We recently enjoyed a very pleasant stay in Münster, spending four non-consecutive nights parked at the zoo’s lot, which made for a convenient base to explore the city. The Allwetterzoo itself proved to be a mixed experience. While the concept of covered walkways and the overall park setting is excellent for visitors in any weather, we felt that some of the enclosures seemed a little neglected and not very well maintained, giving the zoo a slightly run-down appearance in spots. Despite this, it was still a perfectly fine place to visit, and the animals seemed well cared for. In the city center, the architecture presents a blend of old and new. Much of the historic core, including the famous Prinzipalmarkt with its gabled houses, was painstakingly reconstructed to its historic appearance after widespread destruction during World War II, so it feels a bit more “modern” in its newness than other ancient European cities. However, the churches truly stand out. The St. Paulus Cathedral and the Gothic St. Lamberti Church, with its historical cages still hanging from the steeple, are incredibly impressive, offering a powerful glimpse into the city’s past. We especially enjoyed our walks along the river and the Promenade, the beautiful green belt that encircles the city center where the old city walls once stood. Münster’s history is incredibly rich and significant. It was originally founded around 793 by Charlemagne’s missionary, Ludger, and developed into a powerful member of the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. Its pivotal moments in European history came in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1534, the city was taken over by the radical Anabaptist sect in what is known as the Münster Rebellion, who established a proto-socialistic theocracy they called the “New Jerusalem” until the city was recaptured a year later. Most famously, in 1648, Münster was the site for the signing of the Peace of Westphalia, alongside Osnabrück, which officially ended the devastating Thirty Years’ War in Europe and is considered a foundational document of modern international law and state sovereignty. After the fall of the Prince-Bishopric in the Napoleonic era, Münster became the capital of the Prussian province of Westphalia. This long and dramatic history is what gives the city its depth, and despite some modern influences, its historical importance remains palpable.
