About Essen
Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Essen is the country’s 6th largest city. At one point in time the city was an important coal production center but when the country’s largest and most established coal mine closed in 1986 the city went through a revolutionary transformation process and was reshaped. The city’s history dates back to before the 1000’s, with an abbey founded in present-day Essen in 845. The city flourished in trade starting in the 11th century. With the opening of the first mines in 1847 the city grew exponentially.
In 2010 Essen was named the European Capital of Culture, along with Istanbul. For years the city was Germany’s most advanced and powerful city in heavy industry and mining but today the city’s industry is shaped on completely different sectors. Today sectors such as retail, exhibition and convention, tourism, construction, R&D, software, and pharmaceuticals have changed the face and identity of Essen. This change is evident in every aspect of the city, from its architecture to landscaping. The most interesting change can be seen in a cultural aspect. The city’s largest coal mine Zollverein has been transformed into an arts and culture area. The Ruhr Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the region’s industry, is located here.
The complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is now home to many design and art studios. Main attractions in the city include Zollverein, Villa Hügel, Museum Folkwang, Aalto Theatre, St. Ludgerus, Old Synagogue, and Essen Minster. The city is also home to Germany’s first pedestrianized street, Kettwiger Strasse and the oldest and largest theater in the country that is still active, Lichtburg. Essen experiences a warm and temperate climate. The Essen/Mülheim Airport is located 10 km from the city center.
