The ancient German city of Cologne has a rich and distinguished history. But its impressive cultural heritage was practically lost during the terrible destruction during the Second World War. Almost all of its cathedrals, historical buildings and monuments have been restored from ruins. However, to the delight of the tourist, this is done so skillfully that the difference is almost imperceptible or insignificant.
Cologne has many museums, galleries and concert halls. The city with dignity keeps the mark of a major cultural center of Germany. Numerous tourists enjoy strolling along the Hohenzollern Bridge, from where a breathtaking view of the Rhine and Cologne Cathedral opens, sit in the evenings in countless bars and happily learn about the history of the ancient German land.
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What to see and where to go in Cologne?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Cologne Cathedral
Magnificent and majestic monument of Gothic architecture, one of the most beautiful Catholic cathedrals in Europe. This is the largest church in Germany. The Cologne Cathedral was built from the 13th to the 19th centuries; during the Second World War, it withstood more than ten bombings and withstood. The temple façade is the largest church façade in the world. Inside are priceless Christian relics - the remains of the Magi who greeted the newborn Christ.
Cologne town hall
City Hall a few meters from the Cologne Cathedral. The oldest part of the town hall was built in the 14th century, but these buildings have hardly survived. The building that has survived to this day is a copy of a building from the beginning of the 15th century (during the Second World War, the town hall was completely destroyed). The 61 meter high Gothic town hall tower is the symbol of Cologne.
Palace Augustusburg
The Augustusburg Palace is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its interiors are decorated in a luxurious rococo style, and the palace landscape park completes the harmonious architectural ensemble. The complex appeared in the 18th century thanks to the desire of Archbishop Klemens August von Wittelsbach, who was distinguished by a delicate delicate taste and a craving for beauty.
The White house
Medieval castle on the water, located in the Sülz district. It bears the name "Weisshaus", which means "White House". In the Middle Ages, the fortress served as a defensive structure and the seat of the Benedictine abbey. The brick tower of the castle has remained unchanged since the beginning of the 17th century, the rest of the buildings date back to the 19th century. Nowadays, the castle is owned by a private person.
Ludwig Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art, which presents interesting collections of surrealists, expressionists, cubists, avant-garde, pop art, graphics and other relevant trends. The exposition was founded by the German chocolate magnate P. Ludwig and his wife in the second half of the 20th century. Of particular value are the works of such masters as Pablo Picasso, Tom Wasselman, Kazimir Malevich, Andy Warhol.
Chocolate Museum
Museum, founded by the confectionery company "Imhoff-Stollwerk" in 1993. This company is considered a respected chocolate factory with a rich tradition and long history. It was founded at the beginning of the 19th century. The chocolate museum exhibits will tell visitors about the history of this delicacy, from the time of the American Aztecs to the present day. The museum has a shop-cafe where you can taste different types of chocolate and buy sweet souvenirs.
Roman-Germanic Museum
Archaeological Museum, which contains exhibits covering the historical period from primitive times to the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire (that is, the early Middle Ages). The lands surrounding the River Rhine were once remote Roman provinces. The museum exhibits household items and household items of the inhabitants of these lands, dating back to the 1st-4th centuries. AD The remains of the facades of antique villas, sculptures and mosaics are kept here.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
The museum is one of the oldest in Germany. Its collections are truly unique - here are the works of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, samples of medieval painting and ancient icons that survived the terrible time of the Church's Reformation. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum was founded in 1861 thanks to the efforts of the local merchant-patron J.G. Richartz and the rector of the University of Cologne F.F. Walraf.
Schnütgen Museum
An impressive collection of medieval art donated to Cologne by Herr A. Schnütgen at the beginning of the 20th century. Here visitors can see tapestries, decorations, festive church vestments, sculptures, precious dishes and ornaments. The exposition is dominated by religious themes, since Schnütgen had a fairly high level of clergy and was a member of the governing body of the church.
House of cologne "4711"
The building that housed the workshop and shop of Wilhelm Müllens, a renowned Cologne perfumer, founder of a whole dynasty and creator of the Eau De Cologne 4711 series of fragrances. There is also a small museum on the premises where you can learn a lot about the history of cologne. The 4711 brand is the German Chanel No. 5, a famous and revered perfume brand.
Perfume Museum (House of Farin)
The perfume factory of Johann-Maria Farin is the closest competitor of the Mullens dynasty. Both houses claim to be the first in the creation of the cologne (Eau de Cologne). This essence was first called "Cologne water" until the French gave it a more elegant name. The House of Farin contains all the famous fragrances that have ever been created by the family's perfumers.
