A trip back in time through the history of the Romantic Cities

Koblenz, 20/10/2022 – There is culture to discover in every corner of the Romantic Cities, spanning from Roman times to the present day. In the colder seasons, when things start to move indoors, the numerous museums and exhibition halls offer unique insights into the turbulent history of Rhineland‑Palatinate, which was the scene of many major European historical events.

The Romantic Cities are Idar-Oberstein, Koblenz, Mainz, Speyer, Trier and Worms. Together with the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland‑Palatinate (GDKE), they combine the charm of an imperial history with world-famous wines and heartfelt hospitality. But each of the cities has a unique character all of its own.

Speyer – The history of an influential family

The Hapsburgs ruled as Austrian regents, kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation from the 13th century and steered the fate of Europe into the modern era.

Some of the family’s roots go back to the south-west of Germany. Rudolf I, the first Hapsburg to be elected king of the Holy Roman Empire in 1273, laid the foundations for the rise of the family. After his death in 1291, he was buried in the Imperial Cathedral in Speyer, just a few metres from the museum which, now, more than 700 years later, showcases the history of his family through the Europe of the Middle Ages.

Between 16 October 2022 and 16 April 2023, the Historical Museum of the Palatinate is hosting the state exhibition: ‘The Hapsburgs in the Middle Ages. The rise of a dynasty.’ The Hapsburgs have never had a major medieval exhibition dedicated to them before in Germany, although they did rank as highly as the likes of the Salians or the Hohenstaufens.

The ShUM Culture Fair is also taking place in Speyer until 1 December 2022. The Jewish communities in Speyer, Worms and Mainz have been known by the name ShUM since the Middle Ages. Their ShUM remains, including synagogues, cemeteries and ritual baths, were recognised as the first Jewish UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany in July 2021. The city’s varied cultural programme aims to highlight the multifaceted nature of Jewish culture and shed light on major historical events and Jewish heritage in Speyer.

Idar-Oberstein – Sparkling treasures in EdelSteinLand

Idar-Oberstein on the Nahe tempts visitors with its long tradition of sparkling gemstones. These fascinating jewels can be found all over the city. There are also various museums providing interesting insights.

The German Gemstone Museum is unique anywhere in the world and a real must for jewellery lovers. More than 10,000 exhibits, including valuable precious stones, glittering chains and other items that have even made it into the Guinness Book of Records tell their own stories and those of the crowned monarchs who once wore them. Most of the precious stones and jewellery in the exhibition come from workshops in Idar-Oberstein.

One of the smallest cameos in the world, a crystal hall unique anywhere in the country and an impressive collection of replicas of historic diamonds are just some of the highlights to be admired at the German Mineral Museum. The museum, which is housed in a late 19th-century villa, boasts one of the most extensive collections of gemstones and minerals in the region.

By contrast, the Jakob Bengel Industrial Monument provides real hands-on industrial history. The unique working machinery and tools, and the unchanged atmosphere of a jewellery factory founded in 1873 bring the history of a bygone industrial age to life. It is a unique opportunity to delve into the world of people working in the metal processing industry more than 100 years ago.
 

The General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland‑Palatinate

As the senior regional authority, the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland‑Palatinate (GDKE) is responsible for the physical cultural heritage of the state. Among other things, it looks after castles, palaces and ancient treasures, plus the three state museums in Koblenz, Mainz and Trier.

The latter is home to the major state exhibition on ‘The Fall of the Roman Empire’ until 27 November. This key historic exhibition at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier covers 1,000 square metres documenting the decisive, albeit less well-known, chapter in the history of the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries, and highlights how the great Roman Empire ultimately failed despite intelligent leadership and an innovative infrastructure.

The coin collection in the treasure chamber of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum reopened to visitors on 10 September. Following an attempted robbery at the Trier Treasury three years ago, the coin collection was completely restored and is now showcased in a new space with a fresh design.

The new exhibition explains the history of money from the Celts to the early 20th century through thousands of coins, as well as minting tools, forgery moulds and the raw materials used to make coins. The highlight is the hoard of gold in the centre of the coin collection. Other precious coins from the museum collection are also on display.

You can find stories on other cultural experiences in the Romantic Cities here.

Bookings and enquiries

Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH
Löhrstrasse 103-105
56068 Koblenz

Tel.: +49 (0)261 915 200
Email: info@romantic-cities.com 
Website: www.romantic-cities.com
 

Travel industry & press

Romantic Cities
c/o TourComm Germany
Olbrichtstraße 21
69469 Weinheim

Tel.: +49 (0)6201 60208-21
E-Mail: marc.werner@tourcomm-germany.com