Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

Om

The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex lies close to Essen in Germany — a city that due to its prestige, history and religious sites makes for a fascinating stop-by in itself. However, it is the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex that is now the region’s biggest attraction. The mine area closed in 1986, followed by the coking plant in 1993, after which followed the principle of “Preservation through conversion”. This process continued over the following years, culminating in the complex awarded landmark status for the 2010 European Capital of Culture. Now a dazzling array of museums, theaters, concert halls, restaurants and bars, there is also a big wheel, light shows, workshops, a swimming pool and even an ice-rink. Tours are available or visitors can peruse this incredible complex and discover what makes this conversion so ingenious. For a fantastic birds-eye view of Essen, then head up the tower to snap a truly memorable cityscape.