Imagine a village where time slows. That village is Ilverich. Ilverich is a part of Meerbusch near Dusseldorf. We’re standing in a place with Roman roots. Let’s explore what makes Ilverich special.
Ilverich’s history stretches back to Roman times. Around 70 AD, Romans built a large villa here. This shows Ilverich has been inhabited for a long time. Evidence of this Roman villa was found near Ilverich.
Let’s talk about the Alte Schule. The Alte Schule translates to Old School. It was built in 1827. For many years, it was Ilverich’s only public building. Children learned their lessons within its walls. The last classes were held here in 1968. The building then became a private property. It transformed into an art gallery for many years. Joseph Beuys, a famous artist, visited the gallery. The Paul family owned the gallery. Today, the Alte Schule is a residential and office building. Its original design remains largely unchanged. You can still see the classroom, teacher’s apartment, and bell tower.
Now, turn your gaze towards the A44 bridge. It’s unofficially called the “Flughafenbrücke” or airport bridge. This bridge connects Ilverich and Dusseldorf-Lohausen. It opened in June 2002. The A44 bridge is an impressive feat of engineering. It stretches 1,289 meters long and 38 meters wide. The bridge has a span of 288 meters. Construction took four years. The pylons are shaped like Ys. This design accommodates the airport’s flight path. Each pylon is 39 meters high. Together, they support around 40,000 tons of bridge.
Ilverich is one of eight villages that make up Meerbusch. Each village was once independent. Meerbusch became an incorporated town in 1970. Ilverich itself covers 6.44 square kilometers.
Meerbusch has a high number of millionaires. It is a rural town. About 3,600 hectares are agricultural land. Forests cover 540 hectares. Water covers 300 hectares.
As we conclude our visit, remember Ilverich. It is a village where history and modernity meet. From Roman villas to modern bridges, Ilverich offers a unique glimpse into Germany’s past and present.