When we arrived to the coast of the river Rhine, our first impresion was as if we were entering a canal fortress, flanked by impressive mountains like natural walls on both sides along the river. Castles were constructed up in the hills by feudal landlords during the middle ages. Many of those constructions, far from an aesthetic and romantic conception, were designed to defend and protect their habitants from invaders and barbarians. Their construction was difficult and dangerous, where many forced workers lost their lives moving and transporting stones up the hills. Also, being the Rhine a main via of communication and transportation, every boat had to pay its right to transit in character of a toll.
Another interesting observation was to see a lack of bridges. The few you can find along the river course are nearby important cities, and most of them are pretty modern. Also, and as a consequence of that, it is common to see boat-transport services that cross passengers from one bank to the other. This is a fact considering that the Rhin was a scenario of battles, conqueror's compaigns, and an endless succesion of occupations from French armies and German/Prussian wars during the times. But primarily most bridges were destroyed during World War II.
The Mosel, on the contrary, offers you a total different character compared to the Rhine, despite the fact that this region has seen its own battles as well. Its lower hills and more amiabble terrain make from Mosel a much more peaceful landscape. One of the premium spots for white grapes, it gives origin to the most famous german white wines. The villages with a unique architecture, offer romantic scenarios for a wonderful vacation.
One more thing, if you never been in Germany before, you might feel inclined to think that Germans are cold and indiferent.... Well.. you will need to reassess your perceptions, because if you dare to mingle, chat and share a table in a Biergarten, you will find yourself having a great time and having a lot of fun with locals. Especially if you love a good beer!.. Germans are warm, social, and welcome visitors. Do not miss the opportunity to know their customs and traditions.
Mainz - 2000 years of History
The origins of Mainz are known as Moguntiacum in roman times and it was founded around 13BC. A name taken, perhaps as some historians suggest, from the adopted Gallic god "Moguns".
Mainz is strategically located in the confluence of Mainz and Rhin rivers. This is the region where several Gaulish tribes resided, until Caesar defeated them and conquered it in 58 BC.
Mainz was destroyed by Atila in 451 during his campaign in Gaul, along with Trier, Strasbourg, Cologne, Worms and others.
A few years later, and after the fall ofthe Roman Empire, Mainz was occupied by Franks (circa 475), as part of the the Kingdom of Cologne. Mainz was an important location during the Holy Roman Empire created by Charlemagne
Later in time, Prussians occupied this territory until the army of the New Republic, during the French Revolution, took over Mainz in 1792. This occupation lasted a few days when Prussian forces defeated the Franks in less than 4 months. For that short period of time Mainz and its sourrounding territories were part of the the Republic of Mainz.
Mainz was also part of France in modern times, from 1919 and 1930 as a result of the Treaty of Versailles. It was taken back to Germany by the expansion of the Third Reich, as part of the Rhineland. Downtown Mainz was almost destroyed during the World War II. After the end of the Wolrd War II, it was occupied by French army from 1945 to 1949.
With more than 2000 years of impressive history, Mainz offers an authentic German style and tradition, but with an interesting mix with Roman and Barroc trace, as silent witnesses of so many transformations and transitions during its times. www.mainz.de
Trier - The Oldest City in Germany
Trier is located in the Rhineland-Palatinate state on the Mosel, and was founded circa 16 BC, which makes it the oldest city in Germany. As soon as you arrive in Trier, the Roman influence is so evident that you cannot miss the traces that denote this city was part of the empire. It is a city with its own merits and uniqueness that attract and seduce visitors.
Trier was also part of the "Holy Roman Empire" governed by Charlemagne in 870. It was also part of France after the "Thirty Years War" and the "Napoleonic Wars, to finally form part of the Prussian Kingdom in 1815.
As with many other cities in the region, it was heavily bombarded during World War II and reconstructed to what it is today. Many of the historic buildings and relics were miraculously maintained intact. Karl Marx was born in this city in 1818.
As a visitor you find yourself welcomed in Trier. Entering from La Porta Nigra side, the structure itself is very impressive, followed by the openness of the main square at Simeonstraße makes a perfect place to look around and have a grasp of the city's personality. And if you are visiting during nice weather season, it is great to sit down in one of those outdoor tables' bars and restaurants and have lunch or a full flavored weissbier.
With Trier you have to take time and go with a very well established itinerary because many of the interesting places might remain hidden to the unprepared tourist that will see only the obvious. Our favorites are La Porta Nigra, The Roman Baths, The Cathedral, and The Palace of Trier. We enjoyed this unique city very much. cms.trier.de
Where to Stay?
After arriving in Mainz, we decided to spend the night in Lörch, since it was late and light was dimmed. Driving through town we found a small sign that read "Zimmer". At that point we were exhausted after a full day traveling, so we decided to take a chance.
We stayed at one of the so many Gästehaus. This was not a prime hotel, anyhow comfort was excellent, cleaned up to the smallest detail, nice shower and excellent breakfast is a constant in all of Germany. This is what motivated us to take this approach over and over again in any place we stayed in Germany. So, our recommendation? If you are short on time and looking for a place where to spend the night, go ahead and check these guest houses; you will find most of them very appealing, and even better, pricewise very convenient.
Our lodging experience in this whole region was aboslutely fantastic. We either stayed at local hotels, hostals, or Gästehauses.
We stayed in Kröv at Mosel. This little town is very conveneint to make a stop in your Mosel itinerary. We stayed at the bed&breakfast shown in the picture (name missed-placed), that is located right on the main road. Very nice, very comfortable great rooms, and pricewise one of the most convenient deals.
Unfortunately for AgroTravels, we did not spend all the time that Luxemburg deserves, but we were able to see just a glimpse of the style and glamour that this city has to offer.
We promised ourselves to go back to Luxemburg to dedicate the time and provide its own space in our pages.
