In the Middle Ages, the beautiful city of Constance was the site of the Council of Constance, the ecumenical council that took place from 1414 to 1418, and which, among other things, put an end to the Papal schism in the western Roman Catholic church. Even back then, the lakeside location must have been impressive. Constance is surrounded on three sides by Lake Constance. Nowadays students at the prestigious University of Constance enjoy the privilege of being here and add to the relaxed atmosphere with their lifestyle. In addition, there's the almost Mediterranean climate around Lake Constance. Some two million visitors a year come to admire the splendid flowers on the island of Mainau. The family of Count Bernadotte still resides there in a Baroque palace.