Koblenz, Germany: One of the oldest and most diverse cities in Germany

The city of Koblenz is impressive for its exposed location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in northern Rhineland-Palatinate. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Although 87% of it was destroyed in the Second World War, the rebuilt city and its surroundings offer a wealth of architectural and cultural monuments that are well worth seeing. Many buildings are listed and are part of the program of numerous study trips.

Tour through the old town of Koblenz

The Deutsches Eck, an artificial headland between the Rhine and Moselle rivers, is the symbol of Koblenz with its equestrian statue. From here you can see the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the eastern bank of the Rhine. The fortress, as part of Prussian fortifications from the 19th century, houses the Koblenz State Museum. Below the fortress, on the banks of the Rhine, is the baroque dicastery building from the 18th century. The fortress site has been conveniently accessible since 2010 by means of a cable car that crosses the Rhine. Not far from the valley station of the cable car is the Romanesque basilica of St. Castor, the oldest surviving church in the city. Its current appearance dates from the middle of the 12th century. On the forecourt of the basilica, the castor fountain is reminiscent of the first electoral aqueduct. Right next to it, the Deutschherrenhaus with its Ludwig Museum invites you to visit contemporary art. The Florinsmarkt, a few hundred meters further, is dominated by the Florinskirche, which was built around 1100. Together with the Bürresheimer Hof, the Schöffenhaus and the old department store, the Florinskirche forms a magnificent, historical building ensemble. Another church building that dominates the cityscape is theLiebfrauenkirche, which was built on the highest point of the old town. The town hall of Koblenz is housed in the former Jesuit college in the old town. The building complex consists of elements from modern times, early baroque and late renaissance. In the inner courtyard, another landmark of the city, the Schängelbrunnen, reminds of the pranks of the “Koblenzer Schängels”. If you are not careful, the water jet of the spitting rascal hits you in passing.

Palaces and castles – connection between yesterday and today

A trip to Koblenz is missing something without a visit to the Electoral Palace. The great garden with water areas, fountains, various plants and seating areas invites you to linger awhile. The area spreads out in terraces up to the banks of the Rhine and is freely accessible. The palace building is built in the style of French early classicism and impresses with its bright exterior.

Stolzenfels Castle towers high above the left bank of the Rhine a good five kilometers south of the center. Turrets with battlements seem to float above the complex, and the defensive tower is still well preserved. A castle courtyard with an arcade hall conveys a Mediterranean flair. Collections of historical weapons and drinking vessels are on display in the knight’s hall. Nine hectares of well-tended landscape park surround the imposing palace complex.

With the Old Castle, located in the old town on the banks of the Moselle, Koblenz has a vivid example of an electoral moated castle. The castle house consists of three floors, covered by a hipped roof, which towers over two high towers. The Balduin Bridge, a stone arch bridge over the Moselle, which originated in the 14th century, affords the best view of the Old Castle.