Tracing all the way back to Roman era, Cologne's Hay Market is one of Central Europe's oldest markets.

Take this self-guided walking tour to explore Cologne's most notable sights. This Gothic cathedral's impressive tower is 515 feet tall. Don't miss Cologne's most iconic landmark, the Cologne Cathedral. Martin Church was built between 11 and was rebuilt after WWII. Today Cologne is known for its restored twelve Romanesque Catholic churches. As a result, the religious buildings in the city were spared the worst of the devastation suffered in the surrounding towns. Visitors can explore historical shopping squares such as Hay Market and Alter Market and visit modern shopping areas like High Street and Schildergasse Street.ĭuring the Reformation period in 16th century, the citizens of Cologne chose remain Catholic. To gain insight into Nazi operations and see a Nazi victim memorial, visit the NS Documentation Center. The Museum Ludwig features an impressive Picasso collection and focuses on modern and contemporary art. Post-war building has resulted in a diverse landscape of modern buildings and restored historic sites.Ĭologne is a cultural hotspot with hundreds of galleries and over 30 museums. World War II bombings heavily damaged Cologne and destroyed most ancient buildings. The British occupied it from 1918 to 1926.

The French occupied Cologne again from 1794 until 1815 when it became part of Prussia. Cologne became a Holy Roman Empire free imperial city in 1475and was one of Europe's largest medieval and renaissance cities. The city's location on major trade routes allowed Cologne to flourish in the Middle Ages. English speakers call the city by its French translation, Cologne. During the Roman period, it became the capital of the Lower Germany region.Īfter Roman Empire collapsed, Cologne came under the Frankish rule. She came from the area and petitioned the emperor to raise the status of her home to a Colonia-a city under Roman law. The name came from Agrippina the Younger, wife of Roman Emperor Claudius. It was founded as a Roman settlement on the Rhine in the first century, then known as the Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.

Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities.

Cologne tourist map pdf