The historic centre of Koblenz is rich in sights. You can let yourself drift and enjoy. Koblenz’s old town centre has many places worth seeing. Each one is surrounded by beautiful buildings and invites you to linger in one of the cafés or inns. There is usually an interesting fountain in the centre of the square. Here are some of the most interesting and beautiful squares:
The most beautiful places at a glance in the old town of Koblenz
The ‘Florinsmarkt’ is surrounded by the Florinskirche, the Koblenz Old Shopping Hall (Altes Kaufhaus), the Schöffenhaus and the Bürresheimer Hof. Together, the historic buildings form an ensemble well worth seeing. Tip: The ‘Augenroller’ is installed under the clock in the old department stores’. This is a figure that moves its eyes back and forth in time with the clock. At every quarter, half, three-quarter and full hour, the eye roller sticks out its tongue.
The ‘Platz am Plan’ used to be a market and event centre. It presents itself from several sides in a beautiful historical dress. The square is a popular meeting place with cosy inns.
You will find the Jesuit Square (Jesuitenplatz) in the centre of Koblenz’s old town. You should definitely visit it. In the south-east corner you will see the former Jesuit church built in 1613-17. Go to the Johannes Müller monument and turn round – all around you will see magnificent town houses. A whole row of cafés and restaurants line the square. Here you can take a break against a beautiful backdrop. You should definitely visit Jesuit square (Jesuitenplatz). Here you can also pass through a passageway of Koblenz town hall (Rathaus) and enter a romantic inner courtyard.
On ‘Görresplatz’, the 10 metre high history column (Historiensäule) is interesting. It was erected to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of Koblenz and shows scenes from the history of Koblenz. It is beautifully landscaped. Tall trees provide shade. Benches invite you to linger. Here you will also find the famous Schängelbrunnen fountain, which spits at you as you approach.
You can simply drift through the winding alleyways between the individual squares. The ‘Four Towers’ are well worth seeing. You will find them where the square ‘Am Plan’ crosses Löhrstraße street, Altengraben and Marktstraße street. Stand in the centre of the intersection and look up. The ‘Four Towers’ are lovingly designed half-timbered bay windows on the houses at this crossroads. Here you have a great motif.
History: Koblenz has more than 2000 years of history
Due to its location and the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers, settlements were established here very early on. Koblenz therefore has a history stretching back more than 2000 years. In 55 BC, Julius Caesar’s troops set up a camp on the site of Koblenz. This marked the beginning of Koblenz’s 500-year Roman period. The Romans were followed by another 500-year Frankish period until 1018. After various divisions of the Frankish Empire, Koblenz was ruled by the Electors of Trier until 1794. This was followed by around 20 years of French occupation, which was in turn replaced by the Prussians. During the Second World War, 87% of Koblenz’s old town centre was destroyed. You can see a very chequered history, which is only recorded in outline. Even today, you can still visit a large number of historic buildings, castles, fortresses and churches. A stroll through Koblenz’s old town centre will show you important testimonies to German history.
Special tips: The night watchman guides you through the old town of Koblenz
Koblenz is romantically illuminated at night. If you have time, you should take a ‘night watchman tour’. You will be guided through the atmospheric alleyways of Koblenz’s old town at night. Immerse yourself in times long past. The night watchman will guide you through the winding alleyways with his lantern. He will tell you lively stories about Koblenz’s Old Town. His motto is ‘Zom Liere es-et nie zo spät’.
If you come to Koblenz in summer, you can visit the Koblenz Old Town Festival on the first weekend in July. You can experience beautiful decorations and numerous stalls on Koblenz’s squares and in the alleyways of Koblenz Old Town. Regional and local specialities will tempt you.
Surroundings: cable car experience & romantic Rhine Valley
In Koblenz, you should definitely visit the German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The monumental Kaiser Wilhelm Monument will impress you. Needless to say, it is a very frequently captured motif.
Right next to it is the cable car (Seilbahn) to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The journey itself is an experience. You can see Koblenz getting smaller and smaller and have a great view of Koblenz’s old town. Once at the top, you are welcomed by the extensive park grounds of the former Federal Horticultural Show. The grounds are still very well maintained and beautifully planted. You can go for a walk, relax or take a break. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress will impress you with its thick walls and size. From here you have a phenomenal view of Koblenz and the Deutsches Eck.
The area surrounding Koblenz is also particularly beautiful. Koblenz is located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, 65 kilometres of which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picturesque towns and villages, a total of 40 castles and ruins. Terraced vineyards on the river slopes make the Rhine Valley one of the most romantic spots in Germany. You can explore it from Koblenz by boat, bike or car. You will definitely need some time. Find out more, it’s worth it.
