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| Koln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
Cologne, or Koln in German, stands on the banks of the River Rhine in the North-West German Lowlands. It is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located approximately 40 kilometres south of Dusseldorf in the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a busy and bustling modern city, and a major tourist destination with much to see from the ancient Roman ruins, to the 13th century city walls and gates of this beautiful medieval city centre with its many historic buildings, to the modern architectural sights of the Triangular Tower and the Koln Tower. Many of these fantastic attractions are located within the ‘Old Town’, or Altstadt, and thereby within close proximity to the city’s major landmark, the magnificent Cologne Cathedral with its 157 metre twin towers, which is a popular U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site. Cologne’s cultural heritage is housed in over 30 museums and many more galleries ranging from the Roman-German Museum, which displays archaeological Roman artifacts such as the Dionysus mosaic, to the Ludwig Museum, which houses one of the best collections of 20th century modern art in the world and includes the Agfa-Historama which chronicles the art of photography over the past 150 years. Despite its strong religious background, Cologne has a reputation as a ‘fun town’, and its Carnival is one of the biggest in Europe. All in all this cosmopolitan city with masses of things to do, sights to see, good food and its popular local beer known as ‘Kolcsh’, all makes for a perfect holiday destination!!
Areas of interest include the Altstadt with its winding and narrow cobbled streets, the Belgian Quarter, known as Belgisches Viertel with its beautiful old art nouveau buildings, trendy bars, restaurants and pretty green squares, and the Latin Quarter, known as Kwartir Lateng with its mix of traditional and modern bars and clubs. However it is the Altstadt that is by far the most popular area for visitors and it is from here that the city evolved. Founded by the Romans in 38 B.C., Cologne has always been an important centre from these early days when it started life as a large garrison and city known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Cologne gradually evolved into a major Christian centre and pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages, and later during the medieval period the city developed around its harbour and became a major trading centre. This period saw the city become part of the Hanseatic League and in 1475 became an Imperial Free City. Today Cologne continues this legacy and remains one of Germany’s prominent cities and a significant centre in the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, which is a major European community of over 10 million inhabitants.
Sightseeing within Cologne is difficult as with so much to see it’s a question of where to start!! The history of Cologne can be told through its historic buildings starting of course with the Roman remains such as the 2nd century city fortifications, as three towers and partial ruins of walls are still visible. The Roman Tower is probably the best example of these fortifications, but there are also the Lysolph Tower and the North Tower, and it is still possible to follow the walls which often have been incorporated into other structures. Underneath the City Hall can be found the remains of the Praetorium, the foundations of the residence of the Governor’s Palace, and around the city are other ruins such as the old sewer systems and part of an aqueduct, these items indicate the level of engineering and skills of the Romans. To complete this period a visit to the Roman-German Museum, which is located near the Cathedral, is a must as it includes many items of everyday use and special features such as the 3rd century Dionysus mosaic.
Medieval Cologne was a much larger city than the Roman centre as can be seen by the 13th century fortifications which ran along the river bank and in a semi-circle around the city. These walls were 7.5 kilometres long and included 12 enormous gate castles and 52 military towers. Today only sections of the walls remain, some gate castles and towers including the Eigelsteintorburg, Hahnentorburg, Ulrepforte, Severinstorburg and the smaller Bayenturm. Within these walls stands the historic Altstadt which today is the most popular part of the city and where the majority of the historic buildings can be found especially the Cathedral and the lesser known 12 Romanesque churches. However, although Cologne is often called the ‘City of Churches’ there are other buildings of note such as the 14th century Rathaus, or City Hall, the 13th century Overstolzenhaus a stunning Patrician’s house, the old 14th to 17th century town houses around the Old Market Square and Martinsviertel, the 15th century Gurzenich Hall and the 16th century Zeughaus which was originally the municipal arsenal and now houses the Cologne City Museum. These is also, if you are interested, the 4711 house where the famous ‘Eau de Cologne’ was invented.
However, the city landmark is by far the impressive Gothic Cathedral which is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is the largest cathedral in Germany and one of the world’s finest buildings and a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site. It is also Germany’s most visited tourist attraction with over 5 million visitors each year!! Taking over 6 hundred years to complete, this immense structure with its two impressive 157 metre filigree spires, is the highlight of any visit to Cologne. The splendid interior of the Cathedral includes nine chapels and behind the high altar, in the Chancel, is the famous ‘Shrine of the Three Magi’ which is the most valuable object in the Cathedral.
