Cologne Sights and Landmarks Guide, Germany

Cologne: Mixing the Old With the New

Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is one of those enveloped in a rich history. After the Second World War, much of the center of Cologne was destroyed and the city has gone through tremendous lengths for its rehabilitation. The style of 1950’s architecture was used most often. The Cologne of today is an enchanting mix of Romanesque churches, post-war buildings, and classic modern architecture. The city’s fascinating past and historically significant monuments are what make Cologne an enticing tourist destination.

Historical Landmarks

The rich history behind Cologne brings with it a vast number of significant landmarks. The most famous of these trademarks is the Cologne Cathedral or “Koelner Dom,” which is Germany’s most iconic architectural monument. Construction of the cathedral took over 600 years. People from all over the world come to get a glimpse of this mammoth church, with two towering spires more than a hundred and fifty meters high. The church itself is massive, stretching 144 meters long.

Another one of Cologne’s historical landmarks is the Twelve Romanesque Churches. These structures are perfect examples of medieval architecture and date back to as far as the Roman times.

The Rheingarten and Old Town are other landmarks that date back to earlier times. The quaint little areas in the city provide a quiet and relaxing area for enjoying the local beer, “koeisch.”

Museums

Like every great European city, Cologne is home to several museums and tourists looking for a taste of German art and culture will always have plenty to choose from. One of these museums is the Roemisch-Germanisches Museum, which houses exhibits on ancient Roman and Germanic culture. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is the place for medieval art, while more contemporary exhibits can be found in Museum Ludwig. Cologne is also home of the note-worthy Museum of Applied Art, which has earned the reputation of being one of the best in the country. It showcases arts and crafts from the middle ages to the twentieth century.

There are other, more lighthearted venues as well. The Schokoladen Museum is of particular note, which is a museum all about the art and science of making chocolates.

Other Attractions

Cologne’s appeal not only comes from its astounding architectural treasures and captivating culture. There are parks, gardens, and other attractions that tourists can enjoy as well. One of these is the River Rhine, whose lengthy banks run across each side of the river. The place provides a haven for walkers, cyclists, or simply those looking for a retreat from the hustle of the city. A popular activity for many tourists is to wall along the bank till to Cologne’s Inner City or Altstadt. Further beyond this is the warm suburb of Rodenkirchen, where visitors can find many restaurants and cafes beyond the city’s ancient wall.

There are, of course, the more modern attractions in Cologne. One of these is the Media Park, which houses an extensive photographic collection the Stiftung-Kultur cultural foundation and the Cologne House of Literature. At the same time, located conveniently across is the Cologne Film Theater.

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  review by MadSuh posted more then 30 days ago
  Cologne is one crazy large and fun town that may be worth a visit when in Germany. Its closely located near Düsseldorf as well, so there are plenty of places you can visit. Cologne is nicely set by the Rhine River so there is plenty to do during the summer months. Furthermore, the city...

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