Founded in the ninth century, Bochum is known for its automotive and steel industries and has an attractive old town area. The church of St Peter and Paul was built by Charlemagne and reconstructed in the gothic style in the 16th century. Other buildings of note include the City Hall, the 11th-century church of St Vincent, and the gate and tower of the Blankenstein Castle. There is a train museum in Dahlhausen 10 kilometres to the south west.
