Rudesheim on the Rhine is located on the northern bank of the River Rhine in the Federal State of Hesse. This small city of approximately 10,000 residents stands just 25 kilometres west of the cities of Wiesbaden and Mainz, and is the major centre of the Rhine wine industry. Rudesheim is also a very popular historic centre attracting visitors for its appealing ‘Old Town’ which is comprised of half timbered houses, narrow streets and old inns, giving the town its medieval character, and also for the surrounding picturesque Rhiengau landscape. The city also offers easy access to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley which includes the beautiful Rhine Gorge and the Lorelei Rock. Both of which are part of the U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site which follows the River Rhine for 65 kilometres from neighboring Bingen, to Koblenz in the north. Home to several visitors’ attractions and the famous Drosselgasse, coined ‘the smallest but the happiest street in the world’, Rudesheim offers an opportunity to enjoy a typical Rhine Valley wine town.
The city of Rudesheim stands at the foot of the gently rolling Taunus Mountains and rugged Lorelei Valley. It is surrounded by a wide and productive expanse of vineyards (3,200 hectares) that although one of the smallest, is considered to be one of Germanys’ best winegrowing areas, and produce a noble Riesling, pinot noir wines, a traditional brandy and a sparkling wine or, Sekt. The city has many attractions but none as famous as the 15th century Drosselgasse, a 144 metre long narrow street that lies in the very heart of Rudesheims’ Old Town. Here visitors can enjoy the local wine taverns, live music, singing and dancing. The street leads visitors from the river to the small square where it is possible to take a cable car high up to a ridge of the Neiderwald where the Neiderwalddenkmal, or Germania Monument can be seen. This famous 38 metre landmark is visible from great distances and lies halfway between Rudesheim and the neighboring village of Assmannshausen. Completed in 1883, the 10.5 metre statue depicts the mythical figure of Germania and commemorates the foundation of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War. Below the monument lies a beautiful view over the city of Rudesheim and to the south, on the other side of the river stands the small city of Bingen, the ‘Gateway to the Romantic Rhine’. Views from above Rudesheim are dominated by the ruins of the 13th century Ehrenfels Castle. Located near the Germania Monument is the Falconery, or the Bird of Prey Zoo.
Close to Rudesheim stands the historic Mauseturm, or Mouse Tower which is located on an island in the middle of the river as it flows to the north-west, and standing directly above can be seen the ruins of the castle and two towers of the13th century Schloss Ehrenfels which is one of the most photographed castle ruins on the Rhine. Other Rudesheim attractions include the Medieval Torture Museum which provides an interesting insight into the history of the legal system in the Middle Ages and includes a formidable collection of medieval instruments of torture - the Rheingau und Weinmuseum, or the Bromserburg Wine Museum which is located in the historic Bromserburg Castle and features the 1,000 year old fascinating history of local wine making – and Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet which displays an unusual collection of 350 automated musical instruments.
The city is of course is well known for its wines and the local vinters offers tastings at their cellar doors. The Asbach Brandy Distillery also has a visitors‘ centre which illistrates the secrets of the distilling process!! In July each year the River Rhine is lit up with fireworks during the ‘Rhine in Flames’ Festival, in which Rudesheim is actively involved in promoting. The castles on both sides of the river and more than 50 boats are illuminated with fireworks making this a spectacular event!! During September the city of Rudesheim holds its annual wine festival in the market square which is supported by traditional and modern music. The highlight of the Festive Season is the Christmas Market of the Nations.
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