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Situated near the Rhine River in Germany, the Cologne (Koeln) Cathedral is of quintessential Gothic design and is the most recognizable landmark in its namesake city. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in the late 1800s. The two towers are over 152 m (500 ft) tall.

The Goethe House in the old town of Frankfurt, Germany, was the residence of the Goethe family until 1795. The family's most notable personality, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, was born there in 1749, lived there till the age of 16, and returned sporadically throughout his life. The house stands next to the Goethe Museum (on the right).

The Eurotower (on the left) and Commerzbank Tower in the bankenviertel (financial district) of Frankfurt, Germany. The skyscrapers were constructed 20 years apart, in 1977 and 1997, respectively.

The Operturm (Opera Tower) in Frankfurt, Germany, was opened in 2010 and is named after the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) that it faces, a corner of which may be seen in the center of the photo.

Inaugurated in 1880, the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) in Frankfurt, Germany, still serves as a major concert hall, as well as a theater. Operas, however, are performed in the new Oper Frankfurt (Frankfurt Opera).

Fin-de-siècle architecture at the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) metro stop in Frankfurt, Germany.

An eccentric office building weaves its way through the financial district of Frankfurt, Germany.

An architectural sandwich in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Chamber of Commerce Building in Frankfurt, Germany. The city has been Germany's financial center for centuries, and it is the home of several major banks and brokerage houses. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is one of the most important in the world.

Monument honoring Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of mechanical movable type, in the Rossmarkt (old Horse Market) of Frankfurt, Germany. His invention in the mid-15th century launched the printing revolution and is regarded as one of the key developments of modern history.

An 18th century archway of the Palais Thurn und Taxis and 21st century skyscrapers (Nextower) provide an interesting architectural juxtaposition in Frankfurt, Germany.

Located at the edge of the Hauptwache plaza is St. Catherine's Church, the largest Lutheran church in Frankfurt, Germany. Construction of the baroque church was completed in 1681. Destroyed by World War II bombing, it was rebuilt between 1950 and 1954.

An area of the Hauptwache plaza in Frankfurt, Germany. In the background is St. Catherine's Church.

The city of Heidelberg, Germany, lies in Baden-Wurttemberg on the River Neckar. A Roman fortress and settlement in the area was abandoned in A.D. 260. A new settlement called Bergheim began in the 5th century. The first reference to Heidelberg was recorded in 1196; this is considered the founding date of the city.

Heidelberg Castle in Germany, as viewed from a town square.

Heidelberg Castle in Germany was built as a fortification between 1398 and 1410. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the fortress was turned into a castle with Gothic and Renaissance features. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today the castle is used for banquets, balls, theater performances, and classical concerts.

The ruined section of Heidelberg Castle in Germany.

The Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit), constructed between 1398 and 1515, is the largest church in Heidelberg, Germany, and among the most visited churches in the country. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it changed denominations frequently over the centuries, and at one point, the nave and choir of the church were separated by a wall to allow Catholics and Protestants to worship at the same time. The wall was removed in 1936, and the church became solely Protestant.

The Old Bridge in Heidelberg, Germany, is a nine-arch stone bridge erected between 1786 and 1788 to replace earlier wooden structures. Parts of it were destroyed in 1945 by the retreating German army, but it was repaired within two years.

View of Heidelberg, Germany, and the Heidelberg Castle from the tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit.

A view of Heidelberg, Germany, and the Old Bridge from the tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Flower boxes overlook a street in Ottweiler, Germany, a town in the Saarland region that dates back to the late 14th century. In the second half of the 18th century, Ottweiler was renowned for its fine white porcelain, but the industry closed down, making Ottweiler porcelain among the rarest in the world.

The Pavilion, a duke's hunting lodge and rose garden, was constructed in the 18th century and today is one of the top places to visit in Ottweiler, Germany.

The basilica of Sankt Wendel (St. Wendel) in the town of the same name near Trier, Germany. The site was originally named Basonevillare (Baso's farm) after the feudal lord who owned it. The Bishop of Verdun bought the town in the mid-7th century and erected a church over the grave of a very popular hermit, Wendelin, who died near Basonevillare. The church became such a popular pilgrimage destination that a new church was built to house Wendelin's remains.

Around 16 B.C., the Romans founded Trier, Germany, which eventually became the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. It is the oldest city in Germany and the oldest seat of a Christian bishop north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra (Black Gate) in Trier was built between A.D. 186 and 200 and guarded the northern entrance to the city. After 1035, the Porta Nigra was converted into a church. During the Napoleonic Wars -- when the French occupied Trier -- Napoleon ordered that the Porta Nigra be restored to its Roman form.

The Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in Trier, Germany, is one of the country's most important early Gothic cathedrals. It was built over a Roman double church and completed in 1260. Its shape is in the form of a Greek cross, and its floor plan resembles a 12-petaled rose, the symbol of the Virgin Mary.

In 1615, the Elector Lothar von Metternich began to construct a Rococo-style palace in Trier, Germany; Archbishop Johann Philipp von Walderdorff completed the structure in 1756. Today the palace -- considered to be one of the most impressive Rococo buildings in the world -- houses the Trier city government offices.

Looking down an old street in Wittenberg, Germany, to the Schloss Kirche (Castle Church) where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses in 1517, sparking the German Reformation. The church, completed in 1509, contains the tombs of Luther, Melanchton, and Frederick the Wise.

The Market Place of Wittenberg, Germany, with the Stadt Kirche (City Church) -- also known as Marienskirche (St. Mary's Church) or Mother Church of the Reformation -- in the background. Martin Luther did most of his preaching in the church, some parts of which date to the 13th century.

