DÜSSELDORF 
History

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Different than most cities with a Roman origin, Düsseldorf lies on the right bank of the Rhine. Five bridges connect the city to its older neighbour, the city of Neuss, on the opposite river bank. Originally, Düsseldorf was nothing more than a small village (German : Dorf) on the Düssel river, an affluent of the Rhine.

It received municipal rights in 1288. In the 14th century it became the capital of the Dukes of Berg and from 1614 it was the capital of the Palatine. The town owes much to Duke Johann Wilhelm (called Jan Wellem) who lived here in 1690-1716. Like Cologne, but to a lesser extent, Düsseldorf started to attract writers, artists and musicians.

The Arts Academy (Kunstacademie) was founded in 1777 and became one of the most prominent art institutions in the Land thanks to people like Peter von Cornelius and Wilhelm von Schadow. Later, the painter Paul Klee taught here from 1931 to 1933, and the sculptor Joseph Beys worked here between 1961 and 1972. The famous German writer Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) was born in Düsseldorf.