Siegen

Siegen
Siegen is a town in Germany, located in the Prussian province of Westphalia. The name Siegen is derived from the Celtic river named Siege. The citys history reveals that the city land was always rich in mines.The city is popular for its iron reserves and has many iron foundries.

The most prominent buildings in the city include two castles and a 13th century church, named as Nikolaikirche. Other major manufactures include metal products, leather goods and machinery.

Siegen was the residence of the princes of Nassau-Siegen from 1606 to 1743. The city is also noted as the birthplace of the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. According to the 2002 census, the population growth rate is 108,300.

Geographical Facts
The Siegen city resides in a basin of the upper Sieg. From this basin, various valleys branch off in many directions. The citys total land area is 115 km?. More than half of the covered area of Siegen consists of thick woods, making Siegen one of the greenest cities of Germany.

The Siegen city area is divided into six zones. Each of these zones is further branched into communities. Each of these zones consists of a board of members, appointed by the city council.

Experience of Siegen
The Siegen city is sited on a tremendous hill. People visiting Siegen, must come here will good walking shoes or boots. The city is on a steep incline, and the views from the top make it a worthwhile experience.

Buildings
During the Second World War, 80% of the Siegen town was destroyed. However, there still exist few buildings that are of interest to tourists.

Obere Schloss
There are two castles in Siegen. One of them resides on the top of the hill and is named as Obere Schloss. This castle boasts a beautiful park, beer garden and the city museum. The castle provides a beautiful view of the city below and the surrounding hills.

The museum is entered through the castle doors. This museum is famous for the historical portraits of the royal Siegen family and paintings by the renowned artist Rubens. A secluded section is dedicated to mining, with a walkthrough to an actual mine.

Unteres Schloss
Late in the 17th century, the Unteres Schloss was home of Nassau- the owner of the city. Later, inside the Schloss you could find the tomb of the Nassau.

Today, the Schloss serves as a state authority building in which the North Rhine-Westphalia Building and Property Establishment, the State Environment Office, the Office for Occupational Health and Safety and the Attendorn Correctional Facility are all housed.

Glorious Churches
There are two beautiful churches in Siegen. One of them is popularly known as the Nikolaikirche church eminent for its eight-sided shape and a crown spire. The crown spire is the symbol of the town of Siegen. Another famous church is the Martinikirche church which dates back to the 11th century. Also worth seeing are Siegen's Old Town and several museums in the heart of the city.

Museum fur Gegenwartkunst
This museum has a collection of paintings from a variety of modern artists. You can also see modern dance videos from the 1970s. This museum is famous among tourists for its random and unique displays.

Beatles Museum
According to the Guiness Book of Records, the Beatles Museum is the smallest public museum built on a 27 m? land area. This museum is famous for its wide ranging collection of musicians, over 17,000 sound storage media, souvenirs, film posters and autographs.

The Preserved Gasholder
In the southwest of the city, there is a spherical gasholder, which has been preserved by the state. This gasholder has become a monument and is popular for its captivating casing. Only three such gasholders are known to exist worldwide. People come to see this gasholder from faraway places.

Cultural Sights
Siegen boasts of one of the current decades most important newly built theatres. This theatre is named as Apollo-Theatre. Another major cultural house is L?z, which has been home to many musical events ever since 1992. People go to open- air concerts and productions for entertainment.

The Rubens Prize of the City of Siegen
The Rubens Prize of the City of Siegen, founded in 1955, is given in remembrance of the renowned painter-diplomat Peter Paul Ruben born in the city of Siegen. This award is given after every five years to a painter or graphic artist whose lifes work has been examplory on the European stage.

Siegen University
The Siegen University was founded in 1972. Students from all over the world come here for higher studies. The university offers Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in a variety of subjects.

Economy
The economy of the Siegen city is mainly based on metal working. The surrounding districts are rich in iron mines, and iron founding and smelting are the most important branches of industry in and near the town. Large tanneries and leather works, and factories for cloth, paper and machinery, are among the other industrial establishments.

Activities
The Siegen city is a beautiful city blessed with natural scenic environment. Tourists like to go on hiking tours on the green hills and treasure the splendor of the view below the hills. Also worth a visit are a few small towns around Siegen, such as Hilchenbach or Freudenberg.

Furthermore, there are a few well known breweries in the area that can be visited, for instance Krombacher and Eichener Brauerei in Kreuztal, along with other smaller breweries.

Hotels
The famous Ramada Siegen hotel lies in the center of the green city. This hotel is embedded in hilly forest scenery.

Conclusion
Siegen and its vicinity offer many attractions such as museums, castles, adventure parks, and lovely hiking paths. The city is built on a steep hill and the view from the top makes the experience of Siegen, memorable for you for a long time to come.