Exploring Cologne: A German City Worth Visiting?

Germany's fourth-largest city, Cologne, is a place of joyous attitude and party spirit. The city is known for its Carnival, Kölsch beer, and its cathedral. The Carnival is a state of madness that takes over the city, with clowns, unicorns, witches, and cowboys taking to the streets. The Kölsch beer is a light, top-fermented brew that can only be found in Cologne. And the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's third-tallest church. But there's more to this city than its party reputation. It also boasts a thriving music and art scene, and is known as the gay capital of Germany. So, if you're looking for a unique German city to visit, with stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and plenty of attractions, Cologne is a great choice.

Cologne's unique beer culture

Cologne, Germany, has a unique beer culture centred around its local brew, Kölsch. This clear, light, and crisp lager is warm-fermented with top-fermenting yeast and then conditioned at cold temperatures. It is the only beer in Germany with a special protected geographical status, similar to Champagne in France.

Kölsch is not just a beer, but an integral part of the local culture, including the dialect, humour, and people. There is a saying in Cologne that goes, "Kölsch is the only culture that you can drink". The beer is deeply ingrained in the local customs and traditions, often enjoyed during social gatherings, festivals, and the city's famous carnival celebrations.

The brewing and serving of Kölsch are governed by specific rules and rituals. According to German regulations, it must be brewed according to the Kölsch Konvention, put forth by the members of the Köln Brewery Association, and the Reinheitsgebot, or German purity law. Additionally, the brewery must be within 30 miles of the city.

In a traditional Kölsch brauhaus, the service can be standoffish and may come across as rude to those unfamiliar with German customs. The servers, known as Köbes, are known for their gruff and efficient manner. They rush around with their round trays, called Kranz, filled with cylindrical Kölsch glasses, ensuring that customers' beers remain cold and fresh.

The beer is served in small, 200-millilitre glasses called Stangen, and refills are frequent. The Köbes will automatically replace an empty glass with a full one unless you indicate you don't want another by placing your coaster on top of your empty glass. This unique serving style adds to the lively and convivial atmosphere of the brauhaus.

Cologne is home to numerous breweries that produce Kölsch, each with its own unique recipe and brewing process, resulting in subtle variations in flavour. Some popular breweries include Früh, Gaffel, Reissdorf, and Sünner.

Cologne's beer culture extends beyond the breweries, with the city hosting several beer festivals throughout the year. The most notable festival is the Cologne Carnival, which takes place in November and features parades, costumes, music, and, of course, plenty of Kölsch beer.

The city's unique beer culture, along with its rich history, charming Old Town, stunning architectural landmarks, and vibrant festivals, makes Cologne a captivating destination to visit and explore.

The city's impressive cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (or Kölner Dom in German) 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. At 157 metres (515 feet), it is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church globally.

The cathedral's construction began in 1248 to house the reliquaries of the Biblical Three Wise Men. However, the project was halted around 1560 and remained unfinished for almost 300 years. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but proper funding was not secured until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880.

The towers of its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world. The interior boasts several artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix, believed to be the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps, and the Shrine of the Three Kings, the largest reliquary shrine in Europe.

The cathedral suffered fourteen hits by aerial bombs during World War II but remained standing. Repairs were completed in 1956, and in 1996, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The cathedral is open to tourists on weekdays between 10 am and 5 pm and on Sundays between 1 pm and 4 pm. Visitors can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform about 100 metres above the ground, offering a scenic view over the Rhine.

The Rhine River

If you're looking for a more active adventure, you can try the "Cologne to Mainz by Bike and Barge" tour, which includes cycling to Beethoven's city, Bonn, and visiting museums. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, there are river cruises with live music and festive dining options, such as the "New Year's Eve Cruise on the Rhine."

Cologne's Roman ruins

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is home to several Roman ruins. One of the most visited sights in Germany, the Cologne Cathedral (der Kölner Dom), stands tall at 157 metres (515 feet), making it the world's third-tallest church. But what many visitors don't realise is that right beneath their feet, in a functional parking garage, lie ancient Roman ruins from the end of the first century AD.

The ruins include the foundation and lower part of a city wall that enclosed the early Roman settlement Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), founded in 50 AD. The city wall was almost four kilometres long and had at least nine gates and 19 round towers. In front of the western entrance to the cathedral is an arch from the former northern gateway into CCAA, with the remains of the gate and part of the defensive wall visible in the underground garage beneath the open area beside it.

