Koeln City or Cologne in North Germany is the capital of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia or Nordhein Westfallen. The city was known for its cathedral with twin black towers as tall as 157 feet.
As well as the city of churches and museums, Koeln is a paradise for pedestrians. The city center and tourist attraction Koeln, mostly located in the cathedral circle area which popularly called the Dom of Cologne. All are reachable by foot. Dom region was kept busy 24 hours a day!
The City that passed by Rhine River in Germany, is the old city. As old as human civilization and recorded since the Roman Empire, which expanded its influence throughout Western Europe using the Rhine River route. Cologne was occupied by the Romans. Cologne comes from the name Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, Goddess of Beauty while Rome under the Emperor Claudius.
No wonder Christianity is growing rapidly since the Emperor Constantin, follow the Roman path until spreads to the entire continent of Europe, among others, to Cologne. This town has a church buildings, both located in the middle or at the corner of the city.
Dom church is the oldest, built in 1248. New construction is completed as this current form in 1880. So, over 632 years there was continuous renovation.
Emperor Wilhelm I laid the last stone in 1880, since the first stone by Cardinal Konrad von Hochfaden in the year 1248. Do not ask, whether the majestic relic or a palace of the Prussian Empire which ruled Germany in Cologne? You will be disappointed not to see them here, must go to the City of Potsdam, near Berlin.
In Cologne, just admire the legacy of an old church and museum that has something to do with the history of the greatness of the German nation. Sites including the Roman Empire, although only the walls of the former wall of the gate, all well maintained.
City Centre
The city is also nicknamed the town carnival. Carnival is held almost every month every year at the Dom Plaza, which was at large. All visitors having fun, wether the actors and audience.
Imagine the peoples being hectic around Dom if the carnival lasts. Just daily visitors Dom approximately 40,000 people. Large buses accommodate of tourists from all over Europe come out unceasingly around Dom.
Bored to enjoy the carnival, we immediately headed for Hohe Strasse, dubbed Queen Of The Streets since 1970. Along the road filled with shops, good for window shopping or shopping.
Be careful, do not be in hurry, the stores here known expensive for selling branded goods. Everything is good, especially goods made in Germany are here.
If you want cheaper, just take a route to the railway station, haufbahnhof. There are also many shops. All places are located close together. If you just look around, go on the trip along the Hohe Strasse. You will arrive at the Complex Schildergasse. There are many department-store, but they all closed on Sundays.
However, you need not worry. There are still complex and Mittel Strasse Neumarkt that its stores open throughout the week, including restaurants and cafes. All these places are interconnected, in a circular area of The Kaiser Wilhelm Ring. This area is nicknamed The Big City Shopping Zone. You must have strong legs and stamina if you want to visit here thoroughly.
Church City
In the Middle Ages, Cologne is also famous as a place of pilgrimage since there are many sacred buildings of the church. The main objective is the Dom, because of the large building.
Koeln even been dubbed Europe Heavenly Jerusalem not because of Dom, but because many churches are old and small buildings. Like the Church of St. Martin, was built in 960 by Benedictine monks.
If you read this Koeln guide, no wonder if this city be a place of pilgrimage. There is the Church of Santa Maria capitol, almost similar to Santa Chatarina Church in Bethlehem, just inside the Church of the Nativity compound.
Just an old church building which until now was well maintained, has a history associated with saints. There are about 12 historic church buildings here. Next time tell their own.
City Museum & Exhibition
Number of museums should not be asked again, there are about 60 pieces! Koelnische Stadtmuseum, coincidentally not far from the Dom, we had time to visit. This museum has a collection of weapons in addition, also the origin of the city of Koeln.
The history of this city collected in full, either in the form of dioramas as well as documents and relics. A story must have the facts, especially historical documents.
From the outside, the building of this museum window was painted red and white. Seem like a medieval knight’s palace.
The city is never silent. Throughout the year, in addition to full carnival, as well as a venue for international exhibitions. The most famous is the exhibition of photography, photo equipment from manufacturers around the world each year was held here at the Koeln Messe. This exhibition places are reachable from the Dom, a canal or a tunnel passing under the River Rhine.
If we see the expansion of the city of Cologne, the construction has been carefully designed. All can be reached easily, and most importantly, all equipped with pedestrian street in Cologne, a safe pedestrian path and the freeway.
If you are enjoying the sport on foot, yes Koeln is one of paradise. You can sweat while enjoying the scenery as well.
