Essen is a small town in Germany at 37 km from Dortmund and 70 km from Cologne. Many of us the city is completely not familiar, there are only 500 thousand people there, the city is considered industrial. Before the war in the city there were a lot of different beautiful buildings and cathedrals, but unfortunately, almost everything was destroyed and never restored. But, nevertheless, the city is very good, and I consider it worthy of visiting. Me, personally, well, really liked it!
If you are in Essen, I will tell you where you can go.
First of all, go to Essen Cathedral (Essener Dom or Essener Münster).
This is a very old cathedral, he has been almost 7 centuries! The Cathedral is still valid, it has services, fairs and various religious events. Also, the Cathedral belongs to the treasury, inside of which are truly historical relics - the golden statues of Madonna, sarcophagi, beautiful columns, royal decorations, weapons, crowns, manuscripts, 13th century bells.
During the war, many valuable things were stolen from the cathedral, unfortunately, but still remains enough. Very mysterious, almost a mystical place. The entrance to the church is free, and during the ministry and events held, the Cathedral is closed for visits. You can also order an excursion to Domschatzkammer (Treasurer) at Burgplatz 2, next to the cathedral.
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 6.30 to 18.30, on Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: zwölfling 12
Another interesting place - Mine Zollverein Schacht XII).
This cammonium mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mine size amaze! At the moment, the mine is not working for 20 years. Therefore, now the mine has become a cultural object. First of all, interesting excursions are held here. Tourists are talking about how coal is mined.
Free excursions in English are held at 15:00 on weekends. One-hour group excursion (up to 20 people) in Russian is also available, ordering in advance.
Also, several very interesting cultural facilities "settled" on this huge territory.
"Ruhr Museum"
Museum presents different fossils, the remains of ancient animals found during coal mining, and much more.
Museum work hours: every day from 10.00 to 18:00, except for New Year's holidays. Login: 6 € for adults, 2 € for children, family ticket 12 Euro.
Project "Path of Industrial Culture"
This is a number of panoramic films and multimedia objects that make it possible to appreciate the Industrial Heritage of the North Rhine-Westphalia district.
Opening hours: every day from 10.00 to 18:00, except for New Year's holidays.
Login: 2 € adults, 1 € Children.
Zollverein Concerts
Also in the re-equipped mine hosts different concerts and events. Here are also jazz evenings with the most famous musicians, opera singers come here and performing pop performers.
"RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM"
This is a museum of contemporary art with very interesting and unusual exhibitions and expositions.
Opening hours: W-SSID 11: 00-18: 00, except Christmas and New Year holidays
Login: 6 €, 4 € Children
"PACT ZOLLVEREIN"
Huge Hall-Studio, where numerous performances of dance and theatrical groups are held.
Address: Bullmannaue 20A
"Margaretenhöhe"
Ceramic workshop of the high artist Young Jay Lee. The artist suits the exhibitions-shows of its work, as well as conducts master classes for the manufacture of dishes and other products from clay.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9.00 -17.00, Sat 11.00 -15.00.
Login: Free, free lessons.
Address: Bullmannaue 19
"La Primavera"
Light-shadow art project of the German-American artist Mary Nordman.
Opening hours: from May 6 to September 30 with Mon-Vis from 11.00 to 19.00
The entrance is free
And this is not the entire list. A very interesting object that has become a completely trendy place for the last 15 years. There is also a cafe and restaurants in the territory (German cuisine restaurant "Casino Zollverein", Bistter "Butterzeit!"). There is a Zollverein Touristik information center, where you can seek help (Ahrendahls Wiese, Kokerei Zollverein, Third Gate).
Mine address: Gelsenkirchener Str. 181 (can be reached by tram 107 to Zollverein station)
Lovers of beautiful architecture can go look at beautiful Old synagogue ? which is more than a century. Different exhibitions and readings are held inside the synagogue, the entrance is free from 10:00 to 18:00.
Address: Steeler Straße 29 (two steps from Essen Cathedral)
"Markt- und Schaustellermuseum"
A very interesting bright fairground museum of culture and history of the city, in particular, the trading side of the city (old fairs), collected by the showman and the chairman of the Essen culture department. There are also vintage carousels, and wooden horses, and musical instruments, and clown tents, and paintings.
Address: Hachestraße 68
"Museum Folkwang"
Museum of art of the 19th and 20th centuries. Here are pictures, sculptures, engraving, old photos and more. Interesting temporary exhibitions also happen, for example, from February 15 to May 11, 2014, his exhibition is organized here by the notorious Karl Laregfeld, a German fashion designer and a photographer. His exhibition will feature his photos, books, sketches and clothes itself.
The film images, performances, concerts, events for young people and children are also held here. On the territory there is a restaurant "Vincent & Paul" and a bookstore. Very fashionable place in the city center.
Address: Museumsplatz 1
Login: € 18-40
"SOUL-OF-AFRICA-MUSEUM"
Museum dedicated to the culture and traditions of African countries. In addition to costumes, household items and photos, there is even a voodoo corner (this is a question, by the way, is dedicated to quite a lot in the museum!), Temple of the goddess Mami Wat and the hall dedicated to the slave trade. The museum is a unpelled number of a variety of exhibits! In general, the museum is very complete, interesting, unusual. Film shows and meetings with scientists who deal with issues of studying life in Africa. Some exhibits can even buy, however, the prices are translated (from a thousand or two euros). But the museum is definitely worth visiting!
Address: Rüttenscheider Straße 36
Price: 7-40 euros.