Exploring Cologne, Germany: Must-See Attractions And More

Cologne, Germany is a city with a rich history, impressive architecture, and a buzzing cultural scene. With its roots in the first century CE, Cologne was established as a Roman provincial capital and military stronghold. Today, it is one of the most important cultural centres in western Germany, boasting more than 100 galleries and three dozen museums.

- Cologne Cathedral: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture.

- Cologne City Hall: The Kölner Rathaus is the oldest public building in Germany, dating back more than 900 years.

- Rhine River Cruise: A boat trip along the Rhine River offers unparalleled views of Cologne's landmarks, including the twin-spires of the cathedral and the picturesque Old Town.

- The Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums: These museums showcase European paintings, with works by Rembrandt, Manet, Renoir, and more.

- NS Documentation Centre: This memorial and museum gives an account of life under the Nazi regime and its impact on Cologne.

- Cologne Zoological Gardens: One of Germany's oldest zoos, founded in 1860, with fine collections of 19th-century menageries and modern facilities.

- Cologne Cable Car: Offering panoramic views of the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral from across the Rhine River.

- Cologne Chocolate Museum: With interactive displays, ancient artefacts, and a massive chocolate fountain, this museum traces the history of chocolate.

- Flora and Botanical Garden: Covering 11.5 hectares, this public park and botanical garden is home to over 10,000 plant species.

- The Roman-Germanic Museum: Showcasing Cologne's rich archaeological heritage, including Roman artefacts and a 2nd-century Dionysus Mosaic.

- St. Gereon's Basilica: A Romanesque church built on a 10-sided structure dating from Roman times, featuring medieval murals and ancient relics.

- Museum of Applied Art: Showcasing over 100,000 pieces of applied and decorative art, including jewellery, furniture, and architectural exhibits.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people annually. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, standing at 157 metres (515 feet) tall. It is Germany's single most visited landmark and a UNESCO site.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and was inspired by the ethereal cathedrals of Northern France. The building was completed in 1880, with the towers being the latest part of the structure to be finished. The towers are still the second-tallest structures in the city. The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, with 10,000 square metres of windows and intricate stained glass. The cathedral is also home to the largest façade of any church in the world.

The cathedral is an international pilgrimage site, holding the shrine of the Three Kings since 1164. The shrine is a triple sarcophagus decorated with 12th-century reliefs depicting episodes from the life of Christ, prophets, and apostles, all by Nicholas of Verdun. The cathedral also houses invaluable art, including stained glass windows from the 1500s, the 10th-century Gero-Kreuz crucifix, and a black marble high altar from the 1300s carved with niches featuring images from the Coronation of the Virgin.

The cathedral is a testament to the enduring strength of European Christianity. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. The cathedral is also a symbol of the city of Cologne, with locals associating the sight of the cathedral spires with being home.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The area, which sits on the banks of the Rhine, is filled with narrow, cobbled alleyways and traditional houses that will transport you back in time. In fact, much of the Old Town was destroyed during World War Two and has since been meticulously rebuilt, giving visitors a glimpse of what the city used to look like.

Cologne Cathedral

The St Peter and St Mary Cathedral is a formidable landmark and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. The gothic structure, with its twin steeples, is an international pilgrimage site and has been designated a UNESCO site. Inside, marvel at the exquisite art, including a 10th-century Gero-Kreuz crucifix and a black marble high altar from the 1300s. But the real highlight is the gilded shrine of the Three Kings, a spectacular triple sarcophagus decorated with 12th-century reliefs.

Kölner Rathaus (Town Hall)

The town hall is a fascinating combination of 900 years of history. The main building dates back to the 1300s, while the tower is from the 15th century. You can also see influences from the Renaissance and the 20th century.

Groß St. Martin Church

This Romanesque-Catholic church, with its distinctive central spire, was built on the remains of a Roman chapel and has been a feature of Cologne's skyline since the 12th century. The church was reconstructed after being damaged in World War Two and is now a beautiful example of 12th-century Rhenish architecture.

Hohenzollern Bridge

This bridge, which crosses the Rhine, can only be traversed by train or on foot. Almost 1200 trains cross the bridge every day, and it's also adorned with love locks, making it a romantic spot for couples. The views from the bridge are incredible, offering a unique perspective of the city and the river.

Alter Markt

Alter Markt, or 'the old market place', was originally the site of a Roman port. Over time, the port silted up and the area became the central market square in the 10th century. Today, it's a lively square lined with cafes and restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy a drink and imagine the jousting competitions of the past.

