Explore Cologne: History, Scents, And Cultural Delights

Cologne, Germany is a city packed with culture, delicious food, and impressive architecture. Located on the Rhine River, it is the oldest and largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. The city boasts a unique beer culture, a thriving music and art scene, and a rich history. With its joyous attitude, party spirit, and famous Carnival, Cologne offers a lively and vibrant experience for visitors.

From the impressive Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the charming Old Town with its colourful houses and quaint cobblestone streets, Cologne presents a blend of old and new. The city also offers a range of museums, galleries, and independent shops, showcasing both historic and modern art.

Cologne's convenient location between popular cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris, makes it an ideal destination to include in a trip around Europe. With its unique character and numerous attractions, Cologne is definitely worth considering for your next city break.

The Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral boasts breathtaking architecture and is an impressive 157 metres long, 86 metres wide, and 157 metres tall. Its towers dominate the city skyline and are visible from the banks of the Rhine, making it an iconic symbol of Cologne. The cathedral's towers offer an incredible panoramic view of the city and are accessible to the public via a staircase of 533 steps.

The cathedral is a pilgrimage site and is believed to house the relics of the Three Kings, or the Magi, who followed the star in the Nativity story to bring gifts to Jesus. These relics were saved from fire and war over the centuries and are now kept in a bejewelled gold and silver reliquary behind the high altar. The shrine is a stunning example of medieval goldsmithing and is considered one of the most important works of gold art in the world.

The cathedral is also home to an impressive collection of art and religious artefacts. Visitors can admire the stunning stained-glass windows, some of which date back to the 16th century, as well as the beautiful choir stalls, carved from oak, and the intricate stone carvings throughout the building. The south tower houses the largest free-swinging working bell in the world, known as St Peter's Bell. Weighing over 24,000 kilograms, it is truly a marvel to behold.

The Roman and Jewish history

Cologne's history dates back to 50 CE when it was founded by the Romans and named "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium". It was the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior and served as the headquarters of the military in the region. The city was an important trading post, with five Roman trunk roads intersecting with the Rhine, which was also used as a water transport route.

The Jewish community in Cologne is the oldest in Europe north of the Alps, with records dating back to 321 CE during the reign of Emperor Constantine I. An edict issued by Constantine allowed Jews to be elected to the City Council. The Jewish community thrived in the city, with a synagogue built by 1040 CE. However, the Crusades in 1096 CE brought an end to the peaceful coexistence with Christians, resulting in the massacre of Jews and the destruction of their synagogue.

The Roman influence in Cologne is still evident today. The city's name is derived from its Roman origins, and archaeological ruins, such as the Praetorium (the palace of the Roman governor), can be found beneath the town hall. The remains of a Roman sewer system, tombstones, and aqueducts have also been discovered.

The Jewish presence in Cologne has had a long and tumultuous history. After the initial period of coexistence, the Jewish community faced waves of persecution and expulsion over the centuries. During the Black Death in the 14th century, the Jewish quarter was attacked, and Jews were murdered and their properties plundered. In 1424, the Jews were evicted from the city, and it wasn't until 1798 that they were allowed to return.

Despite the challenges, Cologne has a rich Roman and Jewish history that attracts visitors interested in exploring these ancient cultures. The city offers insights into the lives of Romans and Jews through its archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks, providing a deeper understanding of these two influential communities that once called Cologne home.

The Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its winding cobblestone alleys, colourful steep-gabled houses, and romantic squares, it offers a glimpse into the past and a lively atmosphere that makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here's a more detailed look at what you can find in the Old Town:

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece and one of the largest churches in the world. It is known for its twin spires that tower 157 metres into the sky and its exquisite interior, which includes stained glass windows from the 16th century and the Gero-Kreuz crucifix from the 10th century. The cathedral also houses the shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded triple sarcophagus dating back to 1164.

Roman-Germanic Museum

Cologne was founded as a Roman settlement, and the Roman-Germanic Museum showcases this history. Although the museum is currently closed for renovation, an interim exhibition with a quarter of the permanent collection can be found at the Belgisches Haus.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge is a railway and foot bridge that offers stunning views of the Cologne Cathedral. It is famous for its love locks, with couples inscribing their names and locking their padlocks to the bridge as a symbol of everlasting devotion.