During the 4th century a Bishopric was established in Cologne and a number of Saints were martyred here, including the Patron Saint of the city, St. Ursula. This led to the city becoming a major Christian pilgrimage centre and known as the ‘City of Churches’. Later in the 8th century Cologne became the seat of an Archbishopric, with the Archbishop becoming one of the seven Prince Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. Cologne is today home to around 250 churches which are mainly Roman Catholic and Evangelical, however of particular interest are 12 large Romanesque Collegiate, Monastery and Convent Churches which were confined within the boundaries of the original medieval city walls. These churches rank amongst the most important in Western Europe and include the 11th century Great St. Martins, with its imposing tower which is located close to the Cathedral at the centre of the Altstadt, the unique Church of St. Gereon with its decagonal shaped nave and great dome, the 13th century small and intimate Church of Santa Maria Lyskirchen with its beautiful painted ceilings, the 13th century Church of St. Severin with its three towers and spires, the 13th century Church of St. Kunibert which stands near the River Rhine, the Church of St. Pantaleon which was built in the 10th century and is home to the oldest cloisters in Germany, the 11th century Church of St. Maria im Kapitol, the 11th century, very large Church of St. Apostein, the Church of St. Andreas which is located near the Cathedral, the Church of St. Ursula which has been built on the site of a former Roman graveyard, the 12th century Church of St. Cecilia which now houses the Schnuten Museum of medieval art, and the Church of St. George is the only Romanesque pillared basilica in the Rhineland.
Home to over 30 museums also makes Cologne a major cultural centre. Museums such as the previously mentioned, Ludwig Museum, which is located adjacent to the Cathedral and houses one of the world’s largest collections of Pablo Picasso art works and includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and George Segal. - the Schnutgen Museum that displays an impressive collection of medieval religious art. – the Wallraf-Richartz Museum which is the oldest museum in Cologne and is one of the foremost picture galleries in Germany and displays works from 1300 to 1900 including Stefan Lochner’s ‘Madonna of the Rose Bower’ and works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Murillo and Boucher. – the previously mentioned Roman-German Museum which is well known for its Dionysus mosaic and its reconstructed tomb of the legionary Poblicius plus innumerable artifacts of the Roman period. – the Museum of East Asian Art which houses Chinese, Korean and Japanese art. – the Museum of Applied Art which preserves and expands one of the most important German collections of European applied art from the Middle Ages to the present day. – the previously mentioned Museum of the City of Cologne which provides an insight into the history, culture, economy and everyday life of Cologne and its inhabitants. – the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum of Ethnography. – and the Kathe Kollwitz Museum which is devoted to the works of Germany’s most celebrated 20th century female artist who focuses on human emotions such as death, hunger, war, love and grief.
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Dorint Hotel An der Messe
Cologne
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Magnificent Europe - 15 Days
14 nights | Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
Magnificent Europe - 15 Days
14 nights |  Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
Jewels of Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest
14 nights |  As you glide effortlessly through the very heart of Europe’s iconic cities and majestic countryside, it’s easy to lose yourself in the moment. There’s no packing or unpacking and life on board a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ is akin to travelling in a five-star floating hotel. With Scenic Tours you will cruis... |
Jewels of Europe - Budapest to Amsterdam
14 nights | As you glide effortlessly through the very heart of Europe’s iconic cities and majestic countryside, it’s easy to lose yourself in the moment. There’s no packing or unpacking and life on board a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ is akin to travelling in a five-star floating hotel. With Scenic Tours you will cruis... |
Magnificent Europe - 15 Days
14 nights | Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
Magnificent Europe - 15 Days
14 nights | Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
Magnificent Europe - 15 Days
14 nights | Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
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Grand European
21 days |  Experience the handsome jewels of Europe's crown including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna and Paris. Spend seven nights in glorious Italy where you can really get to know Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and more. See the natural wonders of the Rhine Valley and the Isle of Capri too.
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European Interlude
15 days |  This brilliant tour is a fusion of some of the best-loved cities in European, including Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome, Florence, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Paris. See Big Ben and shop in London’s Knightsbridge, view Cologne’s gothic cathedral, visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg and cruise Venice’s canals. ... |
Continental Introduction
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Traditional Europe
18 days |  Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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European Whirl
12 days | European Whirl visits 8 countries in 12 days. See the sights of Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France & the United Kingdom. The famous and beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris with all the hidden wonders in between. You'll drive... |
Highlights of Europe
14 days |  The Highlights of Europe tour is a very good one for the travellers who want to see what Europe has to offer. It has four - two night stays - which makes the tour more relaxing. You will also see the major tourist attractions in each country and it will give you a good idea of which places you wou... |
Traditional Grand European
19 days |  This trip perfectly fits its name. It covers all the "must see" cities and sights in Europe, bu also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private bo... |
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