Exploring Cologne, Germany: Is It Worth The Visit?

Cologne, Germany is a city steeped in history, offering a unique blend of modern and ancient attractions. From its impressive cathedral to its lively Christmas markets, this ancient Roman city allures travellers seeking cultural immersion and architectural exploration. But is it worth visiting?

The city's unique culture

Cologne's unique culture is evident in its strong sense of community and pride, which is reflected in various aspects of the city's life, from its beer culture to its love for Carnival.

Beer Culture

Cologne has a unique beer culture centred around Kölsch, a top-fermented, light beer brewed exclusively in the city. The rules surrounding the brewing, serving, and drinking of Kölsch are a source of pride for locals. The small serving size of only 200 mL leads to a social drinking experience, as your waiter will immediately serve you another glass once you finish, unless you signal otherwise.

Carnival

Cologne Carnival is a months-long party that starts on November 11 at 11:11 am and continues until the end of March. It is a time for people to come together, dress up in costumes, and create lasting bonds. The celebration has its roots in the Middle Ages, when people sought to drive out evil winter demons, and it has evolved over time with the adoption of Lent by Christians.

Language

Cologne also has its own dialect of German, known as Kölsch, which locals proudly distinguish from standard German.

Constitution

The city even has its own constitution, or a set of 11 rules and sayings that embody the local mindset and way of life. These include "Whatever will be, will be", "It's still going well", and "Nothing stays as it was".

Work Ethic

Cologne's work ethic is notable for its focus on efficiency and doing the least amount of work necessary. This philosophy can be seen in the way they handle ancient Roman ruins, choosing to partially excavate and move them rather than spending more time and money on full excavation.

Art and Architecture

Cologne's architecture is a mix of styles due to the city being largely destroyed during World War II. While some find it ugly, others appreciate the unique blend of old and new, with intricate pre-war buildings surrounded by more modern constructions. The city is also home to various art galleries and studios, marked by spray-painted bananas created by Tomas Baumgärtel.

Love for Goats

Cologne has an unusual obsession with goats, which started in 1950 when a circus goat was gifted to the local soccer team. The goat, named Hennes, became the team's mascot, and the city has continued this tradition, currently on their 9th Hennes.

The Cologne Cathedral

The construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and remained unfinished for almost 300 years. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but it was not until the 1840s that the project received proper funding. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880, with the help of more modern construction techniques.

The cathedral is a grand structure that was planned to house the reliquary of the Three Kings and serve as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. It is built from different types of rock and features intricate details, including flying buttresses and pinnacles. Over the centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans, resulting in a unified masterpiece.

The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior. It boasts exceptional works of art, including the Gero Crucifix, a large oak crucifix from the late 10th century, and the Shrine of the Three Kings, a large reliquary in the shape of a basilican church. Other highlights include the high altar, made of black marble with a solid slab 15 ft (4.6 m) long, and the carved oak choir stalls from the 14th century.

The cathedral is also known for its impressive stained glass windows, including the modern window designed by German artist Gerhard Richter, composed of 11,500 pieces of coloured glass. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, which offers a scenic view over the Rhine.

The Old Town

One of the highlights of the Old Town is the Central Old-Town, which includes St. Maria Ascension. The area around the church of St. Agnes, known as St. Agnes, is also worth visiting, as it retains the original street plan and offers a glimpse into the past. In addition, the Old Town has several nice post-war buildings and reconstructed buildings from the 17th century.

Another must-see in the Old Town is Severin's Gate, which features a collection of 19th-century tenement houses and a large Renaissance merchant house. The Hahnen Gate is also worth a visit, with several street corners preserving 19th-century architecture.

While exploring the Old Town, you can also learn about the city's Roman history. For example, there are Roman ruins located in front of the Cologne Cathedral, including a brick archway that is part of some old Roman ruins uncovered during the construction of an underground parking garage. Additionally, an old Roman tapestry can be seen from the window of the Greek and Roman museum, located across from the side entrance of the Cathedral.

In conclusion, while the Old Town of Cologne may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it is worth visiting for those interested in the city's history, architecture, and Roman ruins.

The Roman and art museums

Cologne, Germany, is a city that combines both modern and historic features. It is well-known for its Christmas markets, grand cathedral, and energetic vibe. While the city has something for everyone, art and history enthusiasts will particularly enjoy its museums.

The Roman Museum

The Roman-Germanic Museum (RGM) is an archaeological museum in Cologne, Germany. It houses a large collection of Roman artefacts from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern-day Cologne is built. The museum is located near Cologne Cathedral and opened in 1974.

The RGM boasts the world's largest collection of locally produced Roman glass, as well as an extensive array of Roman and medieval jewellery. Visitors can also explore everyday life in Roman Cologne through various artefacts, including portraits, inscriptions, pottery, and architectural fragments. The museum is built around a well-preserved Dionysus mosaic, dating from around AD 220/230, which was discovered in the basement of a 3rd-century villa.

In addition to the mosaic, another highlight of the museum is the reconstructed sepulchre of the legionary Poblicius, dating from around AD 40. The RGM also showcases prehistoric artefacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, found in Cologne, the Rhineland, and other selected European sites.

Art Museums

Cologne is home to several renowned art museums, including:

• Wallraf-Richartz Museum: This museum features famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, among others. It offers a well-laid-out display of artwork.
• Museum of Applied Art (Museum fur Angewandte Kunst): This museum showcases furniture designs and appliances from the last 100 years, with a terrific collection that includes Meissen porcelain, glassware, and jewellery.
• Museum Ludwig: This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art from the 20th century to the present. It also houses the Wolfgang Hahn Prize collection, showcasing contemporary artists like Anna Boghiguian.
• Die Brücke Kölnischer Kunstverein: This art gallery is mentioned as a great activity for a weekend trip to Cologne, with an incredible collection of artwork and a spacious interior.

The local beer, Kölsch

Kölsch is a great option for those looking to try something different from the standard German beer offering. It is a refreshing, thirst-quenching beverage, perfect to enjoy with friends and family. The beer is also unpasteurized, so drinkers can experience it at its peak of freshness.

For those looking to sample the local nightlife, heading to one of the many beer halls is a must. Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss are some of the most popular spots to try the local brew.

Cologne also offers a range of international restaurants and pubs serving local cuisine. Cologne's food scene includes Turkish kebab shops and various local dishes such as Halve Hahn (an open-faced sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll).

So, for beer enthusiasts or those simply looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, trying the local Kölsch beer is a must when visiting Cologne.

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