Bonn Maps

Bonn is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, located on the Rhine River. With approximately 323,000 inhabitants, it served as the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990 and remained the seat of several government ministries after reunification. The city has ancient roots, with settlement dating back to Roman times when it was known as Castra Bonnensia.

The Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster) is an 11th-century Romanesque church built over the graves of two Roman soldiers who became Christian martyrs. The Beethoven House (Beethoven-Haus), birthplace of composer Ludwig van Beethoven in 1770, now operates as a museum dedicated to his life and work. The Poppelsdorf Palace, built in the 18th century, features baroque architecture and houses part of the University of Bonn's mineral collection.

The Museum Mile includes several prominent institutions: the Kunstmuseum Bonn for modern art, the Haus der Geschichte chronicling German post-war history, and the Museum Koenig for natural history. The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), constructed in rococo style in 1738, features a distinctive pink and gold facade facing the market square.

The University of Bonn, founded in 1818, is one of Germany's leading research universities and has produced several Nobel Prize winners. Following reunification, Bonn successfully transformed from a political capital to a hub for international organizations, hosting over 150 UN and other international agencies. The city's economy benefits from telecommunications, logistics, and tourism sectors. The annual Beethoven Festival attracts classical music enthusiasts worldwide. Bonn's location along the Rhine and proximity to the Seven Mountains make it an attractive residential city with scenic surroundings.