Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is known as the "city of churches". This gives a clue to its history. Many of its early inhabitants were religious refugees from Germany. Their influence can still be seen in the food and music. Adelaide is set on a narrow coastal plain between the hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges and Gulf St Vincent. The Torrens River runs between Adelaide and North Adelaide, surrounded by parklands. Adelaide is noted throughout Australia for its well-planned city streets and profusion of civic parks and gardens. The city is laid out in a grid pattern, making it very easy for visitors to find their way around. Internationally the city is known for its biennial arts festival which brings together some of the world's best performing artists.