Cochem´s historic old town

Numerous are the remains of the old city wall with its defensive fortifications. The Enderttor with its former gatekeeper’s apartment, the fortified tower with its Balduin’s Gate and the Martinstor with wall-walk, they all act as contemporary witnesses to Cochem’s turbulent past.
Cochem’s historic town hall is another unique eye-catcher. It was built in 1739 on the picturesque market square with Saint Martin’s fountain at its centre. With their roofs covered with slate from the Moselle’s surrounding hills, the timbered houses in the old town’s narrow alleys are just as beautiful.
The fountain “Bockbrunnen” at our Moselle promenade represents a “Cochemer Stückelchen”, an ironic narrative form telling anecdotes of Cochem’s citizens everyday lives. Facing the fountain, you can find Saint Martin church with its conspicuous tower. The main pedestrian zone passes underneath it. From the Moselle promenade, you can access Bernstraße by walking through the “Fuchsloch” (fox’s den). In the past, it used to be Cochem’s smallest town gate.
You can find a mosaic with Cochem’s lineage attached to the pillars of the bridge close to the tourist information.
Starting at the market square, an old and narrow stone stairway leads up the hill that our monastery is situated on. The Kapuzinerkloster, our former monastery, was built in 1630 and served as a capuchin convent until 1802. Today, it is the city’s culture and conference centre.
The best way to reach the Imperial Castle is to take the path across the old burial mound “Tummelchen”, whose old watchtower “Zuckertürmchen” (translated: sugar tower) was used to oversee the city’s frontiers. Today, it is a remnant of the historic town wall. While walking uphill, take a detour to the rebuilt historic vintner’s hut!