The People Of Cologne: What's In A Name?

Cologne, or Köln in German, is a city in Germany. So, people from Cologne are called 'Cologners' or 'Kölners'. Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and is known for its rich history, culture, and landmarks. The city is particularly famous for Eau de Cologne, a perfume created by Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina in the 18th century. The term 'cologne' has since become a generic name for scented formulations with a concentration of 2-5% essential oils.

Cologne's Eau de Cologne

The people of Cologne, Germany, are called "Kölner" in German. Cologne is the fourth-most populous city in Germany, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million in the Cologne-Bonn region. The city is famous for its medieval cathedral, its beer, and its dialect, "Kölsch", which is also the name of the local beer.

Cologne is also famous for Eau de Cologne, a perfume created by the Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina in 1709. The original Eau de Cologne is a spirit-citrus perfume with a typical concentration of 2-5% and a base of dilute ethanol. It contains a mixture of citrus oils, including lemon, orange, tangerine, and bergamot, and can also contain other essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme.

In the centuries since its creation, Eau de Cologne has become a generic term for scented formulations with similar concentrations of essential oils, alcohol, and water. In contemporary American English, the term "cologne" typically refers to perfumes marketed toward men and often signifies a less concentrated, more affordable version of a popular perfume.

The Farina family has produced the original Eau de Cologne in Cologne since 1709, and their formula remains a secret. Another well-known Eau de Cologne is the Original Eau de Cologne 4711, which has been produced in the city since at least 1799 and is one of the oldest fragrances still produced in the world.

Eau de Cologne is also significant in Turkish culture, where it is called "odikolon" and is traditionally offered to guests. This tradition began when Farina's cologne was brought to the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Abdülhamid II, and it has persisted even after the collapse of the empire.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It was built to house the Shrine of the Three Kings and is a globally recognised landmark and one of the most visited sights and pilgrimage destinations in Europe. The cathedral is a medieval building that was constructed very solidly and is made from different types of rock. It is Germany's largest cathedral and was the world's tallest building from 1880 to 1890.

The construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was completed to its original medieval plan in 1880. The towers for its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

The cathedral is a five-aisled basilica with a projecting transept and a tower façade. The nave is 43.58 m high and the side aisles are 19.80 m. The western section, nave and transept, begun in 1330, changes in style, but this is not perceptible in the overall building. The 19th-century work follows the medieval forms and techniques faithfully, as can be seen by comparing it with the original medieval plan on parchment.

The cathedral contains many artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix of the late 10th century, the Shrine of the Magi (1180-1225), the altarpiece of St Clare (c. 1350-1400), the altarpiece of the City Patrons by Stephan Lochner (c. 1445), and the altarpiece of St Agilolphus (c. 1520). It also houses the relics of the Three Wise Men, which were brought to Cologne from Milan in 1164 by the Archbishop Rainald of Dassel.

The cathedral is open to tourists on working days (Monday to Saturday) 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 m (330 ft) above the ground, which offers a scenic view over the Rhine.

Cologne's Roman History

Cologne, Germany, was founded in the 1st century CE as the Roman Colonia Agrippina, in Germanic Ubii territory. The name was later shortened to Colonia and then further evolved into the modern German Köln. The city was founded by Roman legionaries shortly before the birth of Christ and was established as a central site for the Ubii. The settlement grew rapidly, and in 50 CE, the Roman Emperor Claudius conferred on the city the status of a colony according to Roman law, at the request of his locally-born wife Agrippina. The city was named Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, but this was later shortened to Colonia. It served as the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior and as the headquarters of the Roman military in the region until it was occupied by the Franks in 462.

Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium featured monumental stone buildings, temples, the palace of the proconsul, and public baths. It had paved streets with underground channels and an aqueduct. The city was protected and adorned by mighty walls with gates and towers. Roman Cologne was a destination and starting point for arterial roads to Boulogne-sur-Mer and Lyon. It was both the destination and starting point for the arterial roads Cologne-Boulogne sur Mer (via Belgica) and Cologne-Lyon (via Agrippa). These roads are still recognisable in the modern city and continue to influence the cultural landscape.

