Exploring Cologne's Old Town: A Historical And Cultural Journey

Cologne's Old Town, or 'Altstadt', is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The area boasts a mix of Gothic German architecture and modern buildings, with narrow cobbled streets and spacious open areas full of shops, bars, and restaurants.

The Old Town is located west of the Rhine River, and it is the first place you will arrive when travelling to the central train station, Koln Hauptbahnhof. The area is easily walkable, and most of Cologne's main attractions, hotels, and restaurants are located there or nearby.

Some of the top attractions in the Old Town include the Cologne Cathedral ('Kölner Dom'), the Town Hall ('Rathaus'), the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Farina Fragrance Museum, and the Wallraf Richartz Museum. The Old Town is also home to several traditional breweries ('Brauhaus') serving local beer and food.

Cologne's Old Town is a great place to spend an evening, and the area hosts some of Germany's best Christmas markets during the festive season.

Visit the Gothic cathedral, Kölner Dom

The Gothic cathedral, Kölner Dom, is a must-see when visiting Cologne's Old Town. It is an iconic landmark in the heart of the historic Old Town and a brilliant piece of medieval architecture. The full scale and beauty of the cathedral will hit you as soon as you leave the train station. Gaze at the gothic spiked towers and the intricate details across the beautiful architectural structure.

The Kölner Dom is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals and has a legendary construction period that extends from 1248 to 1880. In the 19th century, it was considered a national symbol of Germany, and today it remains one of the most visited sights in the country.

The cathedral is home to exquisite pieces such as the 10th-century Gero-Crucifix and the Madonna of Milan, a wooden sculpture said to possess miraculous powers. It also houses the bones of the Three Kings, which were brought to Cologne from Milan in the 12th century, drawing pilgrims and attracting funding for the cathedral's construction.

You will need to book in advance to view the inside of the Kölner Dom. There is an entrance fee to climb the 533 steps up the South Tower or to visit the Cathedral Treasury. Check the official website for opening hours and information about their guided tours in English.

The area surrounding the cathedral is also worth exploring. Colourful and picturesque narrow steep-gabled houses can be found on the banks of the Rhine nearby. The nearby Alter Markt, considered Cologne's most traditional square, offers cosy pubs and outdoor spaces, especially in summer. During Christmas, you can visit the popular Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market at Alter Markt.

Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum

The Roman-Germanic Museum is one of the prime archaeological museums in the country. Located right next to the Cologne Cathedral, the museum is responsible for preserving the city's Roman heritage. The museum's collection of Roman glass from funerals and burials is a result of this preservation effort.

The museum's permanent exhibits include everyday items like furniture, toys, and jewellery, offering visitors insight into what day-to-day life was like during Roman times. One of the most fascinating exhibits on display is the tomb of a Roman officer, Lucius Poblicius, and the 3rd-century Dionysus mosaic, also known as the Greek God of wine. A restored 90-yard stretch of the Roman harbour road takes up the southern side of the museum.

The Belgian House (Cäcilienstraße 46) currently hosts an interim exhibition comprising a quarter of the museum's permanent collection. The exhibition includes numerous archaeological finds and relics of daily life in Roman Cologne, such as architectural elements, inscriptions, portraits, and pottery, which illustrate the development of the ancient city.

The Roman-Germanic Museum is more than just a museum; it is also a research centre. It houses archives relating to the archaeology of the city, extensive documentation on historical monuments, and a specialist library containing 30,000 volumes.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with recommended visit times of 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The museum can be easily accessed via the Hauptbahnhof subway station, and it usually takes about two hours to explore.

Take a tour of the city

Cologne is a city steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant social scene. The best way to explore the city is on foot, as many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Cologne Cathedral

The iconic Cologne Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to the city. This Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and is renowned for its intricate architecture and exquisite interior. The cathedral is an international pilgrimage site and houses the relics of the Three Kings. Visitors can climb the 533 steps up the South Tower for a small fee.

Roman-Germanic Museum

For those interested in ancient history, the Roman-Germanic Museum offers a glimpse into Roman life in Cologne. Through archaeological exhibits and a well-preserved mosaic floor, visitors can learn about the Roman settlement that once stood in the city.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge is a bustling railway bridge that offers stunning views of the city. It is famous for its love locks, where couples inscribe their names and lock them onto the bridge's railing as a symbol of everlasting devotion.

Old Town Square

The Alter Markt, or Old Market Square, is a lively hub in the heart of the Old Town. This historic square is lined with cafes and restaurants and features a 19th-century fountain commemorating Jan von Werth, a victorious army general. It is also the site of one of Cologne's famous Christmas markets.

