Page 343 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

WESTERN GERM AN Y  341

RHINELAND–

PALATINATE AND

SAARLAND

The Rhineland-Palatinate is one of Germany’s most romantic regions,
attracting visitors with its vineyards, gentle hills and fairy-tale castles along
the Rhine and Mosel valleys. Several towns, such as Trier, have kept
reminders of their Roman heritage.

These two states, which border France in the is still said to lie at the bottom of the
west, did not emerge in their present form Rhine. The impressive cathedral in Worms,
until after World War II. The Rhineland- along with the Romanesque cathedrals of
Palatinate was created from the previously Speyer and Mainz, is a fascinating example
independent Bavarian Palatinate and the of medieval sacral architecture.
southern part of the Central Rhineland, The “Deutsches Eck” in Koblenz is the
making it a true jigsaw-puzzle of territories strategic spot where the Mosel flows into
without a coherent history. The Saarland was the Rhine, and Koblenz also marks the
under French rule until 1956. Today, it forms beginning of the romantic Rhine Valley.
a bridge between France and Germany, A boat trip upriver, justifiably popular with
the two driving forces of European unity. visitors, will pass some spectacular rocky
The turbulent history of the region has scenery, including the famous Lorelei
left many traces. The picturesque Mosel Rock and countless castles set among
Valley is lined with grand medieval vineyards on either side of the gorge.
fortresses, such as Burg Eltz, while The famous ironworks complex in
Worms on the Rhine is the setting for Völklingen is a reminder of a bygone era,
most of the Nibelungen legend as well as when most of the Saarland’s inhabitants
the residence of the mythical king of were active in mining, steelworks and
Burgundy, Gunther. The Nibelung treasure other heavy industries.

Panorama of Saarbrücken, with the Saar river in the foreground
The majestic ceiling in the Hall of Banners, in Burg Eltz

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