Richard Wagner and Bayreuth go together like Tristan and Isolde. The rest of the world only really began to take notice of Bayreuth in the 19th century. That was when Wagner, the Teutonic opera master, turned the Opera House on the city's Grüner Hügel, or Green Hill, into the main arena for Siegfried, Parsifal and the rest of his heroes.

Every year during the summer months, the Richard Wagner Festival drowns out all other sounds in Bayreuth. And that's somewhat unfortunate, since Bayreuth has more to offer than just the music of Wagner.

More than Wagner

The city in Bavaria's Upper Franconia region not only holds surprises for Wagner devotees, but for other visitors as well. Its Rococo parks, fountains, artificial grottos and tree-lined arcades contrast perfectly with the simple grace of Bayreuth's historic houses and public buildings -- and are a delight to those who venture out of the Opera House.

Much of the credit for this lively ambiance has to go to the Countess Wilhelmine. She brought the Rococo style to the region of Upper Franconia. Starting in 1732, Wilhelmine commissioned garden designers and landscape architects to transform Franconia's farmland around the New Palace into grandiose parks and gardens.

A taste of Africa

Today, Bayreuth is more youthful than it may sound. A small but vibrant alternative scene has developed around the Richard Wagner Strasse, the Hohenzollern Ring, and Jean Paul Square.

The 7,000 students of Bayreuth University, which was founded in the 1970s, play a big role in the life of the city of 75,000 people. The artist Wo Sarazen and his sculptures, the Jazz Festival, the Cabaret Days and events hosted by the University's Africa Center are just a few of the highlights.

The Africa Center is actually called the "Iwalewa-Haus." Iwalewa is an African phrase that means "Character is beauty." Bayreuth certainly has both.