Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany. Its ancient and rich history dates back to the time before Christ when Agrippina, wife of the Roman Emperor Claudius, helped to give the city the status of a colony. For a time, Cologne was called the Colonia of Agrippina. Her name was later dropped from the city's name. The only word that survives is Köln, a term that has, over time, become Köln due to the local dialect.
This German city has something to surprise even the most demanding tourist. Cosy streets, cafes and pubs, Gothic architecture, unique museums, colourful carnivals and festivals have attracted travellers worldwide for many years. Get to know the city and get into the spirit. We have found the most interesting facts about Cologne for you.
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Fact 1: The Holy City
In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church granted Cologne the status of a Holy City. Cologne was also the place of the Pope's embassy in the 16th century. In the 16th century, Cologne was the seat of the Pope's embassy. In the historic part of the city, Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals are everywhere. And Cologne Cathedral is one of the most revered burial places in Christendom.
Fact 2: The most prominent long-term construction project
Cologne Cathedral has been under construction for 600 years. It is one of the world's most famous long buildings. Construction began in the 12th century, but after a while, the economic situation deteriorated sharply and work on the temple was delayed for almost four centuries. At the same time, the medieval construction crane and scaffolding became a symbol of the city for a long time.
Incidentally, Cologne Cathedral is also one of the tallest cathedrals in Cologne. At the time of completion, its height was 157.4 m. At the time, Cologne Cathedral was the tallest skyscraper in the world! Today it is the third tallest of its kind.
Fact 3: The largest bell in Europe
The Moscow Czar's Bell is undoubtedly the weight record holder. But it has never been used for its intended purpose. It weighs 24 tonnes. And the largest bell in the world is in Cologne Cathedral. It even has a name: St Peter's. You can hear Peter's voice on major holidays and special occasions.
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Fact 4: Cologne is the birthplace of eau de Cologne
Eau de Cologne was born here. The Italian Giovanni Maria Farina opened Cologne's first perfume shop. He had an old recipe for scented water, which he decided to improve. He added a few fragrant oils, resulting in a new composition.
He called his new fragrance Königswasser, or Eau de Cologne in French. Good publicity made the fragrance famous all over Europe. And in time, any perfume with a light scent began to be called Cologne. Today, Giovanni Maria Farina's factory is the oldest perfumery in the world.
Fact 5: A trip with a breeze
Cologne's famous cable car is one of the city's most outstanding sights. It consists of ropes stretched between the banks of the Rhine on which a small carriage travels. It offers a bird's eye view of the city and the river. You can see Cologne Cathedral from the cable car, which is so huge it's impossible to see it up close. The ride takes about 15 minutes but is well worth it.
Fact 6: The kingdom of the sweet tooth
One attraction in Cologne will be of great interest to children. Be sure to plan a visit to the Chocolate Museum. Not only can visitors learn about the history and production of chocolate, but they can also taste many varieties. The museum consists of several parts: a chocolate fountain, a greenhouse, a miniature factory, an exhibition and a souvenir shop.
The first part is an exhibition on the development of the industrial production of this delicacy; the second part is a tropical greenhouse where you can see how cocoa beans, coffee beans, vanilla orchids and other plants are grown. The best part is tasting chocolate from the mini-production plant and the chocolate fountain.
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Fact 7: The city of art galleries and museums
Cologne is one of the most important cultural centres in Europe. It has more art galleries than anywhere else in Europe. The city is second only to New York. In Cologne, you can touch the immortal works of art and see the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens, Dürer, Van Gogh and many others. The rich collection of paintings by the world's most famous painters and graphic artists will impress art connoisseurs and ordinary tourists.
Fact 8: The fifth season
An interesting fact about Cologne is that the Cologne Carnival begins at 11 hours and 11 minutes on 11 November. The festivities peak in February and end with the start of Lent. Cologne is the carnival capital. Everyone prepares for the celebrations in advance: costumes and decorations are made. There are parades by almost all the locals and thousands of visitors to Cologne. Cologne's carnival is as spectacular as Brazil's.
Fact 9. The heavy burden of love
The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is better known as the 'Bridge of Love'. It is located near Cologne Cathedral and is perceived as a single architectural ensemble. It is a popular destination for tourists and couples in love. It is believed that if a couple hangs a padlock on the iron railing and throws the key into the river, their love will last forever.
Many people believe in this romantic omen. But the town council is unhappy with the tradition because since the bridge was built, several tonnes of locks have been hung on the railings and millions of keys have been thrown into the Rhine. Occasionally, the river is cleaned, and the locks cut off. But every year, thousands of lovers put up new locks.
Fact 10. Kölsch and the characteristics of vintage beer gardens
In Cologne's old beer gardens, the servers are not servers. They are more part of the exhibition. The waiters in such establishments are usually very important and pompous, honouring beer traditions and often knowing better than the customers what to order. You may be ignored if you order something 'wrong'. The best thing to do would be to buy a beer rather than drink coffee and cake.
The Kölsch is a must. It's a pale barley beer brewed to an ancient recipe only in this town. There are so many varieties of Kölsch made by local brewers that it's impossible to try them all in a short holiday.
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Fact 11: The most common street food
Germans are big fans of all kinds of sausages. And the most famous street food in Cologne is currywurst. It is a fried sausage with a sauce based on tomato paste or ketchup, which traditionally contains between 3 and 30 ingredients. It's a relatively inexpensive dish, available on the street for just a few euros. Cafes and restaurants also make this snack, but buying and trying currywurst on the street is better.
We hope our article has inspired you to visit this German city and you will see the truth of our facts and discover many new and exciting things!
