What do Arlington and Aachen, Germany have in common? The two might seem unrelated, but they are actually sister cities.
The Arlington Sister City Association fosters exchanges in education, commerce, culture and the arts. But where are Arlington’s five sister cities? Let’s take a trip.
Aachen, Germany
Est. 1993 | This city is well-known for the Cathedral of Aachen, where Emperor Charlemagne was buried — it’s also Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can still see the relics brought to the site by pilgrims.
The Musée Des Beaux Arts is another must-visit spot in Reims
Photo by Gérald Garitan
Reims, France
Est. 1996 | Often considered the capital of Champagne, this city is where kings of France were historically crowned. Think: The coronation of Charles VII accompanied by Joan of Arc. Visitors shouldn’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims and World War II Museum.
The Diocese of San Miguel dates back to 1913
Photo by House1090, via Wikimedia Commons
San Miguel, El Salvador
Est. 2005 | El Salvador’s center for coffee, textile, and chemical industries, this city is also known as the “Capitol of the East.” Feeling blue? It was also the former center for the indigo trade.
We could totally see visiting a cafe in the downtown area of Ivano Frankivsk
Photo by MgaydNiNE via Wikimedia Commons
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
Est. 2011 | Previously known as Stanislav, this city was founded as a Ukranian settlement in 1662. Like many of Arlington’s sister cities, the region’s capital has a storied history as a trade center. It continues to be one of the country’s most innovative and modern cities with plenty of pedestrian-friendly public spaces. Sound familiar?
Frida Kahlo spent much of her life in “The Blue House,” also known as Museo Frida Kahlo.
Photo by Carmalvi via Wikimedia Commons
Coyoacán, Mexico
Est. 1995 | This borough is the historic center of Mexico City. The area is known for its cobblestone streets and two large plazas bursting with greenery from the Indian laurel trees. Tourists should definitely check out the Frida Kahlo Museum, where Kahlo lived with her husband Diego Rivera.
