Münster
Germany.
There are very few cities around the world that are as stunning as Münster, is a city laced with gothic, colonial era as well as contemporary marvels of architecture. As breath taking the vibe and the infrastructure of this city is, its buildings, roads and other concrete structures tell a rather painful story. It is due to that very reason I felt that this city deserved a blog post of its own. So, here we go!
During the Second World War, 90 percent of the city was destroyed, reducing Münster to a mere pile of building materials. In a matter of a few decades, its people and the relevant authorities restored most of the city from the ravages of war and in the process, gave Münster a complete makeover.
This quaint little city makes up for it with the gothic structures. One such prime example of what Münster has to offer in terms of gothic architectural spectacle is the historical Rathaus, which is known as the Peace Hall. The interiors of the Peace Hall tell the six-centuries-long story of the city. One can find little sculptures embedded into the gothic elements of the theatre-like hall that were carved out to depict the kind of transformation Münster’s populace has had. Additionally, you will find portraits of some of the most important figures from the history of the city.
The gothic structures in Münster coexist with modern architectural pieces. One example of the same is the Museum of art and culture with minimalistic white interiors compliment and the seemingly random zigzag structures or Pablo Picasso’s Museum which intervenes a neoclassic structure keeping its best features, having in contrast with the St.-Paulus-Dom und St. Lamberti Church, splendid gothic buildings.
You can feel its history while strolling around the city with the help of its cycling routes, of which there are many, given that Münster is also known as the cycling capital of Germany. Why, you ask? Münster got that name because a significant percentage of its population prefers to travel around the city on a bicycle instead of a four-wheeler. These cycling routes are everywhere, as if they are the nerves of this city.
As I walk around this city, I think about all that this beautiful city has endured since it came into existence. What astonishes me the most is that even though Münster was destroy by war, it is very well known for the high quality of life it provides to its citizens in the present day.
Would you like to know more about places like Münster? Let me know in the comments section below so that I can serve you better through my words and experiences.
Until the next blog.
Luisa
