Brühl, Medieval town in Rhine-Erft District, Germany
Brühl is a town in the Rhine-Erft district that sits between Cologne and Bonn, shaped by two palace buildings from the 18th century. The old town stretches along a historic axis, while modern residential areas and commercial zones form the periphery.
The settlement received town rights in 1285 and developed from 1567 into the residence of the Cologne prince-electors. Prince-elector Clemens August commissioned Augustusburg and Falkenlust in the 18th century, both now listed as World Heritage sites.
The birthplace of Max Ernst carries his name on a museum displaying paintings and sculptures by the surrealist. Visitors walk through rooms where works from different creative phases of the artist hang, often coming directly from family collections.
The town is reached via the Left Rhine railway line or by tram line 18 from Cologne. Pedestrians find their way easily through the historic center, as the main street leads directly to the palace grounds.
A theme park on the outskirts draws visitors from across Europe and has shaped the local economy for decades. The palace complex served until 1990 as a reception venue for international heads of state visiting the Federal Republic.
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