Together with Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany and the capital of the Rhineland province. Dating back to the Roman times, Cologne was founded by the Roman military troops, and it was granted the status of city in 50 A.D.
Cologne’s location on the river Rhine made it a point of the intersection of trade routes between east and west, and a great source for the city’s economic and cultural growth throughout the centuries of troubled history as part of the Part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Hanseatic League.
Tourists to Cologne may choose to enjoy the city in its multitude of faces. There is Roman Cologne, Medieval Cologne or Modern Cologne, coexisting at the same time and charming the visitors who found themselves steeped in history while surrounded by modern civilization.
Beyond the increasing political and economical preeminence, Cologne became a place of pilgrimage from the early Middle Ages when the Archbishop of Cologne gave the relics of the Three Wise Men to the Cathedral. More than the relics of the magi, the Cathedral boasts with the relics of Saint Ursula and Albertus Magnus as well.
It is this very Cologne Gothic Cathedral that attracts thousands of tourists every year, so it’s not too bad an idea after all to start a sightseeing tour at this great seat of the Roman Archbishopric. This landmark of the city has been declared part of the World Heritage ever since 1998.
Very comfortable for tourists visiting Cologne is the fact that from the Cathedral you can easily reach other sites, like the twelve Romanesque churches that surround it, a true remarkable proof of the majestic medieval religious architecture. No wonder Cologne is called the city of churches!
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is just within foot reach from the Cathedral, also close to the Rhine and the main station. You, art fans, will find great canvasses from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the 17th century on display! The museum’s collection of sculptures and graphic collections are among the best in Europe.
One of the favourite pass-times of the locals is strolling on the banks on the Rhine, for as long as they want. You may take some time to try this kind of leisure activity that will be both relaxing and enjoyable. On the tours around the city don’t miss the Gates of the medieval burg.
From the twelve gates that where part of the old Cologne fortifications, one three have preserved to this day and are still used. You may also see restored parts of the city walls if you wander on the Sachsenring circular boulevard.
As for food and drink, here are some specialties you should absolutely not miss. The traditional drink is some kind of fermented beer that you’ll only find in cologne. Local cuisine includes grated potato cake, potato pudding, apple sauce and marinated roast beef. Rye bread is also very popular, so bon appetit!
As for entertainment, Cologne is a wide varied music scene that is the target point of attraction not just for tourists but for artists and orchestras from all over the world. There is no dead period in Cologne music life, since the Philharmonie centre is one of the most impressive music scenes in Germany.