Neuss

Neuss is a district capital on the western bank of the Rhine River, directly across from Düsseldorf, featuring medieval fortifications and modern industrial zones. The settlement stretches along the waterway and combines historical structures with contemporary development that shapes the cityscape today.

The town was established in 16 BC as the Roman military settlement Novaesium, making it among Germany's oldest cities, which was acknowledged with a 2000th anniversary celebration in 1984. Over the centuries the site evolved from a Roman camp into a medieval trading hub with membership in the Hanseatic League.

The Neusser Bürger-Schützenfest festival brings together thousands of participants each year, continuing a marksmen tradition that dates back several centuries. The celebrations draw people from across the region and shape the rhythm of city life during the festival days.

The city harbor accommodates both river vessels and small oceangoing ships, serving as a central point for grain trade and industrial manufacturing. Visitors can walk along the waterfront promenade and watch the shipping traffic that highlights the economic role of the location.

The 13th-century Obertor gatehouse, part of the medieval city walls, now houses the Clemens-Sels Museum with its collection of regional artifacts. The tower combines the town's defensive past with the presentation of local cultural history under one roof.