Rhineland-Palatinate in the heart of Germany is a real treasure trove of stories and history. From the earliest settlements through the Celts, the Romans and the Franks right up to the present day it has always been a region brimming with adventure and excitement. There are many vivid reminders of the past, of ordinary everyday life as well as great historic events. Majestic castles, magnificent palaces, important churches and atmospheric abbeys reflect the rich history of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Many of the region's historical buildings are not only visual splendours: they are also brought to life by a variety of cultural events. The entertainment on offer ranges from culture at castles to the hugely popular Summer of Culture (only available in German) or to the Roman Antiquity Festival  (only available in German).

Follow in the footsteps of the Romans through Trier, Germany's oldest town, and along the Moselle where the Romans introduced wine-growing to the region. The Roman town of Trier is one of the region's UNESCO world heritage sites, along with the cathedral in Speyer, the Limes (boundary of the Roman empire) and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The many castles and palaces are a legacy of the important role played by Rhineland-Palatinate in the Middle Ages. Nowadays the castles are altogether more peaceful places to be: palace hotels offer sumptuous accommodation and the castles provide a magnificent setting for many events.