Beethoven’s Birthplace: A Walking Tour through Bonn’s Old Town

Bonn is best-known as two things: Beethoven’s birthplace, and the capital of West-Germany from 1949 to 1991. But did you know that it’s also one of Germany’s oldest cities, founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago? On this walking tour, you’ll learn about Bonn’s interesting history and see which buildings have survived since the days of Beethoven. The tour starts on Münsterplatz, the main square, next to Stadtmodell Bonn, a 3-D model of the city in 1794. Right next door, you’ll see the 11th century Bonner Münster (Minster of St. Martin’s), where Beethoven used to play the organ! As you wind through Bonn’s Old Town, I’ll point out houses that survived the war, and tell you about the role they played in Beethoven’s life. You’ll pass by the baroque City Hall (Altes Rathaus Bonn) on Marktplatz (Market Square) en route to Beethoven’s birthplace which is, of course, a highlight. You’re welcome to interrupt the tour to visit the museum inside Beethoven-Haus, his former home. I’ll tell you about the musical prodigy’s family life and why ‘descendants’ of Beethoven may not actually be related to him From there, you’ll walk down Sternstraße, a street filled with historical houses, on your way back to Münsterplatz to see the Beethoven monument. On this hour-long tour, you’ll get the chance to: • Find out about Cassius and Florentius, two Roman martyrs who are buried underneath Bonner Münster • Sample some gummy bears or other Haribo treats when you pass the store, whose founder was a local • Admire the beautiful baroque Electoral Palace (Kurfürstliches Schloss), home to the prestigious Bonn University since 1818 • Get introduced to St. Martin, a very popular saint revered by German kids who sing about his generosity every November 11 • Learn about Catholics who allow women to become priests, and priests to marry • Picture how criminals were chained to the pillory in front of Bonner Münster during medieval times • Visit Elefant Bonn, a restaurant that’s been around since 1636, and enjoy tasty cinnamon buns from a historical bakery, Cinnamood Bonn • See the only remaining gate in Bonn’s Medieval city wall, and listen to some of Beethoven’s most beautiful music So grab your camera, plug in your ear-phones, and join me on this fascinating and musical tour of Bonn’s Old Town!

Price: £6.99 from VoiceMap