Exploring Cologne's Historic Old Town: A Local's Guide

Cologne's Old Town, or 'Altstadt', is located in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Rhine. The area is known for its Gothic cathedral, cobbled streets, and bustling atmosphere. Over 70% of the Old Town was destroyed during World War II, but it has since been lovingly reconstructed, with many of its original structures still standing. The area is full of attractions, including the Town Hall, the Groß St. Martin Church, the Roman-Germanic Museum, and the Museum Ludwig. It also has a variety of pubs, restaurants, and breweries, as well as popular shopping streets.

Cologne Cathedral and other churches

Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is a Roman Catholic cathedral belonging to the Catholic Church. It is located in the city of Cologne, Germany, and is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe. The cathedral features immense twin towers that stand at 157 metres (515 feet) tall, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, and it was finally completed in 1880, over seven centuries later. The site of the Cologne Cathedral has been occupied by Christian churches since the 4th century, with an older cathedral on the site destroyed by fire in 1248. The choir of the cathedral was consecrated in 1322, but construction continued until 1560, with work stalling for centuries. During the French Revolution, the cathedral was used as a stable and hay barn, and restoration work began in the 1820s. The cathedral was badly damaged during World War II but has since been restored.

The cathedral is known for its long and drawn-out construction history, as well as the many important works of art it houses. One notable piece is the Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the relics of the Magi. Other artworks include the 4th-century St. Peter's Staff, numerous reliquaries, liturgical utensils, vestments, and manuscripts. The cathedral is also renowned for its colourful glass windows, which bring a vibrant intensity of colour to the interior. The Bible Window, located in the central chapel of the ambulatory, is one of the oldest stained-glass windows in the cathedral. The cathedral also features a modern stained-glass window by German artist Gerhard Richter, which was installed in 2007.

In addition to the Cologne Cathedral, there are several other notable churches in the city. St. Severin's Basilica, established in the 4th century, is one of the oldest churches in Cologne. St. Ursula's Basilica, dating back to the early 5th century, features a Romanesque-Gothic building with a Baroque tower top. St. Gereon's Basilica, built on the remains of Roman walls, houses a gigantic 21x16-meter oval decagonal dome. St. Mary's in Capitol is the largest Romanesque church in Cologne, inspired by the design of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem. The Basilica of the Holy Apostles, with its single 67-meter western tower, is another Romanesque church visible from afar.

Other Romanesque churches in Cologne include St. Cecilia's, the simplest of the 12; St. Pantaleon's, which dates back to 870; St. Cunibert's Basilica, consecrated in the 9th century; St. Mary's Lyskirchen, the smallest Romanesque church in the city; Great St. Martin's, with its elaborately decorated 75-meter tower; St. Andrew's, located in the heart of the city; and St. Georg's, which features a mix of architectural styles.

Roman-Germanic Museum and other museums

The Roman-Germanic Museum (RGM) is an archaeological museum in Cologne, Germany, with a large collection of Roman artefacts from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern Cologne is built. The museum was built around a large Dionysus mosaic, which remains in its original place in the basement. The mosaic dates from around 220/230 AD and is made up of over a million pieces of glass, stone and ceramics.

The museum also houses an extensive collection of Roman glass from funerals and burials, as well as Roman and medieval jewellery, Roman and medieval pottery, architectural fragments, and Roman medical cutlery. Many artefacts of everyday life in Roman Cologne are on display, including portraits of Roman emperor Augustus and his wife, Livia Drusilla.

The RGM is located near Cologne Cathedral and was opened in 1974. It stands on the foundations of a 3rd-century Roman villa, discovered in 1941 during the construction of an air-raid shelter. The inner courtyards of the museum mimic the layout of the ancient villa.

The museum is currently closed for renovations, but a temporary exhibition is being hosted in the Belgian House on Cäcilienstraße 46, close to Neumarkt.

Other museums in Cologne include the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the NS Documentation Centre, the Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus, and the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum.