Gürzenich
Concert hall and place for official events. Its history began in the 15th century, when the noble family of Gürzenich decided to build a separate building for themselves for diplomatic meetings, gatherings, and at the same time for entertainment. In the middle of the 19th century, Gürzenich was rebuilt into a concert hall. In 1943, the building was destroyed, and it was never possible to restore it to its original form.
Hahnentorburg gate
The gate was once used as the main entrance to the city. It is a powerful and majestic structure that guarded medieval Cologne. The emperors of the Holy Roman Empire entered the city through the gates to worship the relics of the Magi in the Cologne Cathedral. The Hanentorburg Gate was built in the 13th century and has survived to this day in almost its original form.
Gate of Saint Severin
The city gate of the XIII century (according to other sources - the XIV century), from which the road to the south from Cologne to the city of Bonn began. The building was part of the city's defensive fortifications. At the gate of St. Severin, the Cologne authorities usually met royalty and important guests - their own rulers, their noble brides and foreign kings who arrived on a friendly visit.
Ulrepfort
The old fort is a defensive structure that guarded the approaches to Cologne. The name can be translated as "pottery gate". From the middle of the 13th century, Ulrepfort regularly performed defensive functions, but in 1450 it was closed, walled up and transferred to the possession of the Carthusian monastery. After a while, the powerful tower of the fort was adapted by the monks for a windmill.
Eigelstein gate
The building is located in the northern part of Cologne. Along with Ulrepfort, Hahnentorburg and St. Severin's Gate, the Eigelstein Gate constituted a system of defensive fortifications in Cologne. It also housed customs, a prison and a court. During the Second World War, they were thoroughly destroyed.The restoration work began as quickly as possible.
Bayenturm Tower
Medieval building of the XII-XIII centuries, which was built to protect the city. The tower has undergone several restorations; during the phased demolition of the old fortress walls of Cologne, it always remained unharmed, but still it did not manage to escape the destruction of the Second World War. The restoration of the tower was undertaken only in the 80s. XX century.
Church of Great Saint Martin
Picturesque temple, which is located near the Cologne Cathedral. The church is interesting because in its architecture elements of several styles are guessed: Gothic, Baroque and classical Byzantine style. Like most historic buildings in Cologne, the structure was destroyed by bombs during World War II. The modern building of the church is a skilful copy of the construction of the XII-XIII centuries.
Church of St. Panteleimon
Catholic temple built in Romanesque architectural style. This is a powerful building with symmetrical laconic forms, two high towers and a strict facade. In the early Middle Ages, Christians gathered here on the hill to perform their rituals. The interior decoration of the church is not luxurious; the interiors show the Moroccan style characteristic of the Cordoba Caliphate.
Apostolic church
Romanesque basilica based on the site of a 10th century monastery. This is a very ancient temple, which already in the 11th century was one of the spiritual centers of the Christian community. Over the 1000 years of its history, the Apostolic Church has been rebuilt many times, so almost nothing has survived from the original interiors. Today the church belongs to the Catholic community of Cologne.
Cologne cable car
The cable car over the River Rhine, a popular tourist attraction. It offers a stunning view of the Cologne Cathedral. During the cable car ride, the tourist is given the opportunity to see the temple in all its glory. The cable car was first opened in 1957, but five years later it was dismantled due to the need to use the land for the construction of the zoo. Her "rebirth" took place in 1996.
Hohenzollern bridge
Railway arch bridge over the Rhine. Its opening took place at the beginning of the 20th century. The bridge is in perfect harmony with the architecture of the Cologne Cathedral. The structure was blown up during the Second World War and was completely restored only by 1958. For local couples, the Hohenzollern Bridge is a "bridge of love", where you must hang an iron lock that holds the hearts together and throw the key into the Rhine.
Botanical Garden "Flora"
Park and botanical garden, one of the oldest in all of Europe. It was organized in the 19th century. The Prussian master P. Lenne worked on the landscape design. On the territory of the park there are walking alleys, greenhouses, meadows, sculpture groups and a small lake. The entire infrastructure of the botanical garden was created for the maximum comfort of visitors.
Amusement Park "Fantasy Land"
An amusement and amusement park that has been operating for over half a century. It is considered one of the first in Europe. "Fantasy Land" is a worthy analogue of the Parisian "Disneyland". It is very popular with the people of Germany and also with tourists. There are several thematic zones on the territory: the Wild West, Mexican Prairies, Ancient Greece, the Celestial Empire and others.
Cologne Zoo
Zoo where a whole herd of elephants lives. Huge African animals have been living safely on the territory of the Cologne Zoo for ten years. The zoo also boasts an impressive population of baboons (over 150 individuals) and a large, spacious aquarium. The zoo was founded in 1860. The number of visitors per year ranges from 1.5 million to 1.7 million.
