Well worth seeing even without the pear-tree
When Ribbeck is mentioned, everyone who is a bit familiar with Theodor Fontane, thinks of the story from the pear-tree and the famous poem. (see here).
The village was first recorded in the year 1237 in connection with Heinricus de Ritbece. This village also experienced a lot of name changes during its colourful history. So for example 1335 Ridbeck, 1375 Ribbeke, Rybbeke, Rybecke or 1450 Ripbeke. Of course the first thing one spots in this small village is the palace, built in 1821 by the family von Ribbeck and then rebuilt in 1893.
Today it houses a facility that cares for people in need of care. The church of Ribbeck, built in 1722 in place of a medieval building, is now after extensive renovation the jewel of the village. The chandeliers in the church's apses are a present from the twin-community Bonn.
After the reunification a new pear-tree was planted next to the church stealthily. The community members wanted to revive the story of the 'gold-yellow pears'. This idea yields today, other than the tree which is still young, already 'touristic fruits'.
The picture + contents of this page were kindly made available by Stadtmagazinverlag AS GmbH. Photo: Stadtmagazinverlag AS