Exploring Cologne: A City Of Charm And Beauty

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food and drinks. The city boasts a rich history, dating back to the early Roman settlement, with the iconic Cologne Cathedral, colourful Old Town, and lively carnival celebrations. Beyond its visual appeal, Cologne offers a thriving cocktail scene, diverse culinary options, and unique shopping experiences. Its proximity to other charming towns, such as Bonn and Aachen, also makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. However, opinions vary on whether Cologne is worth visiting, with some travellers citing a strange atmosphere and others praising its redeeming qualities.

The city's impressive cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (German: Kölner Dom) is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. The cathedral is a towering structure, reaching 157 metres (515 feet) in height, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church globally.

The construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880, with building work taking place in several stages over seven centuries. The cathedral's towering spires rise high above the city, and its interior is filled with precious art and religious treasures. One of the most notable features is the Shrine of the Three Kings, believed to hold the remains of the Biblical Three Wise Men. This shrine is considered one of the most sophisticated goldsmith's works of the Middle Ages.

The cathedral also boasts an impressive collection of stained glass windows, including the modern stained glass window designed by Gerhard Richter, composed of 11,500 pieces of coloured glass. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the top of the south tower and take in panoramic views of the city. The cathedral offers guided tours, providing informative insights into its history and architecture.

Cologne Cathedral is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of the enduring strength of European Christianity. Its construction, spanning centuries, is a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of its builders, who remained faithful to the original medieval plans. The cathedral's completion in 1880 was celebrated as a national event, attended by Emperor Wilhelm I.

The Christmas markets

Cologne is home to some of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. The city boasts a sparkling array of Christmas markets, including the splendid and popular Christmas market around the Cathedral, the Market of Hearts, and many different theme-oriented Christmas markets presided over by angels, fairy-tale figures, or mariners. With such a broad range of choices, waiting for Santa Claus is sure to be easy!

The biggest and most popular Christmas market is located in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral, with over 150 stands in the Roncalliplatz. The current market opened in the 1990s and organisers expect over 4 million visitors each year.

The House Elves' Winter Fairytale Christmas Market (Heinzels Wintermärchen) is located in the heart of Cologne's old town and spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. The market features a wide range of festive stalls selling gifts and food and drink. The spectacular ice-skating rink on the Heumarkt is a special highlight.

The Nicholas' Village Christmas Market is located in Rudolfplatz, a little way outside the immediate city centre. This winter wonderland is perfectly designed for families, with children loving the half-timber houses, life-sized crib, and candy floss sellers.

The Stadtgarten Christmas market is located in a city park and is a nice change of pace from the more touristy markets. It caters more to the locals and is a great place to shop for handmade souvenirs, with 80 weekly changing exhibitors showcasing a range of art, clothing, jewellery, and more.

The Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is a vibrant area full of local culture. The area is colourful and picturesque, with narrow steep-gabled houses on the banks of the Rhine near the Cathedral. The winding cobbled alleys, romantic squares, and bustling atmosphere evoke the sense of a medieval flair.

One of the standout features of the Old Town is the Cologne Cathedral, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. With a legendary construction period spanning from 1248 to 1880, it is a must-see attraction. The Farina Fragrance Museum, housed in the original 18th-century production rooms of the world-famous Eau de Cologne, offers a unique insight into the city's fragrant history.

The galleries and museums

Cologne is a city with a rich artistic culture, boasting galleries and museums that rival those of the art capitals of the world. The city hosts the annual 'Art Cologne' fair, ensuring its involvement in the international art scene. Here are some of the galleries and museums you can visit:

Museum Ludwig

One of the largest museums in Cologne, Museum Ludwig is dedicated to modern art. It boasts an impressive collection of Picasso paintings and hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing the works of artists from Germany and beyond. The museum also houses a new presentation of its collection of contemporary art in the basement, focusing on different concepts of time and how artists handle the topic in their work.

Galerie Artclub

Located in a renovated fire station, Galerie Artclub invites members to display their art in one of its five exhibition halls. The gallery refuses to be labelled under a single artistic niche, as artists are chosen based solely on the quality of their work. This inherent flexibility results in a stylistic and thematic variety that makes for an interesting viewing experience.

Käthe Kollwitz Museum

Nestled in the heart of the city above a shopping gallery at Neumarkt, the Käthe Kollwitz Museum showcases the works of German artist Käthe Kollwitz, who was active in the first half of the 20th century. Her subject matter invariably focused on the tragedy of human suffering. The 750 pieces in this museum, including paintings, prints, and sculptures, demonstrate impeccable skill and an emotional pathos that will leave a lasting impression.

Cologne Sculpture Park

Cologne Sculpture Park is a unique space that defies easy categorisation. Since 1997, this 25,000-square-foot public park has displayed a diverse collection of contemporary international sculpture, including works by renowned artists. The exhibition is constantly evolving, with new sculptures selected and put on display every two years, making it an ideal candidate for repeat visits.

Kolumba

Run by the Archdiocese of Cologne, Kolumba is a museum that combines remnants of the original St Columba Church, a 1950s chapel, and medieval ruins in a beautiful blend of old and new architecture. The artwork on display dates from late antiquity to the present day, offering a refreshing variety of art that is often lacking in similar museums.

The Museum of East Asian Art

The Museum of East Asian Art, or Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, is a well-known name among Cologne's museums. The exterior building and gardens invoke the Far East, and the collection features a wide range of artefacts, from Buddhist sculptures to lacquer art.

The local patriotism

The people of Cologne are known for their local patriotism. Football player Lukas Podolski is a leading example of this. Their deep-rooted affection is reflected in their unwavering support for their football team, their preference for Kölsch beer, and the numerous carnival songs that celebrate the city. Visitors are often puzzled by the locals' teary-eyed enthusiasm for their hometown. The chorus of a popular carnival song sums up this sentiment:

> Et gitt kei Wood, dat sage künnt, Wat ich föhl, wann ich an Kölle denk, wann ich an ming Heimat denk!

> (No word can describe, What I feel, when I think about Cologne, When I think about my hometown!)

The rivalry between Cologne and Düsseldorf dates back to the 13th century and is evident during football matches, in the choice of beer, and in general discourse. Locals advise against even mentioning Düsseldorf in conversation. Kölsch beer is the local brew of choice, and ordering Düsseldorf's Altbier in Cologne is unlikely to be well-received. During the carnival, the official battle cry is 'Alaaf', and deviating from this by shouting 'Helau!' may offend the locals.

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