Many a Rhine river cruise will include a call at Germany’s fourth largest city, Cologne. As a place with around 2,000 years of history to its name, it has much to offer the visitor and as well as having a wealth or architectural gems and historic sites to discover, it’s regarded as the Rhineland’s cultural hub and is home to over 30 museums which house everything from ancient roman artefacts to contemporary sculptures.
Founded in 50AD, Cologne was originally the capital of Germania Inferior, a Roman province of which it was also the military headquarters. This Roman occupation ceased when the Franks occupied the city in 462. Being located on Germany’s major waterway and thus one of Europe’s principal trade routes ensured that Cologne thrived throughout the Middle Ages and it was a key location of religious influence too, as the Archbishop of Cologne was one of the Holy Roman Empire’s ecclesiastical electors. It became a Free Imperial City in 1475, a status which it lost when it became part of Napoleon’s empire. Cologne suffered extensively during the Second World War, when over 250 air raids destroyed the centre of the city, leading to a massive post-war rebuilding programme.
What not to miss
A such a cultural-rich city, Cologne has much to offer, but if you’ve only a day or half-day to explore the city, here’s a look at some of the not-to-be-missed sights.
Cologne Cathedral (the Dom)
The city’s most enduring tourist attraction, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a classic example of Gothic architecture at its best. Work began on its construction in 1248, though was halted in 1473 until 1880, when it was completed to its original design. Instantly recognisable because of its twin towers, it is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the larger façade than any other church in the world. Despite being hit 70 times by areal bombs during the Second World War, the cathedral survived and repairs to it were completed in 1956.
Hohenzollern Bridge
Another favourite with tourists, particularly couples, is the Hohenzollern Bridge. Completed in 1911 to replace the Cathedral Bridge, the bridge that stands today is itself a replacement, as the original one was destroyed by the German military to defend against allied assault on the city. Today, it is Germany’s most heavily used railway bridge, though pedestrians can cross it too. Indeed, attaching a love padlock to the fence which separates the walkway from the rail track has become what the bridge is most famous for and today, it’s become a pilgrimage of sorts for visiting couples wishing to display their love for one another.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
With over 30 of them to choose from, you’re certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to museums in Cologne, but for an easily accessible place which houses examples of artwork from the Middle Ages right up to the 19th century, this museum is perfect. Because it’s quite small, it’s ideal for river cruisers with limited time who want to get their artistic fix, though if you do want to make art the focus of your Cologne visit and visit more museums, a City Museum Pass is ideal.
KoelnTriangle
An altogether more contemporary attraction in the city, the Triangle is a 339-foot skyscraper which offers amazing views of the city from the public observation deck at the top. In particular, it’s a great way to view Cologne Cathedral from above. It’s free to enter the building, though it costs three euros to enter the observation deck. The views worth it though. There’s also a number of exhibitions and a restaurant to keep you occupied, too.
Chocolate Museum
Who doesn’t like chocolate? Well, on a tour of this fascinating museum which will take you through all the different stages of the chocolate-making process, you won’t be able to eat any of the exhibits, though there’s plenty of opportunity to sample some for yourself in the café downstairs and a chocolate-coated wafer is included in the entrance cost. The shop is the perfect place to find a tasty treat or two to take back home, too.
By Simon Brotherton
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