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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RE: cancerous car paint ?
by kalpea_tuli 01 June 2012
>Mark, if you think of healthy eating as getting to work, then I weep for you. Food is to be enjoyed. Gesundes Essen hin oder her, I…
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RE: Studying in Switzerland for 5 months. Feb. 2013 - July 2013
by oedipamaas 10 May 2012
I think some of your weekends are ambitious. Even being optimistic with 3.5 days, you can't reasonably see both Austria and Hungary or…
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RE: Suggestions for three destinations, one week in each
by regards 12 April 2012
not stray to far away from medical facilities - I suppose this idea goeas together if there is a problem with the kids. In this case only…
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