Chocolate Museum

A ten-minute walk from the Hohenzollern Bridge will bring you to the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and sample confectionery from around the world.

Old Market Square

The Old Market Square, or Alter Markt, is a lively square with a historic charm. It was originally a Roman port and later became the central market square in the 10th century. Today, it is lined with cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to enjoy a coffee or a locally brewed beer.

Cologne's Rathaus

Groß St. Martin Church

The Groß St. Martin Church is a Romanesque-Catholic church built on the remains of a Roman chapel. It has been a recognisable feature in Cologne's skyline since the 12th century. The church was damaged during World War II and was reconstructed in the 12th-century Rhenish architecture style.

Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig is home to an impressive collection of 20th-century art, including works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. It also features Russian Avant-Garde and Expressionist art.

Romano-Germanic Museum

The Romano-Germanic Museum was built around a Roman villa discovered during World War II. It displays an extensive collection of Roman artefacts, including the famous Dionysus mosaic.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is the oldest museum in Cologne and one of the major classical art galleries in Germany. It houses the world's most extensive collection of medieval paintings, as well as art from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Farina Fragrance Museum

The Farina Fragrance Museum is the place where Eau de Cologne was invented. It is the oldest working perfume factory in the world, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of perfume-making and compare different scents.

Breweries and Restaurants

Cologne's Old Town is known for its traditional breweries (Brauhaus) and hearty German food. Popular breweries include Peters Brauhaus, Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch, and Brauhaus Reissdorf am Griechenmarkt. The Old Town also offers a variety of dining options, with cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

The Rhine River

Cologne is a beautiful city situated on the Rhine River in Germany. The river is an integral part of the city, providing a lifeline to its million inhabitants. At 300 metres broad, the Rhine creates a sense of space in the densely populated metropolis. Along its banks, locals play sports, relax, or meet for drinks, and it offers gorgeous views of the Cologne skyline at sunset.

The Rhine is also a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are various cruises along the river, from festive winter cruises to sightseeing cruises, and even a cruise between the Cathedral and Rodenkirchen. The Rhine River is also a great way to explore the history of the city, with cruises offering a unique perspective on Cologne's Roman and Jewish history.

For those looking to explore on foot, the Rhine River banks offer a wealth of attractions. The historical centre of Cologne, or Old Town, is located on the river's edge below the cathedral. Here, narrow, colourful houses line the banks, with quaint cobblestone streets and charming public squares. This area also boasts a number of breweries and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists.

So whether you're strolling along the riverbanks, cruising down the Rhine, or exploring the historic sites that line its shores, the Rhine River is an essential part of any visit to Cologne.

The city's unique beer culture

Cologne is synonymous with good cheer and its beer culture is an integral part of the city's identity. The city has a unique and long-standing association with Kölsch, a clear, light, and crisp lager beer. In fact, there's a saying in Cologne that sums up the importance of this beverage to the local culture: "Kölsch is the only culture that you can drink".

Kölsch is not just the name of the beer, but also refers to the local dialect, humour, and people of Cologne. The beer itself is bright and clear with a straw-yellow hue and is served in small 0.2-litre glasses called Stange. The thin, tapered top of the glass means it is customary to clink glasses at the bottom rather than the top. The beer is traditionally served by a Köbes, a waiter who rushes around with a round tray of glasses, delivering them to customers' tables. The Köbes is known for his gruff, no-nonsense style, which may be considered rude by some, but it is all part of the unique brewery restaurant experience.

Cologne is the only city permitted to brew Kölsch and there are over 40 breweries in the city. The beer is traditionally served in the rustic pubs of the Altstadt (Old Town), where the atmosphere is lively and cheerful. The city's brewery restaurants have a long history, dating back 500 years. Some of the oldest breweries include the Brauhaus Sion, which opened in 1511, and the Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh am Dom, located near the Cathedral.

For beer enthusiasts, a visit to Cologne offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and sample the famous Kölsch. It is a must-do activity when visiting the city.

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