About Bonn
Founded in the first century BC as a Roman settlement, Bonn is one of Germany's oldest cities. From 1597 to 1794, Bonn was the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and residence of the Archbishops and Prince-electors of Cologne. In 1949, the Parliamentary Council drafted and adopted the German constitution, the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn. Though Berlin was symbolically named the de jure capital, from 1949 to 1990 Bonn was the seat of government and de facto capital of West Germany. In recognition of its former status as German capital, it holds the name of Federal City (Bundesstadt). Located in the south of the Cologne lowland in the Rhine valley, Bonn is in one of Germany's warmest regions. Beethoven's birthplace is located in Bonngasse near the market place. There are a few museums and art galleries in the centre.