Bad Godesberg

Rhine River: Bonn region

Bad Godesberg, southern district of the city of Bonn, North Rhine–Westphalia Land (state), western Germany. It lies on the west bank of the Rhine River opposite the Siebengebirge (Seven Hills), a scenic natural park. A village grew up around the Godesburg castle, which had been founded by Archbishop Dietrich of Cologne (Köln) in 1210. The village developed in the late 19th century as a modern spa town and was chartered in 1935. In 1969 it was annexed to Bonn, along with seven other suburbs. Historic buildings include the ruined castle (destroyed in 1583 by the Bavarians); the Muffendorf Foundation (1254), former headquarters of the Order of German Knights; and La Redoute, a Rococo mansion and former pump room, the scene of diplomatic receptions held by the federal government. There is a 5.5-mile (9-kilometre) promenade along the Rhine. When Bonn was the capital of West Germany, a large number of ministries and foreign legations and headquarters of scientific and industrial associations were established at Bad Godesberg. It is a popular resort for conferences.