Exploring Cologne, Germany: Size, Sights, And Surprises

Cologne, Germany is a large city with a rich history. It is the fourth-largest city in Germany, with a population of around 1 million people in the city proper and over 3 million in the greater urban area. The city covers an area of about 156 square miles (405 square kilometres) and is located on the Rhine River, which has been essential to its development as a key inland port and trade hub.

Cologne's history dates back to ancient times, with the Romans establishing a settlement in the area in 38 BCE, known as Oppidum Ubiorum. In 50 CE, the Romans renamed the city Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, and it became the provincial capital of Germania Inferior. Throughout the Middle Ages, Cologne flourished as a major trade centre, ecclesiastical hub, and a significant site for art and learning. The city also holds religious significance, with relics of the Three Wise Men housed in its cathedral, and it became a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading guild alliance.

Today, Cologne is a cultural and economic centre, boasting numerous museums, art galleries, and tourist attractions. It is known for its famous Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, and its vibrant Carnival celebrations. The city's economic strengths lie in media, tourism, and business, with a strong presence of publishing houses and radio and television production facilities.

Cologne's population

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany by population, after Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. It is the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, with a population of 1,079,301 as of 31 December 2021. The population density is 2,700 per square kilometre. Cologne is also part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, which is the largest in Germany and one of the most populous in Europe, with over 3.5 million people.

The city's population includes people from various backgrounds, with over 40% having a migrant background. There are sizeable communities of people from Turkey, Italy, Poland, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Iraq, Syria, and Russia.

Cologne has a long history dating back to its founding by the Romans in 38 BCE. It became a significant trade centre in the Middle Ages and joined the Hanseatic League in the 13th century. Despite periods of population decline in the 20th century, particularly during and after World War II, Cologne has grown to become one of Germany's largest and most important cities.

Cologne's economy

Cologne is also a major transport hub, with autobahns radiating from its peripheral road and an international airport. The city is the busiest rail junction in Germany and a major node for the country's high-speed rail network.

The city is also a centre of the automotive industry, with Ford Europe's headquarters and a factory in Niehl. Other large companies based in Cologne include Lufthansa, REWE Group, TÜV Rheinland, Deutz AG, and several Kölsch breweries, including Reissdorf, Gaffel, and Früh.

Cologne is home to several research institutes, including the German Aerospace Centre, the European Astronaut Centre, and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research.

Cologne's history

Cologne, Germany, has a rich history that dates back to the 1st century CE. Here is a brief overview of the city's history, divided into four to six paragraphs:

Roman Foundation and Early Middle Ages

Cologne was founded in the 1st century CE during the Roman era and was known as "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", later shortened to "Colonia". It was established in 38 BCE when the Germanic tribe of the Ubii settled on the left bank of the Rhine River. In 50 CE, it was granted the status of a Roman colony, and it became an important settlement, serving as the birthplace of Julia Agrippina, the wife of Emperor Claudius. The city prospered due to its favourable location on the Rhine, which facilitated trade. During the 4th century, Cologne was conquered by the Franks and became the residence of the Ripuarian kings.

Medieval Period and Religious Significance

In the early Middle Ages, Cologne emerged as a prominent merchant stronghold and a significant ecclesiastical centre. It was the site of a Christian community as early as the 2nd century, and by the 10th century, it had become the seat of an influential archbishop. The construction of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral further enhanced the city's reputation as "Holy Cologne". The city also became a major member of the Hanseatic League, a trading guild alliance. During the 12th century, Archbishop Phillip von Heinsberg enclosed the city with walls, and by 1300, its population had grown to 50,000-55,000.

Conflicts and Foreign Rule

Industrialisation and Modern Era

The 19th century brought significant changes to Cologne with industrialisation and the development of various industries. The city's geographic position made it an ideal railway centre, contributing to population growth. During this period, Cologne also witnessed political shifts, such as the rise of liberal viewpoints and the presence of socialist publications. World War I interrupted the city's growth, and World War II inflicted devastating damage, with extensive bombing raids destroying much of the city. After the wars, Cologne underwent reconstruction, and its population gradually recovered.

Today, Cologne stands as the fourth-largest city in Germany and a cultural, economic, and historic centre in the Rhineland. It is known for its vibrant carnival, renowned universities, and diverse industries, including media, insurance, and automotive manufacturing.

Cologne's culture

Cologne is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland, with more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. The city is also home to several orchestras, including the Gürzenich Orchestra and the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne, both based at the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra Building.

Cologne's cultural history dates back to the Middle Ages, with the city's flourishing art scene evidenced by the Twelve Romanesque churches that shape the cityscape. The city is also famous for Eau de Cologne, which has been produced there since 1709.

Cologne's cultural offerings include festivals of contemporary music and high-quality literature from all over the world, as well as pure entertainment. The city's many venues, including smaller ones, create an appealing framework for its cultural scene.

Cologne is one of Germany's hotspots for street art, with several routes, guided tours and specialised galleries offering an entry into the scene. The biennial urban art festival CityLeaks has been running since 2011.

Cologne Cathedral is a landmark with a long history and is probably the city's best-known attraction. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. It is the city's unofficial symbol and major landmark.

Cologne's historic Altstadt (Old Town), the Cologne Zoo, the Flora botanical gardens, the new Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbour), the bridges over the Rhine with their "love locks", the four remaining city gates, the brewery restaurants and the cable car are also popular attractions.

Cologne's transport

Cologne's public transport system, the KVB, is tuned to meet the demands of foreigners, with English as the standard language. Trains and buses run at least every 20 minutes until late at night, and during rush hours, most trains go every 5 minutes. The city's train and bus network allows people to get from A to B every 10 minutes. The KVB has 60 lines, 380 trams, and 320 buses.

The city possesses one of the most comprehensive urban ring road systems in Germany, with beltways laid out in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These include the Cologne Ring, Innere Kanalstraße, the Cologne Belt, Militärringstraße, and the Cologne Beltway. Arterial roads east of the Rhine start in Deutz, and arterial roads west of the Rhine mostly start at the Cologne Inner Ring.

Cologne's first railway was opened in 1839 by the Rheinische Eisenbahngesellschaft (Rhenanian Railway Company). The city has InterCity and ICE-trains stopping at its central station, as well as at Köln Messe/Deutz and Flughafen Köln/Bonn. The first German limited-access highway (autobahn) was opened between Cologne and Bonn in 1932. Today, this is A 555. In 1965, Cologne became the first German city to be fully encircled by a beltway.

The Cologne Stadtbahn operates an extensive light rail and rapid transit system, with 11 lines stretching across 192 kilometres. Two lines link the system to the neighbouring transport system of Bonn. The rail system is not a true subway system, as a large part of it operates above ground. However, it is a rapid tram system, with each line crossing at least one street at street level. The average cruising speed is 26.6 kilometres per hour.

Cologne Ports (HGK) is one of the largest operators of inland ports in Germany, with ports at Deutz, Godorf, Mülheim, and Niehl I and II.

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