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North Rhine-Westphalia
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

There are said to be over 14,000 kilometres of cycle paths in North Rhineland-Westphalia. The region is also known for its spectacular hiking trails. And for a more leisurely experience, over 1,500 kilometres of rivers – some of which serve cruise boats. These routes take in many interesting and important historical sites, from Roman ruins and medieval castles, to industrial monuments and museums. One of the five UNESCO listed heritage sites in this state is the imposing Cologne Cathedral, which is Germany’s most visited attraction. North Rhine-Westphalia is the birthplace to some of Germany’s most influential artists, including the composer Beethoven, the poet Heine an the artist Beuys. 

Archaeology & History Sites in North Rhine-Westphalia

LVR-Archaeological Park Xanten

The archaeological park on the edge of the medieval town of Xanten was built on the ruins of the Roman settlement Colonia Ulpia Traiana, on the banks of the Lower Rhine. Founded in 70 AD, the Roman town was the second most important commercial post in Germania Inferior, after Cologne. In 275 AD it was completely destroyed by Germanic tribes, and rebuilt as Tricensimae. That too was destroyed by local tribes. A number of features have been reconstructed in the park, including an amphitheatre, bath house and defensive wall.

Cologne - Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium

Colonia was always an important town for the Romans; the capital of the province of Germania Inferior and later the capital of Germania Secunda. The regional headquarters of the military in the region was based here. There are a number of features to see in the city, including sections of the wall and towers. The Roman museum, exhibitions are currently in a temporary location, was built on the foundations of a townhouse and displays its mosaic floor of Dionysius.

Museums & Art Galleries in North Rhine-Westphalia

Kolumba Museum, Cologne

Kolumba Museum is one of the oldest museums in Cologne, a collection of religious art from Late Antiquity to the 21st century. Highlights of this collection, including a Romanesque style crucifix and a 4th century glass cage cup, are on permanent display. As spectacular as the collection is, the museum itself is worth a visit. The celebrated Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has designed a strikingly simple building around the ruins of an ornate Gothic church that was severely damaged during the second World War.

Römisch-Germanisches Museum, Cologne

The Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne is one of Germany’s most important Roman museums. During construction builders came across the remains of a Roman town house. During rescue efforts, the spectacular Dionysus mosaic floor could not be lifted so it was decided a museum would be built around the mosaic. Besides extensive exhibits of art, culture and everyday life in Roman and early medieval Cologne, the museum has largest and finest collections of Roman glass artefacts in the World. Although the museum is currently being renovated, exhibits are on display in a temporary venue (see the website for details).