The City of Münster

The Campus of Religions will add one more component to the religiously influenced architectural image of the city of Münster that derives its name from the Latin word monasterium (monastery). Its origin dates back to a medieval ecclesial institution, and many religious orders are still present in Münster.

At the heart of the city, the town hall, the Westphalian Peace was established in 1648. It gave the Western world its political institutional order for more than three centuries - as we know from the concept Westphalian order, defining the principle of territoriality as binding for state authority. Münster is still the seat of the diocese of Münster, where you can find the Cathedral of Münster and the Domplatz in the city centre of near the University of Münster. Numerous churches shape the architecture of the city and represent an important part of the city's history.

With a population of 300,000, Münster is large enough to sustain diverse and distinct cultural life, but small enough that all the important places in town are reachable by bycicle. Students can enjoy theatres, cinemas and bars, explore the historic downtown, visit the marketplace at the Domplatz, or relax at the Aasee Lake, a popular recreation area.