Speaking of Germany - a powerful country located in the central part of Europe, we have many diverse associations. This ancient state is often called the heart of the Old World - and this is no accident. For many centuries, starting with the Holy Roman Empire and ending with the collapse of the Berlin Wall, erected after the end of World War II, Germany had a significant impact on European (and not only) countries. Among other things, it is an ancient country with an incredibly rich culture and nature, which attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. So what is Germany famous for? In this article we will tell you about interesting historical sights of this European country, its culture, culinary and mentality, etc. We will also introduce you to the stories of great emigrants and describe what famous Russian figures in Germany did.
What should I visit first?
Regardless of the purpose of your trip to the country of Beethoven and Bach, of course, it will be interesting for you to make excursions to certain sights. However, given the ancient history of the country, you need to understand that there are a lot of them and it will not be possible to visit all in one trip. Therefore, it will be more expedient to get to know them before your arrival, to find out where the famous sights of Germany are. To the delight of the guests of the country, they are scattered throughout the German state, and wherever you come, there will be something to see. Each city is famous for something special, and even if there isn’t any castle, then there is sure to be a museum, and if there is neither one nor the other, then it will be interesting for you to participate in one of the many festivals, including culinary , taste the legendary German beer or delicious meat products. By the way, many gourmets when asked what Germany is famous for, first of all they call it Bavarian beer and sausages or sausages, which are prepared according to several dozens of recipes.
Architecture: ancient castles
Germany is truly a beautiful country. Here you can see buildings built centuries ago, but perfectly preserved, thanks to the special secrets of the construction of German architects. Such buildings include the famous castles of Germany - fabulous palaces that are often used by filmmakers to shoot historical films. The most famous and romantic among them is Neuschwanstein, which is located in the heart of Bavaria. It is he who is depicted on the famous Walt Disney logo. Another castle, Hohenzollern, was built in the Gothic style of the Renaissance. He was the family estate of the Hohenzollern dynasty, ruling Prussia until the First World War. He repeatedly flashed in knightly films. The third castle that deserves special attention is Eltz. He is over 8 centuries old. Its main feature is its location: it is built on a hill at an altitude of 200 meters, surrounded by a high forest, next to which a river flows quietly. Really beautiful? Today the castle is divided into two parts: one is intended for the exhibition of the museum, and the second is inhabited by members of the Eltz family.
Famous buildings in Germany
In addition to castles, there are many other architectural masterpieces in the country, for example, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag - the legendary government building, which was built in the Renaissance style, but which went down in history not because of its beauty, but in connection with the hoisting of the red banner of victory, which became a signal about the end of the war. By the way, on its walls are still preserved inscriptions left by the soldiers of the victorious Red Army. Today, the Bundestag, the country's parliament, operates in the building. Berlin's famous buildings also include the Cathedral. In other cities in Germany, as already noted, there are also many beautiful and noteworthy buildings. For example, the Munich Hofbräuhaus. It was built at the end of the 16th century. Today it houses a special type of beer restaurant with a beer garden. This is a must have place for visiting tourists. In the old days, Mozart, Wagner and even Hitler visited here. It was here that the Fuhrer staged a Beer Coup.
Temples
By the way, believers on the question of what Germany is famous for, first of all indicate the Cologne Gothic Cathedral. It is rightly called the greatest miracle of Gothic architecture. The construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century and has not yet been completed. It is shocking for its height, which is 157.4 m. However, it is not the first, but the third tallest temple in the world, the first with a height of 161.5 m is located in the German city of Ulm, but it is not as beautiful and famous as Cologne . But Hamburg is famous for its many bridges. Here they are much more than in Amsterdam or Venice.