Museums

There are several museums in the Old Town worth visiting, including the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Wallraf Richartz Museum, the Farina Fragrance Museum, and the Museum Ludwig. The Romano-Germanic Museum was built around a Roman villa that was discovered during World War Two, and it displays an extensive collection of Roman artefacts. The Wallraf Richartz Museum houses a variety of art, from Gothic to Impressionist, including works by Monet and Rembrandt. The Farina Fragrance Museum is the oldest working perfume factory in the world, and it takes visitors through the history of Eau de Cologne. Finally, the Museum Ludwig is home to an impressive collection of modern art, including pieces by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Brauhauses

No trip to the Old Town would be complete without visiting at least one traditional German brauhaus. Peters Brauhaus, Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch, and Brauhaus Reissdorf am Griechenmarkt are all highly recommended. These establishments serve up hearty German food and delicious local beer, and they're the perfect place to immerse yourself in German culture.

Cologne's Roman History

Cologne, or Köln in German, was founded in the 1st century CE as the Roman Colonia Agrippina, hence its name. The Ubii, a Cisrhenian Germanic tribe, founded the first urban settlement on the grounds of modern-day Cologne, Oppidum Ubiorum, in 38 BCE.

In 50 CE, the Romans founded Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Cologne) on the river Rhine. The settlement grew rapidly, and in 50 CE, at the request of his locally born wife Agrippina, the Roman Emperor Claudius granted the city the status of a colony according to Roman law. The city featured monumental stone buildings, temples, the palace of the proconsul, and baths. Paved streets with underground channels and an aqueduct were part of the sophisticated infrastructure. The city walls, with gates and towers, served to protect and adorn the city.

Cologne was the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior and the headquarters of the Roman military in the region until it was occupied by the Franks in 462 CE.

Considerable Roman remains can be found in present-day Cologne, especially near the wharf area, where a 1,900-year-old Roman boat was discovered in 2007. From 260 to 271 CE, Cologne was the capital of the Gallic Empire under Postumus, Marius, and Victorinus. In 310 CE, under Emperor Constantine I, a bridge was built over the Rhine at Cologne.

The Roman legacy is still visible in Cologne today. The city has one of the largest collections of Roman glass vessels in the world, housed in the Romano-Germanic Museum. The museum stands on the foundations of an urban Roman villa with the world-famous Dionysus mosaic. The Roman City Walls, almost four kilometres in length, have been preserved within the present-day city. The Roman Tower (Römerturm) with its richly decorated masonry is also within walking distance of the museum.

Cologne Cathedral, the city's most famous monument, was constructed between 1248 and 1880 to house the Shrine of the Three Kings. The remains of one of the earliest Christian communities in the northern part of the Roman Empire have been discovered beneath the cathedral.

Cologne is a major cultural centre in the Rhineland, with more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. The city is also home to several institutions of higher education, including the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.

Rhine River Cruises

Cologne sits on the Rhine River, so it's no surprise that one of the best ways to see the city is from the water. There are several cruise options available, from one-hour sightseeing tours to three-hour panoramic trips. Here's what you need to know about Rhine River Cruises in Cologne.

Where to Board

You can catch a Rhine River Cruise from the banks of the Rhine River in central Cologne. The departure point is usually near the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

What You'll See

As your boat glides along the Rhine, you'll be treated to views of Cologne's top attractions, including:

• The magnificent Cologne Cathedral with its twin spires
• The Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks
• The medieval Old Town
• The Chocolate Museum in the newly renovated Rheinauhafen harbour area
• The Roman Catholic Church of St. Maria im Kapitol
• The Romano-Germanic Museum

When to Go

What to Expect

Most cruises offer informative commentary in multiple languages, providing fascinating insights into the history of the city. You can also purchase drinks, including the local Koelsch beer, from the onboard bar. Some cruises include live music, and others offer a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples.

Other Options

If you're looking for a longer excursion, you can take a day trip to neighbouring towns or the picturesque Siebengebirge hills. These trips usually depart from the same area as the shorter cruises.

Cologne's Chocolate Museum

The museum offers the world's most comprehensive exhibition of the history of cocoa, covering 5,000 years of its cultivation. The exhibition includes a diverse collection of historic items, a greenhouse, a famous chocolate fountain containing 200 kilograms of chocolate, an 18th and 19th-century porcelain and silver collection, exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and various historical industrial machinery. The glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop allow visitors to witness both mechanised and manual chocolate-making processes.

The museum also has a cafe, the Chocolat Grand Cafe, where you can treat yourself to delicious chocolate specialties and cake while enjoying magnificent views of the Rhine.

Frequently asked questions