KOBLENZ 
Sightseeing

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Koblenz's history goes back over 2.000 years. This heritage is particularly visible in the beautiful old town with its romantic little squares, winding streets, noble mansions, medieval burgher houses and beautiful old churches. Other attractions that contribute to a pleasant and memorable stay include the beautiful Rhine and Moselle parks, a chair lift to the fortress, wine tastings and a wide selection of interesting tours.

One of the most interesting sights is the "Deutsches Eck", or "German Corner", where you will find the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial. It is here that the Mosel flows into the Rhine. Here stands the enormous equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. It was designed by Bruno Schmitz and erected in 1897. During World War II it was destroyed but later, in 1993 after the German reunification, replaced with a copy. The name "Deutsches Eck" refers to the military complex of buildings that was constructed here by the Order of Teutonic Knights. Only a part of this historic building remains. It now houses the Ludwig-Museum with a collection of Modern Art.

The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress was built on a cliff of 118m high over the Rhine river. Built c.1000, it was later enlarged and strengthened during wars in the 18th cent. The fortress was held by France during the French Revolutionary Wars. In 1937 it was incorporated into Koblenz. It is one of the largest fortresses in the world. From here a splendid view over Koblenz and the confluence of the two rivers can be had. The fortress now houses the "Landesmuseum Koblenz" (Regional museum Koblenz) and the "Rhein Museum".

There are many Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque churches, such as the basilica of St. Castor. This basilica is a collegial church built in 817-836 by order of the Archbischop of Trier. It was here that the Treaty of Verdun was signed, the treaty that divided the Empire of Charlemagne between the three sons of Ludwig I the Pious. During the 11th and 13th centuries the church was enlarged. St. Castor houses some beautiful epitaphs of archbishops.

Koblenz has many historic castles and many other historic buildings and monuments :

The Kurfürstliches Schloss : close to the bridge over the Rhine stands the electoral palace in the typical Rhineland's early Neo-Classical architectural style. Clemens Wenzeslaus von Sachsen, the last elector of Trier,  had it built and lived here for a short while. The construction started in 1777 and was finished in 1786. The design was made by Michael d'Ixnard.

The "Alte Burg" castle : The powerful von Arken family had a fortified residence built in the north-western section of the Roman fortifications. In 1227 it was taken over by Heinrich von Fissingen, archbishop of Trier. The residence was later adapted and acquired its final appearance in the 17th century. It now houses the municipal archives and parts of the library of Koblenz.