Culture of Essen. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Essen is a major industrial and exhibition center, business travelers are main guests of the city. Anyway, it is quite attractive for ordinary travelers. Essen was badly damaged during the Second World War; much of historical buildings were destroyed. The main historical symbol of the city and its most important attraction is the Essen Cathedral. This unique monument of architecture is designed in the Romanesque style; it was built in the 14th century. The destructive war affected this majestic religious structure. After war, the cathedral literally laid in ruins. Local residents managed to recreate its former beauty with amazing precision; today the cathedral looks as flawless as it was hundreds of years ago.

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Essen

1. The main train station in Essen is one of the most advanced in Germany, so you can get to almost any city in the country from it. Tourists who expect to visit nearby towns are recommended …

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The crypt of the cathedral is also one of the important landmarks; it was built long before the cathedral, in the 10th century. Originally, the crypt hasn’t attracted the attention of historians, but later scientists were able to find a lot of unique historical artifacts in it. Currently, much of them are located in the Cathedral, so all attenders could see the unique treasures and regalia of the old Germanic kings.

Fans of art and those who love to visit interesting cultural centers are recommended to visit the Museum Folkwang. This is a large-scale cultural center with an interesting collection of paintings. Among exhibits there are ancient paintings and works by contemporary artists; one of the most interesting is a collection of Russian expressionists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Guide to Essen sightseeing - things to see and to visit

Essen starts its history in 800 AD, from the moment of the foundation of Verdun Abbey. It was the abbey which gave birth to this city. Essen is widely known for its exhibitions that are …

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Essen is one of the largest centers of coal industry. Mines remind about the great industrial past of the city. Now they are closed and converted into tourist facilities. Zeche Zollverein Schacht XII is considered a historical monument of world importance; it has been operating until 1986. Vacationers can walk through dungeons and learn about one of the largest coal mines in the world.

In the south-western part of Essen there are numerous pavilions, which are almost never empty. All year round there are a wide variety of cultural activities. The major business center of Germany is ready to offer a very interesting program of rest.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Essen and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Essen and surroundings

Essen - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6

Reference information

Map of all palaces

Public palaces near Essen
♥ Palace 'Schloss Benrath' Düsseldorf, 34.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all art museums

Art galleries in Essen and around
♥ Art museum 'Museum Folkwang' Essen, 1.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Von der Heydt Museum' Wuppertal, 23.7 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'museum Kunst Palast' Düsseldorf, 29.7 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen' Düsseldorf, 30.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Essen
♥ Basilika St. Suitbertus, Düsseldorf, 26.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilika St. Margareta, Düsseldorf-Gerresheim, 26.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilika St. Lambertus, Düsseldorf, 30.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Münster-Basilika St. Quirin, Neuss, 36.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilika St. Viktor („St. Viktor-Dom”), Xanten, 45.3 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Münster-Basilika St. Vitus, Mönchengladbach, 50 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilika St. Kunibert, Köln, 56.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Unique spots in Essen and near

Dom Cologne Cathedral

From the series “Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments”

Check on the map: Dom Cologne Cathedral on map

Distance from Essen center - 57.2 km.

The area of the facade of the cathedral is the largest in the world today. Many subtle elements adorn it. Guests of the cathedral will be able to see many valuable relics during the tour. The old sacristy is kept within its walls. It was consecrated in 1277. There is a so-called Chamber of Shrines in the cathedral. The most valuable treasures are stored in it. You can see the Bishop's sword and baton here. You will also see a casket. The relics of the Three Wise Men are stored in it. There is also a 4th-century St. Peter's pastoral staff here. … Read further

Kolner Rathaus

From the series “Famous Buildings of Renaissance Architecture”

Check on the map: Kolner Rathaus on map

Distance from Essen center - 57.6 km.

The main element of the architectural complex is the 61 meters tower, that was built in the 15th century. Five stored tower is decorated with outstanding sculptures. There you can see about 120 figures of outstanding historical leaders, holy people and honorary citizens. Nowadays in the building has placed an interesting museum of Roman civilization. … Read further

Culture of Essen. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Essen and surroundings

Unique spots in Essen and near

Dom Cologne Cathedral

Kolner Rathaus

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Essen