The Princess Of Cologne: A German Royal Legacy

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history and cultural significance. Founded in the 1st century CE as a Roman colony, it was named Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, later shortened to Colonia, from which the modern name is derived. Over the centuries, Cologne has been occupied by the Romans, the Franks, the French, and the British. It was a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trade network, and is known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, its Roman artefacts, and its Eau de Cologne perfume.

One of the most influential figures in the history of Cologne is Agrippina the Younger, a native of the city and wife of the Roman Emperor Claudius. In 50 CE, she requested that her birthplace be elevated to the status of a Roman colony, which was granted, and the city was renamed in her honour. Another notable woman from Cologne's history is Saint Ursula, a Romano-British virgin and martyr who is said to have been beheaded in the city along with 11,000 companions.

Cologne's history as a free imperial city

Cologne was founded in the 1st century CE as the Roman Colonia Agrippina, derived from the name of Agrippina, the wife of Emperor Claudius, who was born in the city. In 50 CE, the Romans founded the city on the river Rhine, and it became the provincial capital of Germania Inferior in 85 CE.

During the Middle Ages, the city flourished due to its location on one of the most important trade routes between east and west Europe. In the 12th century, the entire city was enclosed by walls, and by 1300 CE, the population had reached 50,000-55,000.

In the 15th century, Cologne was able to free itself from archiepiscopal rule and became a Free Imperial City, enabling the burgher ruling class to gain power. This status meant Cologne was a self-ruling state within the Holy Roman Empire and had a certain amount of autonomy. The city's development stalled after the Thirty Years' War, and it wasn't until the French occupation in 1815 that Cologne experienced another period of growth, driven by industrialisation.

Cologne was occupied by the French from 1794-1815 and then became part of Prussia. During World War II, Cologne was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Germany, with around 80% of the millennia-old city centre destroyed.

Cologne's role as a religious centre

Cologne has been an important religious centre since the early centuries of the Common Era. The city was founded in the 1st century CE as the Roman Colonia Agrippina, and became the provincial capital of Germania Inferior in 85 CE. It was also known as Augusta Ubiorum.

The first Christian bishop of Cologne was Saint Maternus, who was elected in 313 CE. The city was the capital of a Roman province until it was occupied by the Ripuarian Franks in 462 CE.

Cologne's location on the river Rhine placed it at the intersection of major trade routes between east and west, as well as the main south–north Western Europe trade route, from Venice to the Netherlands. This helped the city flourish during the Middle Ages.

Cologne was also an important centre of medieval pilgrimage, when its archbishop, Rainald of Dassel, gave the relics of the Three Wise Men to Cologne's cathedral in 1164. Besides the three magi, Cologne preserves the relics of Saint Ursula and Albertus Magnus. The Basilica of St. Ursula in Cologne holds the alleged relics of Ursula and her 11,000 companions.

Cologne Cathedral, a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of six million people a year. The cathedral is a medieval building that was constructed very solidly and requires continuous maintenance and renovation.

Cologne has more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. It is also home to numerous universities and colleges, and hosts around 72,000 students.

Cologne's connection to Eau de Cologne

Cologne, the fourth-largest city in Germany, is famous for Eau de Cologne, which has been produced in the city since 1709. The perfume was originally mixed by Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian perfume maker, in 1709. Farina named his fragrance Eau de Cologne, or "Water from Cologne", in honour of his new hometown. Farina's shop in Cologne, which opened in 1709, is the world's oldest fragrance factory.

Eau de Cologne is a spirit-citrus perfume with a mixture of citrus oils, including oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, clementine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, blood orange, bitter orange, and neroli. It can also contain oils of lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, jasmine, olive, and tobacco. The original Eau de Cologne is a costly luxury, with a single vial costing half the annual salary of a civil servant.

In contemporary American English usage, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumes marketed toward men. It may also refer to a less concentrated, more affordable version of a popular perfume.

The success of Eau de Cologne prompted countless businessmen to sell their fragrances under the name of Eau de Cologne. The Original Eau de Cologne 4711, for example, was developed in the 18th century by Wilhelm Mülhens and has been produced in Cologne since at least 1799.

Cologne's medieval period

During the Middle Ages, the city flourished due to its location on one of the most important major trade routes between east and western Europe (including the Brabant Road, Via Regia and Publica). By the end of the 12th century, Cologne was surrounded by walls and had a population of 50,000–55,000. The city's industry and trade grew during the Middle Ages, especially from about the 10th century, and increasingly bitter conflicts developed between the wealthy merchants and the archbishop. The former sought commercial and political freedom, while the latter sought to preserve his temporal power, which was augmented when the archbishop became one of the electors privileged to choose the German king in the 13th century.

It was not until the Battle of Worringen in 1288 that the archbishop was finally defeated, and the city of Cologne secured full self-government. From that time, Cologne was in fact a free imperial city, although it was only officially recognised as such in 1475. Until the end of the 14th century, the government of the city was in the hands of the wealthy patricians, but in 1396, after a bloodless revolution, a new municipal constitution was established under which the 22 branches of the guilds became the basis of the government, as they elected a council that had power over all internal and external affairs.

Cologne's modern-day attractions

Cologne is a city steeped in history, with many of its attractions reflecting its rich past. However, there are also plenty of modern-day attractions to visit. Here are some of the top modern things to see and do in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): This magnificent Gothic cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to Cologne. It's one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and houses the shrine of the Three Wise Men. The interior features intricate stained glass windows, beautiful artwork, and ornate architectural details.
• Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): This sweet museum traces the history of chocolate and its production. Visitors can watch chocolates being made on a working production line and even design their own chocolate bars.
• Museum Ludwig: This museum boasts one of the biggest Picasso collections in Europe, as well as works by other modern masters such as Warhol and Lichtenstein.
• Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn): This cable car offers panoramic views of the city, including the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral. It's a fun way to cross the Rhine River and enjoy the cityscape.
• Cologne Zoo (Kölner Zoologischer Garten): One of Germany's oldest zoos, Cologne Zoo features a variety of animals and habitats, including a well-stocked aquarium and a unique biotope habitat.
• Cologne Triangle (KölnTriangle): This striking contemporary building offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
• NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne (NS-Dokumentationszentrum der Stadt Köln): This memorial and museum give a sobering account of life under Nazi rule and its impact on Cologne's citizens.
• Wallraf-Richartz Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of European paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Manet, Renoir, and more.
• Hohe Straße and Schildergasse: These bustling pedestrian streets are a shopper's paradise, with a mix of boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• Flora and Botanical Garden (Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln): Covering 11.5 hectares, this lush green space boasts over 10,000 species of plants and flowers. It's a tranquil escape from the city, with beautiful paths and a historic building, The Flora, that hosts events.
• Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum): Just a short walk from the cathedral, this museum showcases Cologne's rich archaeological heritage, including Roman-era mosaics, glass, and sculptures.
• Cologne Old Town (Altstadt): The historic Old Town is full of charming cobbled lanes, colourful buildings, and medieval churches. It's a great place to wander and discover hidden gems, with plenty of dining and shopping options.

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