Cologne Town Hall

The Cologne Town Hall, or Rathaus, is a stunning example of architectural evolution. The main building dates back to the 14th century, while the tower reflects 15th-century architecture. The Renaissance-style loggia and atrium showcase different design influences.

St. Gereon's Basilica

This minor basilica is renowned for its gravity-defying decagonal dome, drawing comparisons to the Hagia Sofia in Constantinople and Brunelleschi's dome in Florence.

Great St. Martin's Church

Great St. Martin's Church is known for its distinctive exterior, with four slender turrets embracing a central spire. The church was built on the site of Roman warehouses, and its crypt houses archaeological excavations.

Melaten Cemetery

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Melaten Cemetery offers a serene setting with beautiful flora and fauna. This park has a dark past as Cologne's former execution site and leper colony, and guided tours reveal the cemetery's spooky stories.

Cable Car Ride

For panoramic views of the city, take a cable car ride near the Cologne Zoo. The ticket also offers discounts to nearby attractions, such as the Claudius Therme spa.

Lindt Chocolate Factory

Germany is famous for its chocolate, and a tour of the Lindt Chocolate Factory is a delightful experience. Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate and witness the chocolate-making process, culminating in a delicious tasting session.

Farina Fragrance Museum

The Farina Fragrance Museum is the birthplace of the famous Eau de Cologne. Guided tours take visitors through the original production rooms, showcasing historical exhibits and equipment used to create this iconic scent.

Museum Ludwig

Art enthusiasts will appreciate Museum Ludwig, which houses an extensive collection of modern art. The museum features works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as Russian Avant-Garde and Expressionist pieces.

Brauhaus Culture

No trip to Cologne is complete without experiencing the local Brauhaus (brew-pub) culture. Peters Brauhaus, Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch, and Brauhaus Reissdorf am Griechenmarkt are highly recommended for their atmosphere, traditional German food, and, of course, an abundance of Kölsch beer.

Visit Melaten Cemetery

Melaten Cemetery is the perfect place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Cologne's Old Town and enjoy a relaxing stroll in peaceful surroundings. This extensive cemetery, with over 55,000 graves, is an oasis of calm in the city and has been described as feeling like an outdoor museum.

History

First mentioned in 1243, Melaten is the central cemetery of Cologne and was developed as a large park to hold the graves of notable residents. The name "Melaten" refers to a hospital for the sick and lepers from the 12th century. The hospital fell under the jurisdiction of the archbishop and was in spiritual hands.

Location

Melaten is located in the north of the municipal district of Lindenthal, approximately one kilometre west of the city district of Cologne. It is surrounded by streets: Aachener Straße to the south, Piusstraße to the east, Oskar-Jäger-Straße and the Melatengürtel to the west, and Weinsbergstraße to the north.

Art and Architecture

Many of the large graves are decorated with sculptures and impressive tombstones, showcasing a range of artistic styles from classicist to neogothic and neobaroque. The cemetery is an interesting place to learn about the history of Cologne and its notable citizens, including members of the Millowitsch theatre dynasty, the Farina family (creators of Eau de Cologne), and Willy Millowitsch, after whom a street in the Old Town is named.

View Hohenzollern Bridge by cable car

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the most important landmarks in Cologne, and one of the hallmarks of the city. With its three wave-like arches, the bridge, along with the Cathedral and the Rhine, shapes the cityscape of Cologne.

The bridge is also one of the most important railway bridges in Germany, with around 1,200-1,500 train crossings a day. It stretches over 400 metres across the Rhine and is a mighty steel structure.

The footpath for a stroll across the bridge begins directly behind the Museum Ludwig and the Philharmonic Hall. From the other side, from Deutz, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cologne's city centre, including the bridge and Cathedral, as well as a view of Cologne's Old Town.

The bridge is famous for its thousands of love locks. It is also illuminated in the evening, making it one of the city's best-known photo motifs.

While there is currently no cable car in place from which to view the bridge, there are plans to implement one. The cable car, named the Skytrain, will cross the Rhine, connecting the main railway station to Deutz station on the exhibition centre site. The cable car will have a capacity of at least 2,500 passengers per hour, with each accessible gondola offering space for around 30-40 people, as well as pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The cable car will provide a magnificent view of the city for visitors from all over the world. It will also ease the strain on the Hohenzollern Bridge, acting as a "commuter terminal" and connecting two railway stations and districts across the Rhine.

The cable car is set to be integrated into the local public transport network and is primarily intended for everyday use, rather than as a tourist attraction. Construction is planned to begin in 2021, with the cable car becoming operational in 2022.

Frequently asked questions