Bonn - the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Lying in western Germany on the Rhine River in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bonn is a city that served as the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1990. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, however, some government institutions remained in Bonn, and since then the city has served as the second seat of German government. Its history dates back more than 2,000 years, when Roman legionaries established a settlement there called Bonna during a campaign in Germania. The settlement over time became a major fort in this part of Europe.

Bonn is a relatively small city compared to Cologne, less than 30 kilometers away. Today it is mainly a university center known to the world primarily as the birthplace of composer Ludwig van Beethoven. One of the most famous and prominent composers was born in Bonn in 1770 and spent the first 22 years of his life there. The last movement of his Symphony No. 9 was used in Europe's anthem, the "Ode to Joy."

Bonn monuments and attractions

Most of the most interesting attractions are located in the historic center and do not require traveling long distances.

Market Square and City Hall

Bonn's market square dates back to the 11th century. The biggest ornament and valuable monument there is the white, rococo and ornate city hall (Altes Rathaus) from the 18th century. When Bonn was the capital of West Germany after World War II, the town hall hosted famous personalities like John F. Kennedy cz Charles de Gaulle.

Cathedral of Saints Cassius, Florentius and Martin

This cathedral dates back to the 11th century and represents the Romanesque style. It was built on the site of an earlier temple dedicated to Cassius and Florentius - converted Roman legionaries, martyrs and patron saints of Bonn. Inside, many monuments and works of art have been preserved, such as the Romanesque baptismal font and Baroque altars. Its cloisters and inner courtyard are also worth a stroll.

Beethoven Museum - Beethoven-Haus

Beethoven-Haus is the birthplace of the famous composer, converted into a museum. Visiting this place, you can learn a lot about Beethoven's private life and works. Among the exhibits related to the prominent composer, you can see musical instruments, instruments used by him for his hearing loss or even his posthumous mask.

Poppelsdorf Palace and Elector's Palace

This Baroque palace located in the Poppelsdorf district is one of Bonn's landmarks. It was built in the 18th century to a design by architect Robert de Cotte, who worked, among other things, on the finishing touches to Versailles near Paris. Today, the building belongs to the university, and the nearby botanical garden and green areas are often chosen by locals as a place for strolls.

Arithmeum

The Arithmeum is a mathematics museum based on the private collection of Bernhard Korte at the Department of Discrete Mathematics at the University of Bonn. Permanent exhibits show the development of computing techniques from simple abacuses to very complex computers of the latest generation. Some of the exhibits can be used.

Haribo Company Shop

The famous jelly beans originated in Bonn. More than a century ago, in 1920, Hans Riegen founded a company there to produce sweets in the shape of lovable teddy bears. Both children and adults will have fun in the store.