The history of Essen, one of Germany's largest cities, can be traced back to 852, when it was founded as a monastery for women becoming one of the most important monasteries in the country by the X century. However, by the fifteenth century Essen had lost its significance and remained an unimportant agricultural town until the end of XIX century. Ore and mining coal led to the essential growth of Essen and the entire Ruhr area. Today the city is home to a number of industrial sights, an extensive collection of art and a high class college of art. In April 2006, Essen was declared European Capital of Culture for the Ruhrgebiet.
Essen travel will introduce you to the major sights and attractions of the city, such as Zeche und Kokerei Zollverein, Villa Hugel, Essener Munster, Alte Synagoge, Essen City Hall, RWE Tower, Aalto Theater, Essen-Werden, Kettwig, Baldeneysee and more. One of the biggest attractions in Essen, Zeche und Kokerei Zollverein is a coal mine and coking plant built in 1932 and 1961 respectively. Once the world's largest coal mine, it has been a declared World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Guests have access to the precincts housing temporary art exhibitions.
Another popular sight frequented by those enjoying their Essen travel, Villa Hugel was designed and constructed by Alfred Krupp in the late fourteenth century. Defined as a single-family home by the real estate register, today it houses music concerts and art exhibitions. Built in the fourteenth century with a crypt and westwork from X century, Essener M?nster is a cathedral inconspicuous in appearance but famous for housing some exquisite objects, like artworks from 1000 AD, the oldest sculpture of the Virgin Mary and a crown of Emperor Otto III.
Among other sights enjoying wide popularity during Essen travel and guided excursions is Essen City Hall, regarded as the highest city hall in the nation, constructed during the period 1971-1979. You'll enjoy a view from the 22nd floor overlooking Essen from about 300 ft above ground. The biggest skyscraper in North Rhine-Westphalia, RWE Tower is located across the street from the Aalto Theater. The latter was designed by Alvar Aalto, Finnish architect and opened in 1988. Frequented by tourists experiencing all that Essen travel has to offer, Essen-Werden was a town of its own until it became one of Essen's boroughs in 1929. It is located close to the Lake Baldeney and is home to the Folkwang College of Music and Performing Arts. Dating from 1931, Baldeneysee is a large lake in the south of Essen and a popular recreational area.
Hosted by the Essen fairgrounds are a number of exhibitions, notably Essen Game Fair, Essen Motor Show, Equitana and YOU among others. As one of the largest cities in the nation, Essen offers a wide variety of lodging options, from large upholstered hotels to cosy bed and breakfast inns. Some of the most widely respected Essen hotels include Moevenpick Hotel Essen, Welcome Hotel Ruhr Residenz Essen, Sheraton Hotel Essen, the Express by Holiday Inn Essen, Best Western Hotel Ypsilon Essen and Top Cityline Hotel Essener Hof Essen just to name a few.