Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven)

Former Rheingasse 24 - This destination is best described in the words of the Japanese artist “Yukako Ando” in 2012; he develpoed the scultpture “Precision and Potential for Chang- A desk for Ludwig at Rheingasse 934” to mark the site where Beethoven once resided. “On top of the desk that fans out vertically like an accordion is an open window, which implies the option of change. The window highlights the view across the Rhine towards the siebengebirge that was young Ludwig’s favourite perspective from the attic of his parental home. A small bird perched on the window frame symbolises the state of intellectual freedom. In contrast, the elongated table legs represent the possibility of failing and make reference to the young composer’s different personal situation. The small child- size chair in front of the desk further emphasises this contrast.” Ludwig Van Beethoven lived here from 1776 to 1785.

Beethoven-Denkmal - This is the monument created as a large bronze statue of Ludwig van Beethoven which stands on the Münsterplatz. It was created on the 75th birth anniversary of the legend. The people from “circles interested in music” donated for this memorial. The Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Queen Victoria of England and Alexander von Humboldt attended its inauguration in 1845. After the inauguration, a three-day music festival was also held in Beethoven;s honour.

Beethoven Sculpture - The “Beethon” was sculpted by Klaus Kammerichs in 1986. This was created from the the best known portrait ever of Beethoven which was painted in 1819 by Karl Josef Stieler. The sculpture was named “Beethon” meaning concrete.

Chamber Music Hall - The tent- like shape and centrally positioned podium for musicians presents the multifarious artistic activities of the members of the orchestra. This “Chamber Music Hall Hermann J. Abs” was opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Beethoven in 1989.

Main University Building - This building depicts the court theatre, painted by the artist François Rousseau which was built around 1750. In the artwork, the electoral princes orchestra is displayed into two divided sections. Along with Ludwig, his grandfather (Johann) and other people also worked here as musicians.

Beethoven House - The first four years of Ludwig van Beethoven were spent here. He was born in the rear building at number 20 Bonngasse and was baptized on 17 Dec 1770. The house is now serving as a museum and cultural institution and is considered as a memorial site.

St. Remigius Parish Church - The construction of the church began in 1272 by the Franciscan Order (Order of Friars Minor) and was completed and concentrated in 1307. This is where Beethoven played the organ at 6 a.m. in the morning service. The organ’s keyboard is also kept in the Beethoven House.

Palace Church - Ludwig was given the training of organ in this church by the composer Christian Gottlob Neefe which completed in the year 1779. At the age of 14, Ludwig had started earning a proper wage as a court organist to the electoral princes of Cologne.

Former Zehrgarten - Ludwig enjoyed interacting with musicians and students from other courts in the renowned “Zehrgarten” of widow Koch. He peculiarly admired his daughter Babette. Also, an adjoining bookshop next to the Zehrgaten made Ludwig become familiar with the literature of the Age of Edify.

Beethoven Hall - Also known as “Beethovenhalle”, was designed by the architect Siegfried Wolske in the year 1959. During the world war two, the hall was destroyed on 18 October 1944, however in 1952, it was then announced by the building committee to rebuild the hall. Also, Paul Hindemith gave the inaugural performance with his own composition “No-bilissima Visione” in this hall.

Alter Friedhof, grave of Beethoven’s mother - A historical cemetery spread in an area of 3 acres have some most notable burials and monuments. Among them, is the grave of Beethoven’s mother, Maria Magdalena (née Keverich). She was born in 1764 and died on 17th July 1787. The traces of her grave were all lost until they were rediscovered in 1932.

Monastery School - Ludwig visited the public Latin school which was held by St. Cassius Minster. On the south side of the cloisters at Bonn Minster, he studies grammar, rhetoric and logic. He also used to play the Minster organ.

Dreieck - This was as the second house for Ludwig and his family. It was earlier known as No. 210 Dreieck. His brother Kaspar Anton Karl was born here in April 1774 who later also followed Ludwig to become a musician in Vienna, 1794.

Lippesches Palais, Beuel-Oberkassel - In the year 1780, according to master baker Gottfried Fisher, Ludwig usually spent some time at the palace in Oberkassel. Ludwig was given an invitation from a person named “Mr von Menizar”, who could possibly be the owner of that palace. However, later the name of the palace changed to “The Princes of Lippe”.