Cologne, Germany: detailed information about the city of Cologne, main attractions with photos and descriptions, location on the map.
The City of Cologne, Germany
History
Cologne was founded in 16 AD as Ara Ubiorum and was elevated to the status of a city, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, in 50 AD by the wife of Emperor Claudius. In the Middle Ages, the number of religious buildings grew, and Cologne became equal to Jerusalem (at least, as it was said at the time). In 1248, the cathedral was begun, but its construction was not completed until 1880. The University of Cologne was founded in 1388. Cologne was the first city with a democratic constitution and remained largely unaffected by upheavals. However, in 1794, French troops entered the city, and after 1815 it became part of Prussia. In 1945, the city was 80% destroyed, but the residents lovingly restored it “from the ashes.”
An interesting historical fact is that this wonderful city was bombed 262 times during World War II, which is a kind of record for the longest bombardment, which lasted 75 minutes, with the participation of 1,046 bombers. It is hardly surprising that the restoration lasted until the end of the 20th century.
The Cologne coat of arms features three crowns and eleven flames. The crowns symbolize the three Magi who rest in the cathedral. The flames symbolize the eleven thousand virgins of Saint Ursula.
Getting to Cologne
You can get to Cologne by plane, train, or bus. The Cologne/Bonn International Airport is located 15 km from the city. Buses, trains, and taxis run from the airport to the city center.
There are no direct trains from Kyiv, but you can get to Cologne with transfers in Berlin or Paris. From Lviv, you can get there via Warsaw. Rail lines connect Cologne to most German cities, including Bonn, Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Munich. You can also reach Cologne by bus from Europe, with regular routes from Paris, Prague, Warsaw, and other points.
Attractions in Cologne
Cologne is primarily associated with its magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and the Virgin Mary. Work on the temple began in 632 and continued until 1880. Due to this, the medieval church also has modern elements, such as the two giant towers built in the 19th century. The cathedral’s interior contains pearls of European art, such as the Milan Madonna statue. Cologne also has numerous Romanesque churches, such as the Church of St. Pantaleon, which houses the tomb of Empress Theophanu, wife of Otto II.
The Shrine of the Three Kings in the Cathedral, the Gero Crucifix, and the Milan Madonna are among the notable relics and works of medieval art. There are eight Romanesque churches and five Gothic churches in Cologne. Among the other legendary sites are the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall, built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, and the medieval Dance Hall.
Another famous landmark is the Hohenzollern Bridge, a steel arch railway bridge over the Rhine, built in 1911. It is one of the most important railway hubs in Europe, with over 1,000 trains passing through it daily!
Interesting Places
In addition to the historic architecture, Cologne has excellent museums. There are many art galleries displaying contemporary works as well as paintings by famous masters. Lovers of sweets will certainly visit the amazing Chocolate Museum, which presents a long and interesting history of this delicacy.
Cologne is one of the largest industrial cities in Germany. It is mainly the production site for the popular Ford cars, as well as engines, railcars, cosmetics, electronics, and of course, beer. Cologne has the highest concentration of breweries in one place, producing the unique Kölsch beer. The brewing tradition in this city dates back to the 9th century. Undoubtedly, it is worth visiting Germany to experience this city, which is bustling with activity all year round.
The city also offers typical leisure activities like strolling in the gardens, visiting the zoo, or admiring the giant aquarium. Local traditions include the annual carnival and the summer fireworks display on the banks of the Rhine. The carnival is an annual tradition. Don’t miss the entertainment for the little ones: the zoo or aquarium. This city is home to the largest indoor stadium in Germany, where major sporting events are held. It’s worth remembering that one of the attractions of Cologne is the opportunity to take a ride on the electric train along the Rhine.
Tours
Tours in Cologne are organized by travel agencies. Most often, the city is one of the points of large-scale tours. You can contact any tourist or travel agency in the city to organize excursions to the sights of Cologne.
Hotels in Cologne
Cologne has hotels to suit every taste: from budget-friendly but cozy hotels for undemanding tourists to conceptual hotels for experienced travelers. Many are housed in historic buildings, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the ancient city. Sometimes the imagination of local hoteliers literally amazes the imagination: you can stay either in a former water tower (the Wasserturm hotel) or in the walls of an ancient monastery (the Hopper St. Antonius hotel). Even the hostels in Cologne are not entirely ordinary: among the designer rooms of Wohngemeinschaft, for example, there is a room styled like a spacecraft.
The best hotels in the city
Hostel accommodations start from 16 EUR, three-star hotel rooms from 45 EUR per night. Four-star hotel rooms start at 60 EUR per night, and the luxury of five-star hotels is available for 210 EUR per day.
You can also rent a car in the city for convenient transportation. Welcome to Cologne!
Cologne City Guide
A small guide to the most interesting sights of Cologne on a map
Video about Cologne
Conclusion
Cologne is a captivating city with a rich history, impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and unique local traditions. From the iconic Gothic Cathedral to the charming historic streets, the city offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s religious heritage, indulging in its renowned beer culture, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Cologne is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. With its convenient transportation links, diverse accommodation options, and wealth of things to see and do, Cologne is a must-visit city for anyone exploring Germany or the Rhine region.
