© Rhein-Kreis Neuss

Novesia, the New: Roman city,Hanseatic city and Germany’s largest chief county town today

As Augustus Caesar reigned over the Roman Empire, his soldiers built a military camp to the south of what is now the old city of Neuss. It is one of the three oldest Roman settlements in Germany. Apart from Novesia, there are numerous other witnesses of these over two thousand year old foundations in Rhein-Kreis Neuss.

During the course of time, the Normans and Spaniards, Carolingians and Merovingians, French and Prussians also all left behind evidence of their presence.What many people don’t know is that Neuss is a Hanseatic city and with around 150,000 inhabitants, it is Germany’s largest chief county town today.

Zollfeste Zons: The Middle Ages, just like in a fairy tale

The first fortifications were built at the beginning of the 12th century. The most famous in Rhein-Kreis Neuss is Zollfeste Zons,which belongs to Dormagen. The “Lower Rhine Rothenburg” is a mediaeval gem. The former state castle of the Electors of Cologne with its intact historic cityscape attracts numerous visitors from the surrounding region. And international tourists come from far away to enjoy the impressive atmosphere or to view the changing exhibitions which can be seen in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss culture centre also located here.

Monasteries, convents, churches, palaces, manors: Country outing as a journey through time

Neuss and Zons are only two destinations for lovers of historic building culture.Numerous castles and palaces, grand houses and farmsteads can be found in Rhein-Kreis Neuss. A tour through the country brings history alive, because many of the monuments are well-kept and invite you to take a closer look.

Many important sites are set up as museums in order to give insights into the region’s tradition. But history is also brought alive – for example during the festive days of early music in Knechtsteden monastery – and culture is staged live.

Historic highlights (Open images in new window)