Culture and History on the Rhine

About Basel

Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city has large number of theatres and many museums. Theater Basel presents a busy schedule of plays, opera and ballet. Basel is also host to an array of buildings by internationally renowned architects. Basel features a great number of heritage sites of national significance, including the Old Town of Basel as well as churches, monasteries, secular buildings and archaeological sites. There are a number of culinary specialties originating in Basel, including Basler Läckerli cookies and Mässmogge candies. Zoo Basel is the most visited tourist attraction in Basel and the 2nd most visited tourist attraction in Switzerland.

Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city has large number of theatres and many museums. Theater Basel presents a busy schedule of plays, opera and ballet. Basel is also host to an array of buildings by internationally renowned architects. Basel features a great number of heritage sites of national significance, including the Old Town of Basel as well as churches, monasteries, secular buildings and archaeological sites. There are a number of culinary specialties originating in Basel, including Basler Läckerli cookies and Mässmogge candies. Zoo Basel is the most visited tourist attraction in Basel and the 2nd most visited tourist attraction in Switzerland.

About Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Strasbourg's historic city center, the Grande ֳŽle, was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city center. The city is chiefly known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, and for its medieval cityscape of Rhineland black and white timber-framed buildings, particularly in the Petite France district or Gerberviertel ("tanners' district") alongside the Ill and in the streets and squares surrounding the cathedral, where the renowned Maison Kammerzell stands out.

Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Strasbourg's historic city center, the Grande ֳŽle, was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city center. The city is chiefly known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, and for its medieval cityscape of Rhineland black and white timber-framed buildings, particularly in the Petite France district or Gerberviertel ("tanners' district") alongside the Ill and in the streets and squares surrounding the cathedral, where the renowned Maison Kammerzell stands out.

About Koblenz

What’s the common denominator between (1) the unforgettable famous Deutsches Eck, (2) Max and (und) Moritz, (3) the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by, (4) the quote "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." If you said the city of Koblenz – then you are right!  That is Koblenz – fun, interesting and beautiful and also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site because of the riverfront area between Deutsches Eck and the Rüdesheim/Bingen. Koblenz is home to the playful, impish boys, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the tongue-in cheek statue Schangelbrunnen in front of the Town Hall with the plaque “Mr. Inspector” etc.

What’s the common denominator between (1) the unforgettable famous Deutsches Eck, (2) Max and (und) Moritz, (3) the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by, (4) the quote "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." If you said the city of Koblenz – then you are right!  That is Koblenz – fun, interesting and beautiful and also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site because of the riverfront area between Deutsches Eck and the Rüdesheim/Bingen. Koblenz is home to the playful, impish boys, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the tongue-in cheek statue Schangelbrunnen in front of the Town Hall with the plaque “Mr. Inspector” etc.

