Exploring Cologne: Nights Of Adventure And Charm

Cologne is a beautiful city in Germany with a lot to offer. The city is home to one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions, the Cologne Cathedral, which is a must-see for any visitor. With its impressive architecture and rich history, it's no surprise that the cathedral is one of the most visited sites in the country. Beyond the cathedral, Cologne offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and delicious food and drinks. The city has its own brand of beer, Kölsch, which can be found in breweries throughout the city centre. Visitors can also indulge in local cuisine such as Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhinish marinated pot roast) or Himmel un Äd (slang for Sky and Earth).

For those interested in history and museums, Cologne has exceptional museums and Roman monuments. The National Socialism Documentation Centre, formerly the headquarters of the Gestapo, offers a harrowing but important look into the city's role during the Nazi regime. The Fragrance Museum, on the other hand, provides a lighter experience as it showcases the history of perfume and cologne, including the first Eau de Cologne created in the 18th century.

Nature lovers will enjoy the large forests just outside the city, such as Königsforst, as well as the beautiful Rhine River and its surrounding parks. The Rhinepark, located along the river, is a great spot to relax, offering outdoor activities like football, inline skating, and jogging. The river itself also provides a unique perspective of the city through boat tours.

With its intriguing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Cologne is a captivating destination that can be explored in a few days or enjoyed over a lifetime.

Cologne Cathedral

Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and left unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880, making it 632 years in the making. The towers for its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

Cologne's medieval builders planned a grand structure to house the Three Kings' reliquary and serve as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. The cathedral is a testament to the enduring strength of European Christianity, with successive builders inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans.

The cathedral is open to tourists on weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, about 100 metres above the ground, for a scenic view over the Rhine. The cathedral also houses several artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix, the Shrine of the Three Kings, and the altarpiece of St. Agilolphus.

Roman ruins

Cologne, Germany, is home to a variety of Roman ruins, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the city. Here is a guide to some of the most notable Roman ruins in Cologne:

The Praetorium

The Praetorium, located in the old town of Cologne, was once the seat of the Roman governor. Now, it lies beneath the modern-day city, having been built over throughout the centuries. The ruins can be accessed from the City Hall, where you can explore the ancient sewer tunnels with their beautiful brick curved walls, bearing the marks of Roman influence.

Roman City Wall

The Roman city wall, which once encircled the early Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), founded in 50 AD, is another significant remnant of Roman Cologne. The wall was nearly four kilometres long, with at least nine gates and 19 round towers. Remains of this wall are scattered throughout the city. One notable section is the 32-metre-long stretch with the 'Lysolph Tower', located north of the city centre. Another well-preserved section is near the ''Roman Tower,' marking the northwest corner of CCAA, which has drawn the attention of tourists and locals alike for centuries.

Underground Parking Garage

In a rather unusual setting, an underground parking garage in the heart of Cologne houses ancient Roman ruins from the end of the first century AD. These ruins include the foundation and lower part of the city wall that enclosed CCAA. The parking garage was constructed in 1969, before a protection law was enacted in 1980, mandating archaeological approval for building projects involving ruins. Today, visitors can park next to the ruins or explore them on foot for free.

Puerta Ciudad Romana

Puerta Ciudad Romana, or the North Gate, is another remnant of the Roman era in Cologne. It was part of the military headquarters of the Roman army and served as the capital of Germania Inferior. This gate, located near the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, provides a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the Roman Empire.

Teilstuck romischer Abwasserkanals

Teilstuck romischer Abwasserkanals is a site that showcases another aspect of Roman engineering. Here, you can explore ancient sewer tunnels and witness the impressive brickwork and construction techniques employed by the Romans.

Cologne's Roman ruins provide valuable insights into the city's rich historical past and are well worth exploring for those interested in ancient history and archaeology.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is located on the banks of the Rhine in the heart of the city. It is a lively, bustling area, full of narrow, winding alleys, romantic squares, and historic buildings. Over 70% of the Old Town was destroyed during World War II, but it has been lovingly reconstructed, retaining its medieval flair.

The Old Town is home to many of Cologne's top attractions, including the famous Cologne Cathedral, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. The construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century to house the bones of the Three Kings, which had been brought to Cologne from Milan. The cathedral is free to enter, but there is a small fee to climb the 533 steps up the South Tower or to visit the Cathedral Treasury.

Another important feature of the Old Town is the Town Hall, or Rathaus. With over 800 years of building history, it is one of Germany's oldest town halls. The complex includes the core building, a town hall tower, a Renaissance arbour, and an administrative wing.

The Old Town also boasts several museums, including the Roman-Germanic Museum, which displays evidence of Roman life in Cologne, and the Museum Ludwig, which showcases a cross-section of art from the last 125 years. For those interested in the history of fragrance, the Farina Fragrance Museum, housed in the original production rooms of the 18th century, is a must-visit.

In addition to its historical attractions, the Old Town offers a variety of dining and drinking options, with numerous pubs, restaurants, and breweries serving local specialities such as Kölsch, a traditional German ale. The Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares are particularly well-known for their café culture and Christmas markets.

For those looking to stay in the Old Town, there are several accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury riverfront spas. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with several train and metro stations nearby.

Cologne's breweries

When it comes to Cologne, the question of how many nights to spend there depends on your interests. The city is known for its majestic Gothic cathedral, the Dom, which is the symbol of Cologne and the most-visited landmark in Germany. There are also several museums, Roman monuments, and 12 Romanesque churches to explore. Some travellers suggest that two days is enough to see the main sights, while others recommend three days to get a fuller experience of the city.

If you're interested in brewery culture, Cologne is the only city permitted to brew its famous Kölsch beer. There are many brewery restaurants to choose from, serving traditional dishes such as "Himmel un Äd" (Heaven and Earth), pork knuckle, bratwurst, and Halver Hahn (a rye bread roll with aged Gouda cheese and mustard). The Brauerei zur Malzmühle, the Brauhaus Sion, the Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh am Dom, and the Brauerei Päffgen are all popular spots to enjoy a Kölsch and experience the unique hospitality of Cologne's brewery restaurants.

So, depending on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the city's sights and breweries, you may want to plan for two to three nights in Cologne.

The Rhine

There are many boat tours available, including romantic evening cruises, panoramic cruises with a view of the city's top sights, and musical tours. You can also take a round trip to the Crane Houses and the Chocolate Museum, or a day trip to the picturesque Siebengebirge hills and neighbouring towns.

There are also several castles along the Rhine that can be visited as day trips from Cologne. These include Schloss Drachenburg, Sooneck Castle, Rheinstein Castle, and Stolzenfels.

Frequently asked questions