Participating teams and arbitrators are cordially invited to learn more about the town of Düsseldorf during a

Guided City Walk

through the famous Altstadt (Old Town) of Düsseldorf.

The roots of Duesseldorf's Old Town go back to the 12th century. After the battle of Worringen in 1288 where the archbishop of Cologne was defeated, Duesseldorf was granted town privileges. Later on, Duesseldorf flourished as a residence town of the dukes of Juelich-Kleve-Berg, Palatine and Bavaria and Joachim Murat, the brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte. Duesseldorf has always been famous for its promotion of arts and magificent festivities. In 1585, the most ostentatious wedding of Middle Ages took place in Duesseldorf when the German Emperor and the Spanish King attempted to tie the strategic important triple-dukedom of Juelich-Kleve-Berg to the Catholic League by marriage.

Today, the Old Town is one of the quarter to go out as well as a centre of the arts. It hosts galleries, the Art Collection of the state of Nordrhine-Westfalia and the Academy of Art (Kunstakademie) which has introduced  internationally recognized painters and sculptors. Enthusiams for art in Duesseldorf goes back to Duke Jan Wellem, today still a very popular historical figure. He and his wife Anna Maria Luisa of Medici fostered the arts and built a large collection of paintings which currently belongs to the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. Jan Wellem and Anna Maria of Medici were popular for another reason: They loved feasting. Maybe this is the reason why today more than 250 pubs, trendy restaurants, quaint breweries and bars line the streets of the Old Town. Since the rock band Toten Hosen dedicated their song "Altbierlied" (Dark Beer Song) to Duesseldorf's pubs and bars, Duesseldorf’s Old Town is considered to be "the longest bar in the world". It has become famous far beyond Duesseldorf. People in Duesseldorf are very proud of the cozy atmosphere which is provided by the Old Town. The City Walk will end in a brewery where you can enjoy some traditional snacks and Altbier.

Meet for the Guided City Walk on Friday, 7 March 2008 at 7.30pm in front of the office of Duesseldorf Tourism & Marketing, town hall, Burgplatz.

The event is support by