The city of Koblenz is located at the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and at the northern mouth of the Rhine Valley, which extends to Rudesheim in the south. This is an easy starting point for exploring this beautiful and ancient city, the “German Corner” (Deutsche Eck) which is where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. Note: The Rhine Gorge was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002, with Koblenz marking the northern end. Many sites in the city have a 2000-year history: buildings, fortresses, churches, mansion, homes of the rich with spacious courtyards, located in breath-taking landscapes, with flowing rivers, mountains, forests and green fields. Erected in 1870 the giant statue of Wilhelm I, who was first German Emperor, stands proudly in the Deutsche Eck, with reliefs of the states of reunified Germany on the wall. The statue that we see now was reconstructed and re-erected in 1993 due to the fact that at the end of WWII it was destroyed. Kodak Moment: If you climb the inner stairs to the top of the monument to the platform, you will be able to capture a unique photo of the coming together of the Moselle River and Rhine River.  As well you’ll be able to get a shot of the city’s most memorable landmark, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which is on the other side. It can be reached by cable car. Whilst there, do take time to enjoy the State Museum of Koblenz, which has four exhibition buildings. Note: If you are coming by car there is a parking lot near the entrance to the building of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Cultural Centre. Continuing towards the Moselle River there is a pedestrian path leading to the Ludwig Museum named for the art collectors who established this contemporary art museum in the Deutschesherrenhaus, a former bastion of the 12th century. Continuing on your walk via the courtyard you will reach the Basilica of St. Castor (Kastorkirche) which was consecrated in 836, making it the oldest church in Koblenz.  The monastery-church was named for Saint Castor of Karden who founded a religious community in Karden, when, in the fourth century, he was sent on a mission to the Moselle region. A monument-fountain (Kastorbrunnen) which was built in 1812, stands in front of the basilica, a testimony of the Napoleonic Wars, which helps us to understand the French-German lifestyle, including architectural styles and even local cuisines. Gorresplatz Square (Josef Goress Platz) has an impressive modern 10-meter bronze history column depicting the history of the city from Roman times (at its base) to the future of the city (at its apex). A nearby sign explains the different periods during the first two thousand years. Town Hall: On the Willi-Horter-Platz, the amusing bronze statue Schangelbrunnen stands in the courtyard surrounded by the Renaissance and Baroque buildings. This is from the period when the French ruled the city and it was popular for parents to name their children Schang (the German version of French “Jean”) named after the iconic sculpture of the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by. Note: When you walk through the city, look down and you’ll see the city sewer covers have a relief of the spitting child. Another humorous statue from the 19th century which is on Munzplatz Square, depicts a woman with a basket of vegetables complaining to the inspector/policeman: The plaque reads as follows (loosely translated): "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." The outer wall of a local (presently) snack bar "Zum Eßkesselchen" is decorated with a scene from the stories of "Max and (und) Moritz" written and illustrated by Wilhelm Busch. This famous work, often referred to as the precursor of comics as we know it today, was published around 1865.   The Church of Our Beloved Lady (Liebfrauenkirche), was built on a site where it is assumed churches and cult structures were built from the 5th century. From the 15th century on it has been renovated and converted many times on the original foundations. It was also badly damaged during WWII and as a result reconstructed in in the early 1950’s. The congregation of this church is still active and is one of the oldest in Koblenz and one can hear choirs and music as well as bells coming from the church. The bells have been ringing since the beginning of the 17th century; the towers were renovated. And if you’d like to hear the bells, at 22:00 every night there is a carillon warning that the city gates are closing. Lohstrasse is a pedestrian shopping mall, with a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants where it is worth to ask for the local dish Rieslings Schnitte (high in calories but worth it).  

About Cologne

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Cologne (German: Köln), one of the oldest of Germany’s cities, was originally a Roman colony and traces of Colonia is felt in every corner so that one feels that the city is still connected to its Roman past. Where the cathedral stands in the courtyard you can see traces of black stripes on the pavement, obviously the place where Roman buildings were at the time of their reign. The Romano-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) has on display unusual artifacts from the Roman period, archaeological finds, relics of regular life, and especially an impressive collection of glass and jewelry. The Western Cologne Ring (Kölner Ringe) is a semi-circle paved road which encircles the old city of Cologne (Innenstadt). It is semi-circular, some 4 km long and the remains of the towers and walls of the former mediaeval city can still be seen. It is without a doubt easy to see that a city that has been accepted as an important bishopric from the 9th century, the era of Charlemagne, should have an amazing, unique cathedral erected.  It took from the beginning of the 14th century to the final completion about twenty generations and thus, dozens of churches, monasteries, schools and a university were built in the area because the cathedral raised the status of the city and drew the heads of churches, the clergy, monks, preachers, men of culture and science, artists and believers to its hub. Another tourist attraction is the railway Hohenzollern Bridge over the river Rhine and two equestrian statues, one on each side welcomes everyone as they approach the bridge; one of Wilhelm II and Friedrich III and on the other side stands the statue of Friedrich Wilhelm IV and Wilhelm I. Here too you will find “tons of locks” in the tradition of couples who latch their lock on the railing of the bridge and throw the key into the river, symbolizing that their love is “locked together forever”. It is rumored that this tradition began over 100 years ago in Serbia.  So romantic! A more industrialized part of the city is on the side of the bridge, in front of the Old City. The promenade stretches towards the south and it is here that you can find your “Kodak Moment” and shoot away at different angles of the cathedral, the town hall and the Old City. Not far from the Cathedral, in front of the Ludwig Museum is a large-scale plaza called the Heinrich-Böll-Platz, which was inaugurated in 1986 and designed by Dani Karavan. The most outstanding component of the square design is found at the north-east corner of the area – an almost eleven-meter-high tower called Ma’alot (which in Hebrew refers to the Psalms 120-134, called “songs of steps”, sung in Jerusalem when the priests walk up the steps to the temple with water jugs in their hands). The “Oldest City Hall in Germany” is the one in Cologne (Kölner Rathaus). It was built in the Gothic style with an added loggia in the Renaissance style. The great tower is about sixty meters. Touring inside the impressive place you will see the collection of the city’s history and protocol from the 15thand 16thcenturies, realizing that not much has changed over the centuries. The Jewish Museum, MiQua, currently under construction since 2018, is being built above and below ground on the square where the city hall stands. This is the site of Cologne's historic Jewish quarter from the Middle Ages. The history of the Jews in Cologne dates back to 321 A.D., just about the same length of time as the history of Cologne. The museum will highlight Cologne's general history from 1424 onwards, with a spotlight on the history of the Jewish people in Cologne. A new quarter, named Rhienauhafen, was built on the southern banks of the old city. Inspired by the cranes near the port there are two buildings which seem to float above the river bank. This is a new young urban area that combines business and residences alongside with restaurants, cafes and galleries. The factory that produced The Eau de Cologne 4711 was on Glockengasse Street (and you guessed it) the address was 4711! The well-known brand has been in existence for about 300 years and the factory-store is on Hohe Street (Strasse), one of the busiest and most popular pedestrian malls, not only in Cologne but in Germany. There are plenty of beer houses in the city and of course the most popular with the townspeople is “Klosch”, the local beer popular throughout Europe, which is also used to cook and season the meat dishes so typical of the place.  Note: A Kölsch by any other name is not a Kölsch!  You could only call the beer by the Kölsch name if 1) the beer isproduced within 50 km of Cologne and2) the product, in this case the Kölsch beer, is listed in the geographical indications registersand has the European Union “GPI”  label. Note:Re: Johann M Farina, who was an Italian (rumor has it that he was a barber), and moved to Cologne, Germany in 1709. It was here that he invented a “scented water & alcohol mixture” and called it Eau de Cologne in honorof his adopted new home.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

