Inhabited since Celtic times and once part of the Roman Empire, it was first documented in the 9th century with the Latin name Villa Cuchema, demonstrating how deep the historical roots of this town go. Cochem was also once an Imperial estate and was once besieged and occupied by the French. King Louis XIV burned down the original castle and conquered the city, which led to a lengthy reconstruction afterwards. Napoleon’s army also occupied the city in the 18th century but then was assigned to Prussian rule with the fall of Napoleon. World War II also left its mark here, with the majority of the city being destroyed, due to its subcamps of the Natzweiler concentration camp. After the war, Cochem was reassigned to the newly founded German State of Rhineland-Palatinate. Wonder at St Martin’s Church, one of the landmarks of the city, and discover the Capuchin Monastery, founded in 1623 by the Elector Lothar von Metternich. Explore the Market Square and its importance in the late Middle Ages, with a view of the city’s charming half-timbered houses. Discover the castle Reichsburg, a beautifully restored medieval castle, one of the highest hill castles on the river Mosel. Cochem is a gem from the Mosel with much more to offer!