For most of its history, Hesse was divided between Hesse-Darmstadt and Hesse-Kassel. The current boundaries, a post-World War II creation, roughly approximate those of its 13th-century forerunner. Scattered over the region are many reminders of its former glory: Roman camps, Carolingian buildings, Romanesque churches and Gothic cathedrals with lofty spires.

But Hesse is also a state of modern cities, international business and world-class culture.Today, when admiring the distinctive panorama of Frankfurt am Main – its towering banks and skyscrapers more reminiscent of New York’s Manhattan than of a European metropolis – it is hard to believe that this was the birthplace of Goethe. The importance of this city extends far beyond Hesse: it is the financial centre of the European Union and its annual Book Fair is the largest event of its kind in the world. And lovers of modern art will know of Kassel – every five years it hosts the documenta, an exciting exhibition of artistic developments. The region also offers attractive countryside, from the Rhön mountains and Kellerwald-Edersee National Park – homeland of the Brothers Grimm – to the Waldecker Land near Kassel (which boasts the Eder lake and attractive health resorts).