Bonn, 2 hôtels

Right on the Bonn’s banks of the Rhein sits Villa Hammerschmidt, which served as the official residence of the German Federal President until 1994. Since the headquarters were moved to Bellevue Palace, the villa has been used as a second home. Villa Hammerschmidt can be visited on guided tours, which must be arranged in advance by phone. Or you can take part in the Federal President's Children's and Family Festival, which always takes place on the Day of German Unity. During the tour, you should take a look at the extensive park area; the fountain is also a popular photo backdrop!

With its wonderful Rococo facade, Bonn’s Old Town Hall is a symbol of the city. The building’s construction began in 1737, by the court’s architect, Michel Leveilly. During the Second World War, it was unfortunately so badly damaged that it had to be rebuilt. After its reopening in 1949/1950, many famous personalities visited it, including French president, Charles de Gaulle, the US President, John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. Theodor Heuss, the first German president of the re-unified Germany, gave his first official speech here. The Old Town Hall still serves as the official seat of the current mayor.

Since Bonn Minster has been rebuilt over the centuries, a wide variety of styles can be seen in the building. In the 11th century, building work began. Gothic, as well as Romanesque elements can be seen on the outer facade. Historical events, such as the coronations of Karl VI and Friedrich dem Schönen took place here. After the Second World War, the three-aisled basilica had to be restored. The interior is mainly Baroque. Worth seeing is the medieval cloister with its ornate columns. Tours take place from Monday to Saturday at set times.

In place of the medieval moated castle, the Elector Joseph Clemens had the garden and summer palace built. Clemens August, who succeeded him, finished the construction of the castle in 1756. Kastanienweg Way connects it to the much larger Electoral Palace. The inner courtyard of Poppelsdorf Castle, in which summer classical concerts often take place, is framed by four wings. Nowadays, the University uses the building. It is also home to the Mineralogical Museum and the Botanical Garden can be found in the palace garden.

Opposite Bonn, directly at the mouth of the Sieg, sits the “double church” St. Maria and St. Clemens zu Schwarzrheindorf. A short trip there is worthwhile! Construction of the church began in 1151 on behalf of the archbishop Arnold von Wied. Inside, you can not only admire beautiful medieval wall paintings. But also a figure of Christ from the 16th century and a Madonna from the 17th century which are exhibited here and the Stumm organ here dates from 1728.

On your visit to Beethoven’s city, you shouldn’t miss the chance to see his house. Here, there’s not only the chance to discover more about Ludwig van Beethoven’s personality but, above all, you can also discover more about his works that have shaped musical history to this day. The birthplace of Beethoven and the accompanying museum can be discovered in different ways: Make your way around the museum with an audio guide or on a guided tour. You can also attend a piano concert or a reading.