The old city of Amsterdam, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a testament to its immense cultural heritage. Built along the banks of its iconic canals, the old city is home to rich cultural heritage full of artistic masterpieces. Renowned museums in the museum district, situated on the Singelgracht canal, showcase the best works of Dutch painters like Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and other luminaries of the art world. Amsterdam is known as one of the friendliest cities for cyclists, with cycling deeply ingrained in the local culture. Embrace the city's spirit by renting a bike and joining the vibrant atmosphere as you pedal along the bike paths, gaining a unique perspective on the picturesque canals, charming atria, and stunning buildings. When it comes to culinary delights, Amsterdam offers a diverse array of experiences. Savor the local delicacies and don't miss out on stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), bitterballen (meatballs), pannenkoeken (pancakes), and the delectable Gouda or Edam cheeses. The bustling food markets like Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen are a treat, serving up an enticing array of local and international dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing local beer or indulge in the distinctive flavor of Jenever, the local gin, for a truly immersive culinary experience. Amsterdam is home to a wealth of attractions- here are just a few to get you started: The Floating Flower Market, famously known as Bloemenmarkt, is a local gem. Throughout the city's history, flower merchants used to ply their trade from boats navigating the canals. As the 19th century progressed, trade flourished on floating rafts anchored in the Singelgracht canal. Today, it stands as the only floating flower market in the world, offering a stunning array of the finest blooms and flower seeds from the Netherlands. During the spring season, the market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful tulips, making it a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts. The Anne Frank House is where Anne and her family hid during the horrors of World War II. The house has been converted into a museum that offers a deeply moving experience, showing where the family lived in a concealed space in her father’s office for over two years, evading the Nazi persecution that targeted the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Tragically, in 1944, they were discovered and sent to the Bergen-Belsen extermination camp, where Anne met her untimely and cruel end. Yet, her diary survived, and is a chilling testament that touches the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the vital significance of empathy and compassion. Begijnhof, a historical complex dating back to the early 14th century, was created as a religious community for women embracing a monastic way of life, dedicated to prayer and acts of kindness. Originally located outside the city walls, it was eventually relocated to its present position in the heart of the city center. Encircled by captivating historic buildings, the enclave boasts several remarkably well preserved wooden houses—a rare sight in Amsterdam, given the city's tumultuous history of fires. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are two squares that are famous for their vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors with an array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment options. In Rembrandt Square there is a monument to the painter’s memory with statues depicting characters from his well-known painting, "The Night Watch." Leidseplein is also home to the casino and the National Theatre. The Eye Film Museum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to photography. Situated along the city's waterfront, the building alone is an attraction with its distinctive and striking architecture! The museum contains a rich collection of films, photographs, posters, as well as other memorabilia related to cinema, and it features various exhibitions that celebrate the history, development, and meaning of filmmaking in the Netherlands and abroad. On the top floor of the museum, there is a panoramic balcony with an amazing view of the city and the waterfront. Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!