Essen is a city with a rich industrial history and at the same time a touch of modernity and culture. As one of the country’s main industrial centers, Essen has transformed its image from a city of coal and steel into a center of innovation and art. Industrial monuments such as the Zollverein coal mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are today a meeting point for culture and design. The complex also hosts artistic events, exhibitions and fairs. It is also worth visiting the churches and cathedral as well as the Ruhr Museum.
Essen Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saints Cosmas and Damian in Essen is the main temple of the historic nun’s abbey, since 1958 the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishopric of Essen, subordinate to the Archbishopric of Cologne, which covers parishes in the Ruhr area.
Borbeck Castle
Borbeck Castle is situated in a beautiful park in the title of the German city of Essen. Borbeck is another historic landmark in this town in Germany, which is a unique place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the country. Borbeck Castle Together with beautiful Villa Hügel it mandatory stop if you want the most complete attractions.
Zollverein Mine
The Zollverein industrial complex consists of the complete infrastructure of a historical coal-mining site, with some 20th-century buildings of outstanding architectural merit. While the dark and dirty tunnels underground are out of sight for the general public, the buildings on the surface can be seen by anyone.
The owners of Zollverein were conscious of this and so they had the external buildings designed in the Bauhaus style of architecture, with a pleasant modern feel that had appealing symmetry and blended in with the natural backgrounds.
Visiting Zollverein today, there are so many things to do, from exploring the industrial heritage to visiting the museums that are housed in some of its buildings. The open spaces and the art pieces offer endless exploration, while there are also regular events and seasonal activities.
Folkwang Museum
The Museum Folkwang was the first public collection in Germany to acquire and exhibit the works of the forerunners of Modernism: Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Matisse. Today, it is among the most important art museums in Germany.
The Museum extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as for its significant holdings in photography and graphic arts.
Villa Hügel
Villa Hügel, erected between 1870 and 1873 by Alfred Krupp (1812–1887), was intended as a residence and refuge for Krupp and his family. Today, the villa and the entire estate are owned by the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftung.
The Krupp Historical Archive has been housed in the Small House since 1955. It is the oldest company archive in Germany and possesses extensive documents and important collections of historical industrial photos and films. The Small House also houses the permanent Historical Exhibition Krupp documenting the history of the Krupp family, the company and that of the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation.
Grugapark Essen
After visiting the monuments, take your family to the city park with a small zoo, botanical garden, barbecue areas, aviary and sports facilities. Exercise in the fresh air will be good for you and your children will be happy.
