Nonnenwerth, Park island in north Bonn, Germany
Nonnenwerth is a wooded Rhine island near Remagen with walking paths, meadows, and the remains of an old monastery. The island covers around seven hectares and shows historic buildings alongside shoreline areas where ducks and swans can be seen.
The Benedictine convent was founded in 1126 by Abbot Cuno of Siegburg and remained inhabited until secularization in 1802. Later the site was used for a school that continues to operate on the island today.
The name Nonnenwerth recalls the Benedictine nuns who lived here for centuries and left behind the church with its noticeable tower. Visitors today see the cloister walls alongside a maintained park that school groups and hikers often use for breaks.
The ferry connects the mainland with the island from spring to autumn on a schedule, and the crossing takes only a few minutes. Anyone exploring the paths should wear sturdy shoes, as some trails can be uneven.
Franz Liszt wrote eight versions of a piano piece titled Die Zelle in Nonnenwerth between 1840 and 1883 after visiting the island. The work reflects the romantic mood that 19th-century artists associated with this location.
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