Albrechtsburg Castle and the Meissen Cathedral overlooking the city of Meissen, Germany, known as the "cradle of Saxony." The castle, designed in late Gothic style, was constructed in the 15th century as a residence. It is now a museum with murals illustrating the history of Saxony Meissen. The Gothic Meissen Cathedral, begun in 1260 on the same hill as the castle, is one of the smallest cathedrals in Europe.

Looking down on the roofs of Meissen, Germany, with the Church of Our Lady in the background. The Gothic church, located next to Market Square, was built between 1460 and 1570, and the porcelain bells in its tower were the first to have tunable chimes.

Dresden, the capital city of Saxony, Germany, was completely destroyed in World War II. The subsequent 40 years of urban development as part of East Germany considerably changed the face of the city. Since reunification in 1990, some restoration work has helped rebuild parts of the historic inner city.

The original Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in Dresden, Germany, a Baroque Lutheran place of worship, was built in the 18th century. In 1945, during Allied bombing at the end of World War II, the distinctive structure was completely destroyed. Reconstruction began in 1993, after German reunification, and was completed in 2005. Today the church serves as a symbol of reconciliation between former warring enemies and is a hugely popular tourist destination.

The altar of the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany, displaying a relief of Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, remained mostly intact after the Allied bombing in 1945.

The painted dome of the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany, had to be completely reconstructed after the Allied bombing in 1945.

The Baroque Zwinger Palace in Dresden, Germany, was constructed between 1710 and 1728 for Augustus the Strong, elector of Saxony. Leveled by Allied bombing in 1945, it was rebuilt and today houses a number of museums.

Some sculpted highlights on the wall pavilion at the north end of the Zwinger Palace in Dresden, Germany.

The Fuerstenzug, located on the outside wall of the Residence Palace in Dresden, Germany, depicts the rulers of Saxony over a thousand-year period. It is the largest and longest porcelain picture in the world, composed of ca. 25,000 porcelain tiles (only the concluding section is shown here). The dimensions are 102 m (335 ft) by 9.5 m (31 ft).

A scene in Saxon Switzerland National Park near Dresden, Germany, where old castles abound and visitors go to rock climb.

The town of Oberrathen, Germany, along the Elbe River, as seen from the Bastei, a sandstone rock formation.

A view showing the town of Rathen, Germany, on the Elbe River. Niederrathen (Lower Rathen) on the left connects to Oberrathen (Upper Rathen) on the right by ferry.

Flowers blooming in an overlook at Saxon Switzerland State Park in Germany.

Some good climbing peaks in Saxon Switzerland State Park in Germany.

An alpine lake in the foothills of the Alps near Munich, Germany.

Neuendorf bei Wilster is a tiny park just north of Hamburg, Germany, with a historic flood-level pole and an information board that identifies the site as being the country's lowest point (-3.54 m or -11 ft).

The black and gold cross that marks Germany's highest point on its tallest mountain, Zugspitze.

View from the top of Zugspitze in Germany, looking towards Austria.

A view of the colorful houses in Dinklesbuehl, Germany, captured from a church tower. The city is surrounded by medieval walls and towers.

Bridge over the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg, Germany.

Colorful flower boxes along the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg, Germany.

Overlooking the Pegnitz River as it flows through Nuremberg, Germany.

River view of the half-timbered Weinstadel (former wine depot) on the Pegnitz River flowing through Nuremberg, Germany.

Part of the Hangman's Bridge (Henkersteg) in Nuremberg, Germany, built in 1457. The city executioner used to live in the tower and the roofed walk above the River Pegnitz.

The half-timbered Weinstadel (former wine depot) is one of Nuremberg, Germany's most famous buildings. Built between 1533 and 1544, it originally served as a house for lepers, but today is a student dorm.

Neuschwanstein Castle, located in the foothills of the Alps in Germany, is the best known of the three royal palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Construction began in 1869, and although it was inhabitable by 1873, it was never finished. Often referred to as “the paradox castle,” it was built at a time when castles were no longer necessary, and it was outfitted with the latest technological comforts such as an elevator, running water, electricity, telephones, and central heating. King Ludwig lived off and on in the castle for six months before dying in 1886. A few weeks after his death, the castle opened to the public as a museum; today it welcomes millions of visitors each year.

The US Army Checkpoint (Checkpoint Charlie), the former crossing point between East and West Berlin in Germany.

A preserved portion of the Berlin Wall in Germany. The wall was begun in 1961 and completely encircled West Berlin until 1989. The former wall is marked in some places by cobblestones.

Part of Schloss Cecilienhof in Germany, where the Potsdam Conference -- which established post-World War II order in Europe -- took place in the summer of 1945.

The terrace at Sanssouci, the former summer palace of Frederick II of Prussia, in Potsdam, Germany, near Berlin.

The Hessisches Landesmuseum (Hessian State Museum) in Darmstadt, Germany, is a museum of contemporary art.

Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a 16- to 18-day folk festival (the world's largest) running from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October. The view shows the interior of one of the massive tents set up to serve food and beer to millions of visitors. The celebration began in 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, and the citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities.

This bronze statue of composer Felix Mendelssohn in Leipzig, Germany, is a replica of an original erected in 1892, which the Nazis razed in 1936 because of his Jewish heritage. It stands on a granite pedestal with Euterpe, the Greek muse of music, and a pair of winged cherubs playing a violin and flute at his feet. The replica was dedicated in 2008 in recognition of Mendelssohn’s 200th birthday.

Situated near the Rhine River in Germany, the Cologne (Koeln) Cathedral is of quintessential Gothic design and is the most recognizable landmark in its namesake city. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in the late 1800s. The two towers are over 152 m (500 ft) tall.