Once you have visited the Old Castle on the banks of the Moselle, you can stroll a few metres along the river. Then turn towards Koblenz’s old town. Here you will come across Florinsmarkt, a lively square surrounded by historic buildings. You can feel the atmosphere of Koblenz’s historic old town. The ‘Altes Kaufhaus Koblenz’ is one of the buildings on the square and will impress you. Its magnificent façade immediately catches the eye. The department store was originally built in the 15th century in the Gothic style and rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries. Baroque elements were added during this process.
History: Old Shopping Hall in Koblenz built as early as 1419
The Florinsmarkt was once the political and economic centre of Koblenz. This is where life took place. The Alte Kaufhaus Koblenz was built in 1419. It has a long and exciting history. The Old Shopping & Dancing Hall (Kauf- und Danzhaus) served as a trading centre for merchants from the region. They often moored on the banks of the Moselle and offered their goods there. Festivals were also celebrated and meetings held. Over the centuries, the Old Shopping Hall in Koblenz has undergone several architectural changes. From Gothic to Baroque, it has retained its historical charm.
Special tips: Eye roller Koblenz sticks his tongue out at you
When you stand in front of the Old Shopping & Dancing Hall in Koblenz, you must take a look at the Koblenz Eye Roller (Augenroller). It can be seen under the tower clock, which was installed in 1724. It rolls its eyes back and forth in time with the clock’s pendulum. Every half hour and hour, the eye roller sticks out his tongue at you. He is reminiscent of the robber baron Johann Lutter von Kobern, who was executed at the Florinsmarkt in 1536. According to legend, he rolled his eyes on the scaffold and stuck out his tongue at the spectators.
When you visit the Old Shopping Hall , be sure to explore the cafés and small shops. Also visit the restaurants on Florinsmarkt and in the surrounding alleys. Enjoy the historic atmosphere over a cup of coffee. From there, you can look out onto the ‘Altes Kaufhaus Koblenz’ and watch the Koblenz eye roller. If you walk along Mehlgasse alley or Gemüsegasse alley, you will also find numerous opportunities for shopping and refreshments.
Surroundings: Experience the old town and ride the cable car
Right next to the department store is a group of several historic buildings. The Schöffenhaus was built in 1528 as the seat of the aldermen. It is strikingly painted red and has several bay windows. A beautiful building. Another historic building on Florinsmarkt is the former noble residence Bürresheimer Hof, dating from 1659/60.
The Alte Kaufhaus Koblenz is very centrally located. From here, you can quickly reach the Old Castle of Koblenz and from there you can visit the Balduin Bridge.
And of course, you absolutely must explore the nearby old town of Koblenz. It’s only a few metres away and you’re right in the middle of it. The ‘Jesuit Square’ is particularly beautiful, where you can visit beautiful town houses. One side of the Jesuit Square (Jesuitenplatz) is occupied by Koblenz Town Hall. Its inner courtyard is a romantic green oasis. A special sight is the Schängelbrunnen fountain. Take a closer look at it. But be careful! Find out why!
If you are in Koblenz, you must also visit the famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck) Koblenz. This is where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. You will be impressed by the famous Kaiser Wilhelm monument.
Right next to it, you can take the Koblenz cable car (Seilbahn) to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The ride is a special experience. You get to see Koblenz from above.
