Sightseeing
Cologne was built on ground that is steeped in history. Numerous cultural monuments from the past 2000 years, such as the famous Roman Dionysus mosaic, the medieval Overstolzenhaus and the Gürzenich Hall, as well as modern structures such as the opera house (1957) and the Media Park (from 1989 onwards) are found in this city. Take a trip through 2000 years of history and visit cultural monuments from the Roman Empire to modern times.
Cologne Cathedral
Romanic Churches
The twelve Romanic churches are amongst the cultural highlights of Cologne, alongside the Cathedral and the museums. These buildings are outstanding examples of medieval church architecture. The origins of some of the churches go back as far as Roman times, for example St. Gereon, which was originally a chapel in a Roman graveyard. With the exception of St. Maria Lyskirchen all of these churches were very badly damaged during World War II. Reconstruction was only finished in the 1990s. Read moreThe Old Town
During World War II approximately 72 percent of the city area of Cologne was destroyed. The city centre, full of rubble, resembled a horrible battlefield - the picturesque part of the Old Town was destroyed nearly completely and had to be rebuild in drudgingly precious work. Read moreMedieval Cologne
With the Severinstor, the Eigelsteintor and the Hahnentor, three of the total of twelve city gates from the mediaeval city fortifications (1180 - 1220) have been preserved and are still used today for various purposes. The city hall was built in 1330, with the Renaissance arcade. Read more
Roman Cologne
The Römisch-Germanisches Museum gives an impressive account of the history of the Romans along the Rhine. The foundations of the residence of the city's Roman governor were uncovered under the Rathaus (city hall) and the Roman Tower is an excellent example for the Roman fortifications. Read more
Modern Cologne
