Cologne - Historic Rhine Town

A Charming City of Art and Culture Rooted in History and Tradition

Feb 8, 2008

With Germany's largest Gothic cathedral, and at least 30 museums and 100 art galleries, it's no surprise that Cologne is a vibrant centre for arts, history and culture.

The historic city of Cologne offers more museums and galleries than anyone could wish for. Here are just some of its outstanding highlights.

This massive structure is Germany's largest Gothic cathedral and is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Mary. Finding one's way around Cologne is not difficult: the Dom, located at the heart of the city, provides a constant point of reference with its twin towers standing 515 feet tall. The towers can be seen for miles around.

The cathedral's observation deck provides panoramic views of the city. It's an exhausting climb of 519 steps up a never-ending spiral staircase but the views are magnificent. The entire city spreads out below and you also get unique close-up views of the cathedral's fine medieval architecture.

Kölner Dom was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It houses some of Cologne's finest art treasures including a golden reliquary said to contain the remains of theThree Magiand the Gero Cross (ca. 970). These relics and other treasures have made Kölner Dom a major pilgrimage destination for centuries.

The interior of the Cathedral glows with thousands of coloured patterns as the sun shines through the beautiful stained-glass windows. Some of the windows were donated by Ludwig I of Bavaria. One of the finest windows is that dedicated to the patrons of the cathedral, St Peter and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Cathedral is open from 6 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. daily except during religious services. The choir and altar area are closed during confession: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday. Entrance is free. The tower is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. Admission: € 5,00/ € 2.50.

City Highlights

If you're interested in the history of this fascinating city then a visit to the Kölnisches Stadtmuseum - Cologne City Museum - is a must. This museum offers an insight into the cultural, economic, political and every day life of the city from medieval times to the present day. The museum, located at Zeughausstrasse, is open Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: € 4,20/ € 2,60.

Museum Ludwig

Established in 1976 with the donation of the Ludwig family's art collection, this is the first of Cologne's museums to display modern art. The exhibition includes a fine collection of Pop Art and Russian Avant Garde paintings from the period 1906 to 1930, as well as numerous works by Pablo Picasso. Some of the museum's most famous works include Roy Lichtenstein’s Maybe, Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes or George Segal’s Restaurant Window.

Museum Ludwig is located at Bischofsgartenstrasse and is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (10 a.m. - 10.00 p.m. first Friday of each month). Admission: € 9,00/ € 6,00.

This museum displays every day objects like toys, pots, coins and a Roman glass collection from the early settlements in the Rhineland. Its most well-known exhibit is the Dionysos mosaic, still in its original location, dating from approximately 220/230 A.D. The display provides a fascinating insight into Cologne's Roman background.

The museum can be found at Roncalliplatz and is open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission: € 4,30/ € 2,70.

Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud

This is the oldest Cologne museum and has developed from the collection of collector and scholar Ferdinand Franz Wallraf (1748-1824). The exhibition features medieval paintings, Dutch and Flemish painters from the 16th to the 18th century, including Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as French and German art up to 1900.

The Wallraf-Richartz-Museumis located at Martinstrasse. Opening hours are Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission: € 5,80/ € 3,30.

To round off your weekend with something sweet why not visit the Chocolate Museum - Stollwerck Schokoladenmuseum. This sweet exhibition is on three floors and explores the 3000-year history of chocolate.

The museum is located at Stollwerckstrasse. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00 a.m. - 18.00. Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays - 11.00 - 19.00. Admission: € 6,00/ € 4,00.

Cologne has so many museums, galleries and churches and further information can be obtained from the Cologne Tourist Board.

The copyright of the article Cologne - Historic Rhine Town in Germany Travel is owned by Frances Spiegel. Permission to republish Cologne - Historic Rhine Town in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.