Bonn Landmarks and Monuments

(Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)



Picture of the cathedralBonn is home to plenty of interesting landmarks and monuments, many dating back to the city's historical past.

A good spot to kick off your tour is the Alter Zoll and its cast iron cannon, offering spectacular views over this area of Bonn.

The lively market place is home to a fine fountain, while further local landmarks include the impressive La Redoute, which dates back to Mozart's times and still hosts concerts today. Bonn's quirky little Bröckemännche figure enjoys fine panoramas from the Rhine Bridge, and is worth a visit in its own right.


Alter Zoll

Address: Between Adenauerallee and Rhein, Bonn, D-53111, Germany, DE
This former customs house is the best viewpoint in the area, offering outstanding views of the Siebengebirge Mountains and surrounding countryside. The Alter Zoll originally served as a fort during the 16th and 17th centuries, and was handed over according to the Treaty of Utrecht, which put an end to the Spanish War of Succession in 1713. Apart from the spectacular views, those visiting this impressive site can also admire the Ernst Moritz Arndt Memorial, where various exhibitions take place, alongside collections of antiques and porcelain.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: no charge

Picture of La Redoute

La Redoute

Address: Kurfürstenallee 1, Bonn, D-53177, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0228 36 7720
This house was commissioned by Max Franz, the youngest son of Empress Maria Theresia, to serve Bonn's courtly society as a place for dance and games. La Redoute was one of the last structures to be built in the electoral times, and the result is this grand, classical masterwork. The young Beethoven played music here in front of Haydn, and Mozart's Zauberflöte is said to have had one of its first performances here. Today, La Redoute is host to various concerts, functions and grand receptions.
Open hours: seasonal variations
Admission: charge

Bröckemännche (Little Bridge Man)

Address: Rheinpromenade underneath the Kennedy Bridge, Bonn, D-53111, Germany, DE
This exceptional Bonn monument was at first placed on the Rhine Bridge. Although the residents of Beuel were the chief beneficiaries of the bridge when it was first constructed, they didn't want to raise such a large amount of cash to finance it. This infuriated the other residents of Bonn so much that they erected this 'Little Bridge Man', as it's called, on the bridge just after it opened. After the bridge was destroyed in 1945, the little fellow was moved to the promenade under the bridge. The stone statue's unclothed rear faces the Beuel side of the river. These days, the residents of Beuel don't mind the episode anymore and the 'Little Bridge Man' is always good for a laugh from passers-by.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Hochkreuz

Address: Godesberger Allee, Bonn, D-53175, Germany, DE
In former times, the Hochkreuz was one of the most outstanding landmarks on the route from Cologne to Koblenz. Today, passing cars and train passengers barely notice the kerb cross, which was put up as a monument for penitence in the 14th century. Following the New Gothic style, it was renovated and made bigger in the 19th century. As the original sustained serious damage from the passing traffic, there is only a replica on this spot nowadays. The Rheinisches Landesmuseum is home to the original piece.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Marktbrunnen (Market Fountain)

Address: Markt, Bonn, D-53111, Germany, DE
The Market Fountain is located right in the centre of the lively Marktplatz, in the very heart of the city. Constructed by Bonn residents in the latter part of the 18th century, it was built in honour of Elector Max Friedrich. Water cascades were added over two egg-shaped basins to enlarge the Trachyt Obelisk, which was highlighted with golden decorations. An inscription in German and Latin honours the elector.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge