City of Koblenz located at the very important point where Rhine and Moselle merge into one river. At the place of their fusion stands main landmark of the city – the monument of William I. If in Italy people say that “All roads lead to Rome” in Germany makes sense to say “All roads lead to Koblenz”.
First who recognized important location of this area were Romans, who built their military camp here in 9 BC and gave to it the name “– castrum ad confluentas” which means “camp of importance”.
In 842 three grandsons of the Charlemagne had met near the Koblenz to discuss the fate of the Franks Empire. Year after they divided their heritage into the three parts.
In 1018 Henry II gave control over the city to the Trier’s authorities who ruled the Koblenz until 1794. In the second half of the XIV, during the reign of warlike Archbishop Baldwin Trier, in the city has been built stone bridge over the Moselle with eleven arches. This bridge today is a one of the main landmarks in Koblenz.
In XVII century, during the devastating war with Germany, Koblenz has been almost totally destroyed and rebuilt after war in style of Baroque.
In 1815 city became the capital of Rhineland which caused a big impulse in its development. Focal point in city – is a so-called “Deutsches Eck” or “German corner” which is located at the place of Rhine and Moselle fusion. Here you can see tremendous statue of Prussian king Wilhelm I designed by Bruno Schmitz. This statue has been established here in 1897.
Other interesting building on the “German corner” – is a Ludwig-Museum which is dedicated to the modern arts in Germany. But building has oldest parts; it includes part of medieval residence of Teutonic Knights.
Church of of St Castor in Koblenz originates from 9 century. It’s historical place where in 843 heirs of Charlemagne split his Empire. Church got its current guise in the 11th-13th centuries during intensive reconstruction.
Old Florinsmarkt got its name from the Church of St Florin which was erected between 12 and 14 centuries. Here you can visit the Mittelrheinisches – a wonderful museum which hosts medieval artifacts from region of Rhine. Another interesting building in the Florinsmarkt – is a Kaufhaus which originates from the 14 century.
Next to them there is an Alte Burg, old building which was built by the wealthy von Arken family in the 12 century. In the 1277 house was transferred to the hands of Trier Archbishop Heinrich von Finstingen who fortified it and turned the home into the small fortress. But its current view Alte Burg accepted in the 17 century and today it’s one of the greatest examples of Renaissance in Germany.
Church of Liebfrauenkirche stands at the highest point of the Koblenz and dominates over the city. It originates from the Romans times but its current form church took in the 12 century. Choir of the church has been built at the beginning of 15 century.
And to recap the overview of Koblenz's sights, I want to mention about its castle or Kurfürstliches Schloss which stands next to the bridge across Rhine. The castle originates from the end of 18 century. In fact it was built by the last Trier governer of Koblenz by designs of Michael d’Ixnard
