From the Munsterplatz in the middle of the city, there is a great view of the basilica. The church still shapes the city's skyline and is one of Bonn's most important buildings. In 3 AD, a historic memorial to the dead (cella memoria) was located here, where the martyrs and city leaders Florentinus and Cassius are said to be buried. A century later, a church was erected, facing North East. In around 1040, this Carolingian church was torn down and the building of a basilica was started, with a nave and two aisles in the shape of a cross. Gerhard von Are (1124-1169) allowed the church to be extended with a choir and east apse. The massive tower was finally built in around 1200. Wars and fires left their marks on the basilica, which was considerably damaged during the Second World War. Restoration work and rebuilding was first finished in 1982 and today the facade still shows the transitional style between the Romantic and Gothic. Particularly worth a look is the Rococo chancel inside the minster, the organ built by Klais in 1961, the window by Paul Weigmann in the nave, the cloister and much more.
Regierungsbunker or Dokumentationsstatte Regierungsbunker, is a long tunnel system and a bunker which currently functions as a museum. It was built in the cold war era in order to protect government officials in the event of another war breaking out. After the cold war, it was put out of commission and became an attraction, offering guided tours which attracts people by the thousands.
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, and 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 external flight of stairs have 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 March 20, 1848. The Altes Rathaus currently serves as the official residence for the Mayor of Bonn, yet remains a much coveted venue for weddings and is one of the most photographed structures in the city.
Commissioned by Elector Joseph Clemens in 1715, the construction of Poppelsdorf Palace was finished by Clemens' successor Clemens August. Poppelsdorf Palace, which stands on a square plot, reminds one of French and Italian architecture with its four wings and round arched courtyard, with builders like Robert de Cotte having left their mark here. Instead of a park, botanical gardens surround the palace, which are particularly worth seeing.
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.
Renowned as the birthplace of Ludwig von Beethoven in 1770, Beethoven House was transformed into a museum in May 1893. It houses priceless treasures including the original, hand-written manuscripts for the Moonlight Sonata, Pastoral Symphony and Coriolan Overture. Musical instruments of Beethoven such as a viola, piano and console from Remigiuskirche's organ can also be admired here.
The quaint Sankt Antonius church located in Leverkusen was built in 1664 on the grounds of a previous church that was washed away during the floods. Built to be flood-safe, the church reflects strong neo-Gothic influence with its sturdy brick facade and soaring tower. The church has a 19th-century organ built by the renowned organ builder Wilhelm Schaeben. The church is an important place of worship for the local community of the town. It also holds regular cultural concerts.
Katholische Kirche St. Maurinus is an important parish church of the St. Maurinus and Mary. Mentions of the church have been said to date back to 1311. The church has constantly been rebuilt over the years with the current facade dating 1844. External features of the church reflect strong Gothic Revival styling with a brick nave and classic semicircular apse. A ribbed vault and a tower soaring at a height of 41.20 meters (135 feet) are of particular prominence. The beautiful organ of the church features 22 registers.
Schwyzer Poschti is the brainchild of Nils W. Bräm. Get ready to explore the scenic area on a yellow color vintage bus and it was among the last ones of the total 74 vehicles of its kind to be made in 1973. It was a Postauto for a long time. Schwyzer Poschti offers nostalgic tours which includes packages like themed rides, performances, day trips and destination trips. Enjoy the cultural landscapes in the form of museums, castles and more. The vehicle can easily accommodate 40 people and is available on rent for private and company events.
Sankt Germanus is a basilica which was built in the 19th Century by the famous German architect Theodor Kremer, renowned for designing numerous Neo-Gothic and Romanesque Revival edifices. The church has three aisles and two high towers which flank the central facade. The organ inside this cathedral is also worth a look as it dates back to the 19th Century. The church is now the base for the parish of Wesseling.
Head to the beautiful Vineyard Meyer-Näkel in northern Germany's Ahr Valley that produces a fine quantity of red and white wines that are much loved in the region. The winery is owned by the Näkel family and has been a bequeathed treasure since generations. Visitors can enjoy wine-tastings and also savor the delicious food served in the on-site restaurant.
Dating from the 18th century, this winery has accumulated a large number of loyal customers owing to its quality wines. Weingut Scheidgen is located amid the idyllic environs of Hammerstein, and boasts acres and acres of sprawling vineyards which produce some of the best variants of Chardonnay, Burgundy wine, Pinot Noir and Riesling among others. Take a tour through the estate's cellar and indulge in some tasteful wine to round off your experience.