The healing powers of the thermal springs in Bad Neuenahr and Ahrweiler are legendary. Apollinaris mineral water is the most famous in Bad Neuenahr. Close to the Rhine, the spa resort is also ideally situated for exploring a number of historical attractions including the excavation site at the Roman Villa on Silberberg hill.Apollinaris springs
Bad Neuenahr, famous for its Apollinaris mineral water known as the "Queen of Table Waters", has a spa tradition going back almost 150 years. In 1852, the winegrower Georg Kreuzberg bought a vineyard close to Bad Neuenahr at auction for 15 talers. However, because of the acidic soil, the vines did not flourish on the site. Trying to find out why, he had ditches dug and discovered that carbonated mineral water was welling up out of the rock 50 foot down. He had found an underground mineral spring of the highest quality. Kreuzberg brought the flow of water under control and named the spring after Apollinaris, actually the patron saint of wine.Roman Villa
This remarkably well-preserved Roman country house on Silberberg hill gives visitors an insight into the sophisticated way of life and domestic culture of the Romans. The condition of the excavated Roman architecture and the colourful interior decor is unparalleled in the region north of the Alps. Visitors can also gain an insight into the detailed archaeological and restoration work that is being continued under the shelter.Radio telescope
The world's largest radio telescope is located near Effelsberg on the road to Ahrweiler to the south-east of Bad Münstereifel. The antennae alone cover an area of 7,850m² - that's bigger than a football pitch. The radio telescope is used for astronomic research. With its 24 electric motors, scientists from around the globe can use the telescope to locate and observe any object they seek in space in a very short time. The telescope has an incredible range of 12 to 15 billion light years. The viewing platform is accessible at all times. Visitors can also attend talks in the information centre to find out how the telescope operates.