Cologne Travel - Enjoy the Cultural Capital of Germany

Added: 06/12/2006

Located 117 miles northwest of Frankfurt, 25 miles south of Dusseldorf and 17 miles north of Bonn, Cologne is the biggest city in the Rhineland, rich in arts and antiquity. During the early Christian era the city is believed to have been powerful and important, as well as during the Middle Ages and Roman times. Devastated during the World War II, reconstruction has brought to light a period in the city's history which had been a mystery for many centuries. Cologne travel offers up visions of Medieval days combined with modern delights.

One of the largest and most important German cities, Cologne traces its history back to 38 BC, when the camp of Roman legions was set up in this place. As early as 50 AD the city was given municipal rights as a capital city of a Roman province. During the Middle Ages, when the city became known as an important centre for international trade, a number of Gothic and Romanesque churches were constructed with merchants' gold.

From old Roman towers to modern theatres and opera house, Cologne travel will introduce you to each period of the city's 2000-year history. However, Cologne is as well a bustling modern city, becoming gradually the fine-art capital of the country. Possibly the best panorama over the city is from one of the Rhein-Seilbahn cars, the only cable car in Europe which was designed to span the major river. Stretching from the district of Cologne-Riehl to the Rheinpark in Cologne Deutz, it offers a wonderful view of the busy traffic along the River Rhine. The Rhein-Seibahn operates from April throughout October, enjoying wide popularity among travellers enjoying their Cologne travel.

The city of Cologne is home to twelve beautiful Romanesque churches that were devastated during World War II and restored to recapture rich medieval heritage of the city. Among the most noteworthy Cologne churches are: St Panteleon, constructed around 980 and featuring the oldest cloister arcades remaining in the country; St Gereon, containing the tomb of St Gereon, as well as other martyrs; St Severin dating from the XIII to XV centuries and more.

For art lovers Cologne travel is primarily associated with the renowned museums and art galleries providing deep insight in the rich and fascinating history of the city. Thus, visitors are welcome to the Kollwitz Museum Koln, the second museum in the nation devoted to the works of the most famous German woman artist. This museum claims to contain more of her masterpieces that the sibling museum in Berlin. In addition to works of the Kollwitz, the Cologne museum also features special exhibitions dedicated to William Hogarth, Picasso and a number of contemporary artists.

One of the greatest attractions worth a visit during Cologne short breaks and longer vacations, Cologne Cathedral is regarded as one of the greatest cathedral in the world, in addition to being geographical and spiritual heart of the city and the largest Gothic cathedral in the country. Its construction began in the mid-XIII century to house the relics of three Magi brought to the city by Archbishop Reinald von Dassen in 1164. The west side is dominated by the two towering spires joined by the narrow fa?ade of the nave. The tower's first two storeys are square, merging gradually into the octagonal form of the top three storeys. Among other cultural attractions well worth a visit during Cologne travel are Museum Ludwig, Museum Schnutgen, Museum fur Angewandte Kunst, Romisch-Germanisches Museum and Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the Church of St Ursula, St Maria im Kapitol, St Aposteln Church and St George Cathedral just to name a few.

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