Old Town's breweries and pubs

The Old Town of Cologne, known as 'Altstadt', is a vibrant neighbourhood full of local culture. It is characterised by its picturesque narrow steep-gabled houses, winding cobblestone alleys, and romantic squares. The area boasts several pubs, restaurants, and breweries, such as Früh, which can be found in the quaint alleys and traditional houses.

One of the most popular attractions in the Old Town is the Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch brewpub. Visitors can also take an entertaining brewery tour, which includes local beer tastings.

For those looking to explore Cologne's medieval past, the historic town centre offers many attractions within walking distance. This includes Germany's oldest town hall, located just a stone's throw away from the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The town hall is a complex that consists of the core building, a tower, a Renaissance arbour, and an administrative wing.

In addition to its breweries and pubs, the Old Town of Cologne is also home to various museums, monuments, and fountains. One notable museum is the Farina Fragrance Museum, located in the original production rooms of the 18th century. Here, visitors can learn about the history of the world-famous Eau de Cologne and explore the production methods and equipment used throughout the years.

Old Town's restaurants and cafes

The Old Town of Cologne is a great place to spend an evening, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The Alter Markt, considered Cologne's most traditional square, is a hub of cosy pubs and outdoor seating, especially in the summer. The area is also known for its quaint alleys and traditional houses, where you can find various eateries, including the popular pub Früh.

For German food, there are several options, including Augustiner am Heumarkt, Hänneschen und die Pfeffermühle, and Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch. Augustiner am Heumarkt serves German and vegetarian-friendly dishes, while Hänneschen und die Pfeffermühle offers German, international, and vegetarian-friendly options. Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch is another German restaurant located just a 31-foot walk from the Old Town, serving brewpub food and vegetarian-friendly options.

If you're looking for a steak, there's Black Angus Xl Steakhouse, which is just a 460-foot walk from the Old Town and offers American, steakhouse, and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Alternatively, there's El Chango, which is a 0.2-mile walk from the Old Town and serves steakhouse, Latin, and gluten-free food.

For those who enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, there's the Mediterranean restaurant, La Tagliatella, which is a 0.2-mile walk from the Old Town.

Cologne's Old Town also has a variety of cafes. Cafe Reichart, located right on the cathedral square, is a typical spot for Kaffe und Kuchen. There's also the Cafe-Lounge Alter Markt 55, which is located in the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom.

Old Town's shops and markets

Old Town Shops and Markets

Cologne's Old Town is a bustling hub of activity, with plenty of shops, markets, and attractions to explore. Located within walking distance of the city centre, it is known for its medieval flair and picturesque narrow steep-gabled houses that line the banks of the Rhine near the Cathedral. The winding cobblestone alleys, quaint squares, and romantic courtyards will transport you back to the Middle Ages.

Alter Markt (Old Market)

The heart of the Old Town is the Alter Markt, Cologne's most traditional square. This vibrant pedestrian-only area is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, and it comes alive at night. The Old Market has a long history, dating back to at least 922, and it was once connected to the Hay Market. The oldest original structure in the square dates back to 1580, and it features several Renaissance buildings and an attractive fountain. The iconic fountain depicts Jan von Werth, a legendary poor peasant who became a powerful general. The Old Market is also home to the imposing old town hall, which borders the square.

Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market

During the winter months, the Alter Markt transforms into a magical Christmas market, known as the Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market. This popular market is a great place to find unique gifts, enjoy festive treats, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.

Schildergasse and Hohe Straße

For a more modern shopping experience, head to Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, Germany's busiest shopping miles, located right in the Old Town. Here, you'll find a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering something for everyone.

Traditional Pubs and Breweries

In addition to its markets and shops, the Old Town is also known for its traditional pubs, breweries, and restaurants. These establishments, such as Früh, are scattered throughout the quaint alleys and historic houses, providing the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a delicious meal, or a taste of Cologne's rich history, the Old Town shops and markets have something for everyone. With its mix of medieval charm and modern conveniences, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.

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