Introducing Essen
When the decision came down that Essen had beat historic Görlitz in Saxony to become Cultural Capital of Europe in 2010, eyebrows were raised around the land. What kind of ‘culture’ could there possibly be in this city of steel and coal?
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Plenty.
Van Gogh anyone? Go to the Folkwang Museum. Fancy a look at Emperor Otto III’s gem-studded childhood crown? Head for the cathedral treasury. A Bauhaus-style colliery on the list of Unesco’s World Heritage Sites? Look no further than the Zollverein colliery complex. Need we go on?
It’s taken a few decades, but Germany’s seventh-largest city has mastered the transition from industrial powerhouse to city of commerce and culture like few others. Add to that a verdant green belt and half-timbered medieval quarters and you may find it hard to believe you’re in the Ruhrgebiet. Old images die hard, but even cynics would find lots to like about Essen – if only they’d come and see for themselves.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Trip in October
by travellingryno 25 August 2011
I'm heading to the Essen for work in October, and plan on coming to Amsterdam w/ some coworkers. We went last year and naturally loved…
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RE: weather of germany
by european83 22 August 2011
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duisburg#Klima English short version: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duisburg#Climate Diagramm of Essen, only…
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RE: Brussels Airport/Antwerp to Holland after dark
by artemis2 19 August 2011
The taxi in Essen won't be waiting there, it should be called ahead. In Antwerpen Centraal taxis will be waiting 24/24, but i think at…
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