Brought back to life after the war, Münster’s old town and its central avenue are still gleaming with historic and religious structures.
The Altstadt or Old Town is the historic center of Münster, where you’ll find many of its iconic churches, museums and towers. Visit Altstadt to see how the majority of this old quarter was destroyed in World War II by Allied bombing, but it has been rebuilt to resemble its former state.
Gather with friends in the Prinzipalmarkt, a wide pedestrian avenue flanked by cafés and high-end boutiques. As you amble along the charming Prinzipalmarkt, listen to the glockenspiel ditties emanating from the Townhouse Tower. This free-standing tower is the sole survivor from a townhouse destroyed in World War II. Walk beneath the colonnade that wraps around the boulevard and browse the items for sale in upscale stores.
Marvel at the gothic features on the façade of the Historic City Hall of Münster, which is famous for having played a key role in bringing peace to the region in the 17th century. Head to the northern part of the avenue for St. Lambert’s Church, remarkable for the three cages that hang from its spire.
A short walk west, find the town’s religious highlight, Münster Cathedral. Appreciate the gothic and Romanesque blend in the design of this vast building, topped by green roofs and spires.
Learn about the history of the city via Altstadt’s many museums. The old photos and timelines in the Münster City Museum provide an insight into the municipality’s development, while the Westphalian State Museum for Art and Cultural History showcases the region’s culture and creativity.
The Altstadt quarter is the historic, commercial and political hub around which the city of Münster has developed. Ride a bus to one of the many stops dotted around this historic district and get around the pedestrian area on foot. Explore the surrounding area for other zones, such as Kreuzviertel, Pluggendorf and St. Mauritz.
