Attractions in Old Town (Dusseldorf)

Brauerei Im Füchschen

A firm favorite in the old town, beer-lovers from all over the world congregate here to sample the local brew. Apart from the beer, Füchschen also offers hearty German food. No prizes for guessing what's on the menu: typical dishes like eisbein (leg of pork) with sauerkraut. The later it gets, the less likely you are to encounter a sober customer, which is hardly surprising considering the fine taste of the beer.

Auseinandersetzung

One of the biggest eye-catchers in the old town, the sculpture of two fighting cocks in the middle of the pedestrian shopping zone is guaranteed to raise a smile. The sculptor, Seemann, said that his aim was not just to create an work of art that people could touch, but also to make something that everyone would talk about.

Johannes-von-Nepomuk-Statue

The sculptured Saint Nepomuk is located on the east side of the Oberkasseler bridge and was created by Bert Gerresheim. The theme of this statue is "silent revolution", as the patron saint of Bohemia, Johannes von Nepomuk, was made a martyr of the Silent Revolution in the 14th century. He refused to agree to political misuse of power even while being tortured. The similarities of his features to the Danzig priest Jerzy Popieluszko are intended, since Popieluszko was interrogated, tortured and then drowned in similar circumstances to Nepomuk. An inscription on the feet of this figure remembers the Düsseldorf communist Hilarius Gilges, who was killed by the Nazis in 1933 and was discovered at the foot of the Oberkasseler bridge.

Stadterhebungsmonument

On the occasion of the 700th city jubilee in 1988, the home team 'Düsseldorfer Jonges' founded this monument commemorating the history of Dusseldorf. It was designed by sculptor Bert Gerresheim. At first sight, the monument looks confusing to onlookers. You have to read the monument from left to right like a book. For example, the helmets and breast plates are a reminder of the battle of Worringen in which Dusseldorf partook and achieved its rise to an independent city, the proud mountain lion which is positioned next to a market cart, a clue to the market rights acquired in 1288. In order to understand these and other symbolic depictions, visitors can obtain a brochure containing comprehensive explanations from the town hall.

Heinrich-Heine-Institut

Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) is regarded as one of Germany's greatest writers. The centerpiece of the Institute is an exhibition documenting his life, his work and the influence which he has had upon German literature over the centuries. The library, which includes the manuscript department of the regional and city library, is a starting point for literary research and the archives cover the fields of literature, music, art and science. This unique cultural institution not only allows scholars access to research material, but is also a forum for communication and critical discussion.

Altstadt

Sometimes known as 'the longest bar in the world' Dusseldorf's Altstadt - the Old Town - contains some 200 bars, cafés and restaurants. Despite its relatively small size, the crowds flock here at the weekend, filling most of the bars to bursting point. But the Altstadt isn't just for night owls. Row upon row of atmospheric old town houses have been converted into shops and boutiques offering all a discerning shopper could possibly wish for. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice, with places like the Hetjens Museum, Film Museum, Stadtmuseum, Heinrich Heine Institute and Palais Wittgenstein attracting visitors from far and wide.

Radschlägerbrunnen

The Radschläger (Cartwheel Fountain) is without doubt one of the symbols of Dusseldorf. Erected in 1954 by Alfred Zschorsch in the middle of Burgplatz, this fantastic fountain harks back to the days when the youth of Dusseldorf used to cartwheel in front of spectators, who would then throw them a few pennies as a reward for their efforts. Situated between the old town and the Rhine, the fountain is a popular meeting place for locals young and old.

St. Lambertus

One of Dusseldorf's most visible landmarks is St. Lambert's Church, a Romanesque construction which boasts a leaning tower to rival that of Pisa. While countless legends have been invented to explain this phenomenon, the most plausible was given by the sexton: the wood was still damp when the tower was erected, so when it dried it expanded and made the tower lean. Originally built in the 13th century, the church was reconstructed in 1394 and has changed little since. St. Lambert's also contains a host of religious relics including the bones of St. Apollinaris, the patron saint of Dusseldorf.

Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild

Standing proudly in the middle of Marktplatz, 'The Rider' is Dusseldorf's oldest statue and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding Baroque statues north of the Alps. Created by court sculptor Gabriel de Grupello in 1711, the statue portrays Prince Jan Wellem on horseback. The prince himself was responsible for erecting many of Dusseldorf's most impressive buildings, few of which survived the Second World War.

Schneider Wibbel

Five times a day (at 11a, 1p, 3p, 6p & 9p), locals and tourists gather in front of the carillon to marvel at the glockenspiel, a chiming clock with mechanical figures which re-enact the story of 'Schneider Wibbel'. Wibbel was a dressmaker who insulted Napoleon and was sent to prison. Instead of going to prison himself, Wibbel sent his apprentice, who died in jail, leading everyone to believe Wibbel was dead, while in reality, he was alive. Over the centuries, Wibbel has come to represent the typical, 'clever Rhinelander'. Schneider-Wibbel-Gasse, a small street in the centre of the old town is also named after the cunning dressmaker.

Burgplatz

Dominated by the historic Schlossturm tower, this busy square in the heart of the old town is filled with restaurants and cafés. Sitting here, watching the locals chat, visitors could be mistaken for thinking that they are in Tuscany or Umbria. Located next to the Rhine, Burgplatz makes the ideal starting point for a stroll along the promenade.

Berger Kirche

Berger Kirche is an old protestant church built in the 1600's in Dusseldorf. Currently it is located on Berger Strasse or Berger Road. History has it that protestant churches were not allowed to be built within sights, such as on main streets. Thus the church was built in the yard and one has to go through a passage in building No. 18 to reach the brick church. Entry within the church is not open to all, only on certain occasions is the church open to the public.