The Alluring Scent Of Isn Cologne: A Review

Cologne, or 'Eau de Cologne', is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. It was originally mixed by Johann Maria Farina in 1709 and has since become a generic term for scented formulations. The term 'cologne' is now commonly used to refer to perfumes marketed towards men, particularly in American English. Cologne is typically made up of a base of dilute ethanol, a mixture of citrus oils, and other fragrant oils such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, and jasmine.

Cologne Cathedral

Aside from the ancient golden reliquary, the cathedral boasts beautiful 16th-century stained glass windows, 10th-century artworks, and a 14th-century altar carved from black marble. For those who are fit and up for a challenge, a small fee allows access to climb the south tower's 509 steps. It takes about an hour to reach the top, but the view is well worth the effort.

Cologne itself is the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants. The city is centred on the left (west) bank of the Rhine and is known for its medieval architecture, including the Twelve Romanesque churches of Cologne and the city's famous Eau de Cologne perfume, which has been produced there since 1709.

Eau de Cologne

Cologne, or 'Eau de Cologne' in French, is a type of perfume originating from the city of Cologne in Germany. It was originally mixed by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709 and has since become a generic term for scented formulations with a typical concentration of 2-5% essential oils, alcohol and water.

In contemporary American English, the term 'cologne' has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men, and may also refer to a less concentrated, more affordable version of a popular perfume.

The Original Eau de Cologne is named after its location at Glockengasse No. 4711 and was developed in the 18th century by Wilhelm Mülhens. It is one of the oldest fragrances still produced in the world.

In Cologne, you can visit the world's oldest fragrance factory, which has been operating since 1709, and learn how to blend the city's fragrant water with other scents to create your own unique perfume.

Roman-Germanic Museum

Cologne, Germany, is a city with a rich history and is home to many museums, historical buildings, and cultural landmarks. One of the most notable museums in the city is the Roman-Germanic Museum (RGM), which showcases the archaeological heritage of the region, from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Here is an overview of the Roman-Germanic Museum and its significance:

The Roman-Germanic Museum's History and Collection

The RGM, or Römisch-Germanisches Museum in German, is an archaeological museum that was completed in 1974. It is located near the Cologne Cathedral, on the site of a 3rd-century villa discovered in 1941 during the construction of an air-raid shelter. The museum was carefully designed by architects Klaus Renner and Heinz Röcke to preserve a large Dionysus mosaic that was found in the basement of the ancient villa. This mosaic, dating from around AD 220/230, is a stunning example of Roman art and has been left in its original place.

The RGM houses an extensive collection of artefacts from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern-day Cologne is built. The museum showcases everyday objects from Roman times, such as containers, coins, toys, and an array of Roman glassware and jewellery. Visitors can also explore architectural elements, inscriptions, portraits, and pottery that illustrate the development of the ancient city. In addition, the museum has the task of preserving the Roman cultural heritage of Cologne and exercises archaeological supervision over the construction of the Cologne underground.

Prehistoric Artefacts and Research

The Roman-Germanic Museum also displays prehistoric artefacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, found not only in Cologne but also in the Rhineland and other selected European sites. Several archaeological monuments have been left in situ and are open to the public, providing an immersive experience. The museum serves as a research centre, housing archives relating to the archaeology of the city, documentation on historical monuments, and a specialist library with approximately 30,000 volumes.

Temporary Location and Admission

The Roman-Germanic Museum on Roncalliplatz is currently closed for renovation, and its collection has been temporarily moved to the Belgian House (Cäcilienstraße 46). The exhibition at the Belgian House is open daily, and admission is €6.00 for adults and €3.00 for reduced-price tickets. The museum is easily accessible, with a 2-minute walk from the Neumarkt stop (Tram: 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 16, or 18).

Cologne Carnival

The Cologne Carnival, or "Kölner Karneval" in German, is an annual festival that takes place in Cologne, Germany. It is considered the single most important festival in the city, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.

The carnival is a week-long celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lent season. It features street parties, parades, special events, and people dressing up in costumes and masks. Cologne residents enthusiastically participate in the carnival, with many shops, schools, and offices closing down from Thursday through Tuesday.

The carnival is officially declared open at 11:11 am on November 11 (11/11) in the downtown square "Alter Markt". This marks the beginning of the "fifth season", as it is known in the Rhineland area. The street carnival, also called "the crazy days", starts on Fat Thursday or "Weiberfastnacht" (the Women's Carnival) and continues until Ash Wednesday. The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday or "Rosenmontag", two days before Ash Wednesday, when over 1 million people gather in the city to celebrate.

During the carnival, there are several important traditions that take place. One of the most notable is cheering, with people shouting "Kölle Alaaf!" throughout the festivities. This translates to 'Cologne Above All Else' and is an expression of love for the city. Another tradition is the "Bützje", which are friendly pecks on the cheek exchanged between celebrants.

The carnival also features a trio of characters known as the "Dreigestirn" or triumvirate, consisting of the "Jungfrau" (maiden), "Prinz" (prince), and "Bauer" (peasant). These individuals pay a large sum of money for the privilege of their titles, and they serve as mascots or leaders of the carnival. The prince, also known as "Seine Tollität" (His Madness), is considered the most important personage, leading the main parades throughout the week.

The carnival is organised by the "Festkomitee Kölner Karneval" (Cologne Carnival Celebration Committee), which was founded in 1823. However, the roots of the carnival go back much further, dating to Pagan times before Christianity. The inaugural carnival parade in 1823 was a protest against the Prussian occupation of Cologne, with participants wearing pompous military uniforms to pervert the symbol of the Prussian military.

The Cologne Carnival is an expression of joy and pride in the city, bringing people together to celebrate and have fun. It is a unique and special experience that showcases the enthusiasm and spirit of the people of Cologne.

Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the most important railway bridges in Germany and one of the hallmarks of Cologne. It is a bridge over the Rhine River, stretching for over 400 metres in a mighty steel structure. The bridge was constructed between 1907 and 1911, and was initially built for road and railway use. However, after its destruction in 1945 and subsequent reconstruction, the bridge has been accessible only to trains, pedestrians and cyclists.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is known for its three charismatic wave-like arches, which have become characteristic of German steel structures and bridge-building. Its pillars are made of reinforced concrete, and the bridge has a total weight of 24,000 tonnes. It is the most heavily used railway bridge in Germany, with over 1,200 trains passing through daily, connecting the Köln Hauptbahnhof and Köln Messe/Deutz stations.

The bridge is also famous for the thousands of "love locks" attached to its fences and railings by couples as a sign of love and commitment. The tradition of love locks, which originated in Italy, has seen lesser bridges around Europe collapse under the sheer weight of all the padlocks. However, the Hohenzollern Bridge is made of sturdier stuff, and despite carrying an estimated 2 tonnes of locks, it remains unaffected.

The Hohenzollern Bridge, along with the nearby Cathedral and the Rhine, shapes the cityscape of Cologne, offering panoramic views of the city's centre and Old Town. It is a popular spot for trainspotting, and its illumination in the evening, along with the Cologne Cathedral in the background, makes it one of the city's best-known photo motifs.

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