Roman imperial governors resided in the city, and it became one of the most important trade and production centres in the Roman Empire north of the Alps. Roman remains can still be found in present-day Cologne, especially near the wharf area, where a 1,900-year-old Roman boat was discovered in 2007. Parts of the original Roman sewers are also preserved underneath the city, with a new sewerage system opening in 1890.

The Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne presents the archaeological heritage of the city and the surrounding area from the Palaeolithic period to the early Middle Ages. It was built in 1974 and stands on the foundations of an urban Roman villa with the world-famous Dionysius mosaic. The museum has the largest collection of Roman glass vessels in the world and includes precious goldsmith works from the Diergardt Collection and relics of Germanic and equestrian nomad peoples from across Europe.

Cologne Cathedral, the city's best-known building, also has Roman origins. Research beneath the building has discovered the nucleus of one of the earliest Christian communities in the northern part of the Roman Empire. Extensive remains of an older church have been discovered, and precious finds, especially grave goods from the 6th century, can be admired in the Cathedral Treasury.

Cologne's Roman City Walls, which were almost four kilometres long, have been partially preserved within the present-day city. A spectacular museum landscape, linking the Roman period and the Middle Ages, is planned for the site of the archaeological excavations in front of the Historic Town Hall.

Cologne's Medieval Pilgrimage

Cologne, Germany, is famous for its medieval cathedral, which is officially known as the Kölner Dom. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, showcasing an extensive history of architectural evolution and dedication. The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, renowned for its towering twin spires and status as the third-tallest church in the world. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a significant pilgrimage site for Christians.

The cathedral's construction was initiated by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden and was based on the model of the Amiens Cathedral in France. The early phases of construction focused on the choir, which was designed to house the relics of the Three Wise Men, enhancing the city's spiritual significance. The cathedral's architecture combines various styles, reflecting the evolving trends from the Gothic to the more industrial methods of the 19th century.

Cologne's location on the River Rhine also contributed to its importance as a pilgrimage site. The city was situated on major trade routes between eastern and western Europe, making it easily accessible to pilgrims. By the end of the 12th century, the city was enclosed by walls, and by 1300, its population had grown to 50,000-55,000.

In addition to its religious significance, the cathedral played a crucial role in significant historical events. It stood as a bastion of Catholicism during the Reformation and remarkably survived extensive bombings during World War II, becoming a symbol of resilience. Today, it stands as a testament to architectural perseverance and historical significance, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Cologne's LGBT+ Community

Cologne is a city known for its liberal and tolerant attitude, which has resulted in a thriving LGBT+ community. The city's LGBT+ community is very much part of public life and actively contributes to the city's open and accepting image. According to a study by the city council, one in ten residents identify as LGBT+. The community is supported by a range of gay-friendly cafes, bars, clubs, and cultural events.

One notable aspect of Cologne's LGBT+ community is its participation in the city's famous carnival. The "pink" carnival, organised by Stattgarde Colonia Ahoj, has been a part of the city's festivities for over 20 years. The group, with its maritime-themed outfits and "love and let love" philosophy, performs at hundreds of events during the carnival and hosts its own parties, including a pink costume party on a boat.

Cologne also hosts one of the largest gay pride parades in Europe, known as Cologne Pride or Christopher Street Day. The event celebrates LGBT+ culture and promotes human rights, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. The parade is accompanied by a week of festivals, parties, and political forums, comparable to the city's carnival celebrations.

The city offers a range of LGBT+ friendly venues and events throughout the year. Café era and Café Rico are popular spots for socialising and people-watching. Café anyway, the heart of the anyway youth club, caters to young queer individuals between 14 and 27 years old, providing a safe space to socialise and seek support. Filmpalette, a cinema with a progressive programme, hosts a "queer film night" every second Tuesday of the month, showcasing non-heteronormative films from around the globe.

For those interested in sports and recreation, SC Janus is Europe's biggest queer sports club, offering over 45 sports and 90 classes and groups. The club prioritises creating a discrimination-free environment, welcoming people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and sexualities. Badehaus Babylon, a day spa, offers a relaxing experience with steam rooms, pools, saunas, and private booths.

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