Museums and galleries
What is Germany more famous for? Of course, with its museums, art galleries, and temples of culture. Among them, the famous Dresden Gallery holds a special place , in which the legendary Sistine Madonna is stored - the pearl of the museum. In general, this gallery has one of the largest collections of paintings in the world. The paintings of Titian, Raphael, Rubens and Rembrandt, Velazquez are exhibited here, and well-known German artists are represented, among which the works of Dürer, Joachim Zandrart, Martin Schongauer occupy a special place. Dresden can be called the cultural capital of the country. Here, more than in other cities, you can see buildings of particular interest to tourists. One of the main attractions of Germany is the island-museum, which is located in the capital. It consists of 5 museums, where exhibits are collected that were created by peoples living in the territory of modern Germany for 6000 years. Modern, but no less famous museums in Germany - Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Here you can trace how the appearance of these famous cars has changed from the first day of their creation to the present day.
Famous people of Germany
This European country is home to many great people: philosophers, scientists, writers and poets, composers, artists, politicians and generals. Who in the world is not familiar with the organ music of I.S.Bach or the symphonies of L.V. Beethoven. The most famous Germans in history are Otto von Bismarck, the “iron” Chancellor of Germany, who carried out the unification of the country along the small German way; Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) - a Christian theologian who translated the Bible into German - he can also be ranked among the most famous people in Germany. The world-famous literary geniuses include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - author of the famous Faust, German writer and poet, thinker. The works of Proust, Thomas Mann, Zweig, Schiller, etc. are included in the list of compulsory literature in high school, as well as in universities.
Famous thinkers
Friedrich Nietzsche is a world-famous philosopher, like Immanuel Kant. But is Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels not to be called celebrities in Germany. Although their teachings did not find a large number of followers in their native country, they served as an impetus for the collapse of such a powerful state as the Russian Empire. Germany is famous for its pioneering scientists: Albert Einstein, who created the theory of relativity, Heinrich Hertz, Georg Ohm, Alexander Humboldt and others. And, of course, Germany is famous for the creators of the fascist theory: Adolf Hitler, Himler, Goebbels and others - people who 5 years kept all of Europe in fear.
Famous Russians in Germany: Princess Romanov
Russia has always been in close relations with Germany, with periods of peace and war constantly alternating. Peter the Great inflamed with special love for the Germans. The Romanov dynasty was often related to German princes and princesses, especially the Württemberg family. So, Grand Duchess Ekaterina Pavlovna, sister of Alexander I and Nicholas I, married the king of this German dynasty. By the way, Bonaparte got married to her, but she preferred Georg Oldenburgsky, and after his death she married Wilhelm of Württemberg. In the history of Germany, her name is inscribed in gold letters, she was a great example of a merciful queen who placed the interests of the country above her personal ones. To perpetuate her memory, her husband, after the death of his beloved wife, built a tomb - an Orthodox chapel, which looked like an ancient church with an inscription above the door: "Love will never die." Another Russian princess, Olga, also married the Prince of Württemberg, later becoming Queen of Württemberg. Her name is associated with the creation of a children's charity hospital in Stuttgart.
Emigrants
In Germany, 18-20 centuries. many immigrants from Russia also lived, some of whom were real world celebrities: Sofya Kovalevskaya, who, wishing to get a higher education, which was impossible during her youth in Russia, left for Germany with her husband. The famous artist Vasily Kandinsky, who is considered the founder of abstract art, after Soviet rule reigned in the country, left Russia and settled in Berlin. Later he gained world fame far from his homeland. For some time, the great poetess Marina Tsvetaeva lived and worked in the capital of Germany with her daughter. Of our contemporaries, opera diva Anna Netrebko is very popular in Germany today . Of course, she is not an emigrant. Cultural figures of her caliber today are considered citizens of the world. It’s just that it is very much appreciated by the Germans, it is the face of megafirms like Chopard and Schwarzkopf.
Mentality
What else can you tell about the Germans? Speaking of them, we, of course, first of all represent German punctuality. In fact, it is one of the most disciplined nations in the world. In addition, the Germans are law-abiding and accurate in everything. In this regard, it is very pleasant to deal with them, they will never let you down. The inhabitants of Germany are also very hardworking and efficient - they like to work and relax. In the country, sport is a cult, and here a healthy lifestyle is being promoted with might and main. Some tourists get the impression that they are cold people, a little snicky. However, this is not so: they can be moderately friendly and responsive, and generous too.