Koblenz – Making choices

Koblenz’ fortune is linked to the two mighty rivers Rhine and Moselle. Thanks to its strategic position the city was the place to be in the Middle Ages. Traders, princes and bishops met here. The decisions they made affected the whole realm.

Place of choices  – St. Castor

That goes for one choice in particular. In 842 the representatives of the grandsons of Charlemagne negotiated a momentous deal in the Basilica of St. Kastor. In the resulting treaty of Verdun they agreed to divide the realm. Into East, Middle and West Francia. This division was the foundation for the future states of France and the Holy Roman Empire. Another major turning point took place in St. Kastor. In an unforeseen move the princes elected Conrad III. to be the next king in 1138. Conrad had managed to act swiftly. He had secured the princes support and thus gained the upper hand on his rival Henry the Proud (read more about Conrad III. at Speyer Cathedral).

Just a short walk from St. Kastor you can still see parts of the medieval city wall, at “Altlöhrtor” and “Schanzenpforte”.

Toll on River Rhine

Koblenz used its position on Rhine and Moselle to its advantage. Old documents, like the Koblenz toll charter, highlight this (read more about tolls on the Rhine at Pfalzgrafenstein). The Koblenz toll charter listed the fees traders had to pay for their goods. Traders dealt in wine, pots and fur but also cheese or fish from the Netherlands. Every trader had to pay a toll using part of his stock. Slaves, swords and falcons were also seen as a commodity. Koblenz made a profit by sitting on one of the most important trade routes of the Middle Ages.

Take a trip to the top of the city and enjoy the sight of the two rivers meeting. The cable car takes you to the fortress Ehrenbreitstein. This castle was built in the year 1000 by Ehrenbert of the Conradines. But the fortress owes its current look mostly to the 19th century and the Prussians. Today it is the home of the State Museum in Koblenz. Which is always worth a visit. You can learn more about the history of this region. Or just relax and walk through a medieval cottage garden.

http://tor-zum-welterbe.de/landesmuseum-koblenz/