppelsdorfer Castle


Poppelsdorf's Main Sight
Meckenheimer Allee 171
Bonn, NRW 53115
Germany
+49 228 73 2761 / +49 228 73 2259
Elector Joseph Clemens began building this castle in 1715. The most conspicuous building on the west end of the Poppelsdorf Allee, it was finished by Clemens' successor Clemens August in the year 1753. The building, which stands on a square plot, reminds one of French and Italian architecture with its four wings and round arched courtyard. Various builders, some of them famous, like Robert de Cotte and Balthasar Neumann, have left their mark here. In 1818 the castle was used to house the natural sciences collection of the university, which is still located there today. Instead of a park, the Botanical Gardens surround the palace, which are particularly worth seeing.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Iris Schmidt
Photo: Iris Schmidt
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Matthias Zepper
Photo: Matthias Zepper
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Matthias Zepper
Photo: Matthias Zepper
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Jack Hambabo
Photo: Jack Hambabo
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Gerhard Leppich
Photo: Gerhard Leppich
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Bastian Fischer
Photo: Bastian Fischer
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Gerhard Leppich
Photo: Gerhard Leppich
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Jack Hambabo
Photo: Jack Hambabo
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by daniel zimmel
Photo: daniel zimmel
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by n1co
Photo: n1co
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by anniebpics
Photo: anniebpics
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by admar2k
Photo: admar2k
Poppelsdorfer Castle photo by Ronile35
Photo: Ronile35
 

 
St. Remigius Order of Minorities Church


Gothic Church in the City Centre
Brüdergasse
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
+49 228 63 5354
The monks of the Order of Minorites began work on this church as early as 1275, although it was not finished until the end of the 14th century. Damaged and plundered on numerous occasions over the centuries, the greatest loss was sustained in the Second World War, when Beethoven's Baroque organ was destroyed. The only surviving part of the organ can now be admired in Beethoven's house. Guided tours can be arranged. The church is also one of a number of venues used for Beethovenfest.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Remigius Order of Minorities Church photo by Britta Koch
Photo: Britta Koch
 

 
Stern Gate


City Gate from the Thirteenth Century
Bottlerplatz
Bonn, NRW 53111
Germany
One of Bonn's many city gates, Sterntor lies on the north side of Bottlerplatz, in the city centre. Originally, this gate, which dates back to the thirteenth century, was located at the end of the Sternstraße. It was one of the smaller gates that was used for the city's development. In the nineteenth century, the narrow gate hindered the ever increasing traffic, so it was torn down in 1898 and rebuilt two years later on the site of the Halbrundturms (tower), where it is still situated today.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Stern Gate photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
University, Court Gardens, and Koblenz Gate


Once an Electoral Residence, Today the University
Am Hof
Bonn, NRW 53113
Germany
The Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität was originally an Electoral residence. Elector Joseph Clemens allowed the Bavarian Court builder Enrico Zuccalli to draw up the designs for this impressive four wing building with four corner towers in an Italian style. Building was started in 1697. In 1715 the French architect Robert de Cotte was allowed to re-shape the Residence into an extensive Rococo complex. The Residence was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1777, and after re-buliding the court wing, Elector Clemens August set up an academy. His successor Max Franz finally developed it into a University in 1786. When the French occupied the Rhineland, the university was forced to close. It was re-opened in 1818 by Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, who gave the university its name. Today the buildings in the court gardens contain the Humanities departments of the University. From the Schlosskirche, which was built in the style of Louis XVI and whose entrance lies inside the university, there is a way through to the Franziskanerstraße to the Koblenz Gate. This spans across the Adenauerallee like a small triumphal arch. Large lawns stretch out in front of the university, the so-called Court Gardens, and are used as a sunbathing lawn for students and others in the summer.

Review © 2007, Wcities
University, Court Gardens, and Koblenz Gate photo by Daniel Spichtinger
Photo: Daniel Spichtinger
University, Court Gardens, and Koblenz Gate photo by Peter Schmidt
Photo: Peter Schmidt
University, Court Gardens, and Koblenz Gate photo by Peter Schmidt
Photo: Peter Schmidt
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Bonn - Historical Background"
Bonn
Bonn - Neighborhood Guide
Bonn - Where to Stay
Bonn - Dining & Drinking
Bonn - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Cologne (26 miles)
Dusseldorf (61 miles)
Frankfurt (132 miles)
Brussels (192 miles)
Antwerp (196 miles)
Amsterdam (239 miles)
Hamburg (373 miles)
Paris (405 miles)
Munich (430 miles)
Berlin (477 miles)

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