German ambassador praises OTR during visit

After touring Over-the-Rhine Saturday morning, Germany's ambassador to the United States said he would choose the neighborhood to live in if he were to move to Cincinnati.

"I'm surprised at how beautiful the city is," German Ambassador Peter Wittig said. "I'm very pleased to see that the German heritage is still very much alive."

This is Wittig's first visit to Cincinnati. He came to the Queen City to throw the first pitch at the Reds-Brewers game on Saturday afternoon.

Wittig's Over-the-Rhine tour was organized by the Munich Sister City Association of Greater Cincinnati and the German-American Citizens League.

The tour was led by Don Tolzmann, author of "Over-the-Rhine Tour Guide" and president of the German-American Citizens League. It began on the corner of Republic and Liberty streets at 9:15 a.m. and ended at the Moerlein Tap Room at 1621 Moore Street at 10:45 a.m.

Stops included the Bavarian Pretzel Shoppe on 14th Street, Old St. Mary's Church on 13th Street, and Washington Park.

Wittig was impressed with the strong business community in the city and loved the "civic spirit" of Over-the-Rhine.

He would choose Over-the-Rhine to live in because he is attracted to city living and the vibrant social life that is apparent in the neighborhood, Wittig said.

"This is exemplary to bring people back into the inner city." Wittig said. "There is a good spirit here."

Wittig will throw the first pitch at the Reds game that starts at 1:10 p.m.

The stadium is celebrating German Heritage Day and giving away Reds-themed steins to the first 20,000 fans to arrive.