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Sightseeing Overview
The fourth biggest city in Germany, Cologne began life as a Roman colony or colonia (hence its name). Its location on the Rhine, at the heart of Germania, was key to its status as capital of the province. The city became a centre for worship, famous for the legend and cult of Santa Ursula, and built several splendid Romanesque churches, which survive today.
By the Middle Ages, Cologne was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire and in 1248 work began on its mighty cathedral, designed to house the relics of the Three Wise Men. Known as the Dom, it was once the world's tallest building and is arguably still the world's greatest gothic edifice, attracting pilgrims from all over Europe, even though it was not to be completed for another six centuries. It is still Germany's most visited attraction. Cologne suffered terribly in WWII, losing most of its historic centre, and only a small proportion of the Altstadt, right by the river, survives, or has been reconstructed in its original form. Sightseeing in Cologne is concentrated around the Dom (cathedral) with two major museums adjacent and a third less than 100m (328ft) away. Also very close by is the most attractive part of Cologne, the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) beside the river Rhine, which becomes an attraction in its own right when the weather is warm. Dotted around the city centre are 12 superb examples of Romanesque churches. The Dom precincts are deliberately bare and open in order to give the best possible views of the city's pride and joy. In winter, however, this area can be bitterly cold and desolate; it is best to come in December when the colourful and vibrant Christmas markets use the Dom as a dramatic backdrop and bring it to life. In the colder months, the northern ‘sightseeing boundary' is the church of Santa Ursula (five minutes from the Dom) while a 10- to 15-minute walk in the opposite direction following the river brings you to the southernmost sight, the Imhoff-Stollwerck chocolate museum. Don't miss a visit to either. Summer sightseeing extends north to the zoo, botanical garden and cable car, around 2km (1.2 miles) along the river from the Dom. Tourist Information
Cologne Tourist Board (Kölntourismus)
Unter Fettenhennen 19, Opposite the cathedral entrance, Cologne. Germany Tel: (0221) 30400. Internet: http://www.koeln.de/tourismus Passes
If you plan on ticking off most of the sites, it may be worth investing in the Köln Welcome Card which gives reduced-price admission to most attractions and excursions as well as free travel on all public transport. The card is available from the tourist office.
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