Towns in the Region.
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The towns of Neuss, Ratingen, Krefeld, Mettmann, Mönchengladbach and Solingen surround Rhine County Neuss and with their history and structure they can be considered interesting examples of German town development.
Neuss - Next to Dusseldorf on the western bank of the Rhine lies one of the oldest cities in Germany, Neuss. With 150,000 inhabitants Neuss is a medium-scale town and is growing constantly. Its history goes back to the time of the Romans and even today you can admire the historical Kybele site from the 4th century. But the landmark of Neuss is the basilica Quirinus Munster. This late-romantic church was built at the beginning of 12th century and is a really imposing site. Also very interesting is the museum Insel Hombroich. Situated in a park meadow, a terrace scenery of 12 pavilions were created. In these buildings which are themselves some kind of art, famous artists like Klimt and Matisse are shown.
Ratingen - Ratingen is to the east of Dusseldorf and in the northwest foothills of the Bergisches Land. With just 93,000 inhabitants Ratingen is a medium-sized town. It is already so old that the first settlements are no longer noticeable. A real museum treasure is the Industrie museum Cromford. With the help of the first factory in the whole of mainland Europe, the cotton-spinning mill Brügelmann, the early industrialisation and the introduction of factories is explained. Very impressive! Besides, Ratingen can score with its nature, great parks and recreation areas including two big lakes.
Solingen - A little further in the southeast of Hilden there lies the industrial town of Solingen, known internationally for its cutlery industry. Entitled as the so-called Klingenstadt, the town name is a protected brand name for high-class knifes and shears. More than 90% of the German cutlery industry is based in Solingen. Geographically, Solingen is placed in the Bergisches Land, culturally Solingen still belongs to the Rhineland. The city itself is a union of several boroughs so it has no real town centre but many small centres. Walking through Solingen, the contrasts of rural and urban sceneries as well as industry and living spaces are striking. Many green areas, which were once the deserted brook valleys between the boroughs offer recreation oases in the middle of the town.
Mönchengladbach - To the west of Nuess is the borough of Mönchengladbach, which originated in 1975 from the union of the towns of Rheydt, Wickrath and Mönchengladbach. With 270,000 inhabitants it constitutes an urban centre on the left of the Lower Rhine region and this signifies the atmosphere of the town; it offers many parks and woods to maintain its rural charms. A very nice sight is Rheydt castle. As a moated castle it is embedded in ditches and surrounded by a typical landscape in the Lower Rhine. The football club Borussia Mönchengladbach is also a trademark of the town. Unfortunately, the premier league club is threatened by decline.
Krefeld - Krefeld lies northwest of Neuss, bordering on the Ruhr Area. It was the European centre of silk and velvet production during the 18th and 19th century. The hockey fan knows Krefeld due to the Krefelder Penguins. Animal lovers visit the Krefelder zoo with its 1,300 animals. Some unfortunately also know of the Krefelder Klinikum medical centre, which ranks amongst the ten best in Germany. To get to know the town one should try one of the cycling paths straight through the centre. Here one will experience Krefeld from several angles. The landscape protection areas, the windmills and the nice districts of Uerdingen and Hüls are great contrasts to the internationally active economy.
German Link: Ratingen...
German Link: Krefeld...
German Link: Mönchengladbach...
German Link: Neuss...
German Link: Solingen...