Another notable structure is the 'Roman Tower', marking the northwest corner of CCAA. The 'Lysolph Tower' is a 32-metre-long section of the wall, and the Helena Tower in St-Apern-Strasse stands at 10 metres tall, giving an impression of the defensive strength of these ancient towers.

In the old town, the praetorium, or the former seat of the Roman governor of Cologne, can also be found.

The city's museums and galleries

If you're an art enthusiast, Cologne is the place to be. The city is brimming with high-quality galleries and museums, showcasing both classical and contemporary art. The annual ART COLOGNE fair keeps the city at the forefront of the international art scene. Here is an overview of some of the city's museums and galleries:

Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, featuring pop art and Russian avant-garde pieces. The museum offers a diverse range of exhibitions, such as the "Fluxus and Beyond" exhibition, which focuses on artists Ursula Burghardt and Benjamin Patterson, who were involved in the 1960s Fluxus art movement. The museum also awards the Wolfgang Hahn Prize to contemporary artists, with Egyptian-Canadian artist Anna Boghiguian being a recent recipient.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

This museum takes you on a journey through the history of art, showcasing paintings from the medieval period to the early 20th century.

Schnütgen Museum

The Schnütgen Museum specialises in Christian religious art, primarily from the medieval era.

Museum für Angewandte Kunst

Also known as the Museum of Applied Art, this museum showcases a range of applied arts and design pieces.

Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst

The Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, or the Museum of East Asian Art, offers a unique perspective on East Asian culture. The collection includes Buddhist sculptures, lacquer art, and other ancient artifacts.

Kolumba

Kolumba is an art museum run by the Archdiocese of Cologne. It combines remnants of the original St Columba Church, a 1950s chapel, and medieval ruins, creating a beautiful blend of old and new architecture. The artwork spans from late antiquity to the present day, including paintings, modern video installations, and more.

Käthe Kollwitz Museum

Housed in the heart of the city above a shopping gallery, this museum showcases the work of German artist Käthe Kollwitz, who was active in the first half of the 20th century. Her subject matter often focused on human suffering, and the museum's collection includes 750 pieces, such as paintings, prints, and sculptures, that showcase her impeccable skill and emotional depth.

Skulpturen Park Köln

The Cologne Sculpture Park is a unique space that defies easy categorisation. It is a public park that showcases contemporary international sculptures from renowned artists. The exhibition changes every two years, making it an ideal destination for repeat visits.

Galerie Artclub

Galerie Artclub, housed in a renovated fire station, invites members to display their artwork in one of five exhibition halls. This gallery refuses to be confined to a single artistic niche, showcasing a diverse range of styles and themes. It primarily serves as a platform for lesser-known artists, making their artwork more affordable than in high-end galleries.

Galerie Nagel Draxler

Founded in 1990, Galerie Nagel Draxler is a haven for modern art enthusiasts. The gallery showcases revolutionary conceptual art and has a talent for predicting upcoming artistic trends. Many artists who debut here go on to make a name for themselves in the art community.

Galerie Susanne Zander

This gallery has built a reputation for exhibiting exciting outsider art, with a focus on conceptual pieces that challenge fundamental beliefs about art production and reception.

Galerie Boisserée

Located in downtown Cologne, Galerie Boisserée is dedicated to graphic art and graphic techniques. It features single-artist exhibitions, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the style and approach of individual artists.

Rhenish Photographic Archive at Museen der Stadt Köln

The Rhenish Photographic Archive, founded in 1925, documents the evolving culture and heritage of Cologne through historical photographs. It includes works by famous local photographers such as Hugo Schmölz and P.P. Fürst, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.

Romano-Germanic Museum

The Romano-Germanic Museum showcases Roman artifacts, mainly from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.

Cologne Cathedral

While not a museum per se, the Cologne Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and a must-see attraction. It is the world's third-tallest church, rising to a height of 157 meters (515 feet). Its construction began in 1248 to house the relics of the Biblical Three Wise Men.

So, if you're contemplating a trip to Cologne, the city's vibrant museum and gallery scene should definitely factor into your decision. With a mix of classical and contemporary art, as well as unique architectural spaces, Cologne has much to offer for art enthusiasts and those seeking cultural enrichment.

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