Cologne, famous for its cathedral, is one of Germany’s most beautiful and most visited cities, worth stopping by and spending some time in.
The city, situated on the Rhine, dates back to Roman times and, with a history spanning over 2000 years, is one of Germany’s oldest cities. Its university is one of the oldest in Europe. Today, Cologne is the economic, cultural, and historical center of the Rhineland.
In the Middle Ages, it was a major commercial route between Eastern and Western Europe. During the medieval and Renaissance periods, Cologne was a leading member of the Hanseatic League and one of the largest cities north of the Alps.
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Cologne attractions
Cologne Cathedral
Officially known as St. Peter and St. Mary’s Cathedral, it is one of the most significant Christian monuments in the world.
Its towers stand over 150 meters tall, and with its spires, it reaches a height of 157 meters, making it the second tallest church in Germany and the third tallest in the world. Due to its extraordinary ecclesiastical, historical, and artistic significance, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
The Gothic structure began construction on August 15, 1248, the feast of the Assumption, according to the designs of the architect Gerhard von Rile, inspired by the Amiens Cathedral.
Its interior has uniquely withstood the ages. The stained glass windows, including the famous Bavarian windows in the south aisle, were donated by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. These depict scenes from the beginnings of Christianity, from Saint John the Baptist to Saint Stephen the Martyr.
Groß St. Martin
Another defining symbol in Cologne’s skyline, alongside the cathedral.
Built in Romanesque style, the church towers over the Rhine. Its triangular apse and massive square tower are visible from afar.
The church was constructed in the 12th century on the site of an earlier Merovingian church. It was severely damaged during World War II but has since been restored.
Hahnentor
One of the most important medieval city gates on the western side of the old town, part of the famous inner city wall.
Built in the 13th century as a key point in the city’s defense system. The gate’s name comes from a supposed rooster sculpture that once stood on one of its towers.
Today, it hosts cultural events and is also the venue for the Christmas market.
Ulrepforte
This gate stands on the southern side of the old town, also serving a defensive purpose.
The 13th-century stone watchtower has served multiple functions over the years, including customs duties. It suffered significant damage during World War II but has since been restored.
Chocolate Museum
Officially the Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum, it showcases the manufacture, history, and culture of chocolate.
Visitors can see objects related to chocolate production, such as the chocolate vending machines that were a novelty at the end of the 19th century. The museum also features special collections, such as gilded porcelain sets in which hot chocolate was served in past centuries.
A special part of the museum is dedicated to demonstrating the process of making chocolates. The museum also includes a gift shop and a confectionery where visitors can buy and taste the delicacies.
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4711 House
The building hosts a museum that displays the history and production process of cologne water.
Wilhelm Mülhens founded it at the end of the 18th century after a monk gave him the recipe for the miraculous water, known as Aqua Mirabilis. This later became known as Eau de Cologne, which quickly became popular for its unique fragrance composition, featuring citrus and medicinal effects. It is still produced according to the old recipe.
The building received the number 4711 during the French occupation, which later became the brand name. Since then, this number has become synonymous with high-quality cologne.
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Schnütgen Museum
The museum primarily exhibits medieval Christian religious art, but its collection spans from antiquity to modern times.
Alexander Schnütgen donated his collection to the city in 1906, and it has been growing ever since. The museum has been housed in the Romanesque church of St. Cäcilien since 1956, which was expanded with new buildings in 2010.
The exhibits include items such as a Romanesque tympanum, large wooden crosses, and early bronze crosses.
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Ludwig Museum
The museum emphasizes modern and contemporary art.
It was founded in 1976 by the collector couple Peter and Irene Ludwig, who supported the institution with significant donations. The collection ranges from the 1900s to the present day, including works by famous artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
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Cologne Cable Car
Introduced in 1957, it is considered the first cable car over a river in Europe.
The gondola cableway runs over the Rhine River, above the Zoobrücke. The cabin offers a spectacular view of the old town area to the south.
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Hohe Strasse
Cologne’s shopping street, where numerous shops and restaurants are located.
This nearly 1 km long street runs north-south, starting from the cathedral up to St. Maria im Capitol basilica.
St. Gereon’s Church
Among the city’s Romanesque-style churches, this one is also noteworthy. Named after St. Gereon, who, according to legend, was a Roman soldier and the city’s first Christian martyr.
It is a prominent example of Cologne Romanesque. Significant parts include the remnants of a late ancient dome sanctuary from the mid-4th century. With the Trier Cathedral and the Basilica of Constantine in Trier, it is one of the oldest still functioning churches in present-day Germany.
Botanical Garden
Officially known as Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln, it is home to over 10,000 plant species.
Founded in the mid-19th century, today it spans a vast area of approximately 11.5 hectares. Visitors can explore plants from various climatic zones, including tropical and subtropical species.
Cologne Zoo
Founded in 1860, it is one of Germany’s oldest zoos, home to more than 700 species.
Notable attractions include the elephant house, the big cat biotope, and the rainforest house, where visitors can get up close with the tropical wildlife.