Cologne is such a country. Open left menu Cologne. Metro in Cologne

But the Germans managed the impossible: an uninitiated tourist would not even guess that the magnificent historical center has been painstakingly restored.

Cologne reveals itself to travelers as a kaleidoscope of different faces and moods. Bright, well-groomed streets attract with the comfort of cafes and pubs. Masterpieces of Gothic and Romanesque architecture amaze the imagination with their beauty and grandeur. Cathedral - the whole city in the city: impressive size, luxury of interior and exterior decoration, incredible energy - all this is simply breathtaking. Cologne will surprise art connoisseurs with the treasures of unique museums, for businessmen it will open its doors to exhibitions and conferences, and partygoers will be whirled in a whirlwind of parties and carnivals. Just have time to collect impressions!

How to get to Cologne

View of Cologne

Cologne Hotels

In Cologne there is a hotel for every taste: there are budget, but cozy hotels for unpretentious tourists, and conceptual hotels for sophisticated travelers. Many of them are located in historical buildings and invite guests to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere ancient city. Sometimes the imagination of local hoteliers literally amazes the imagination: you can stay either in the building of a former water tower (Hotel Wasserturm), or within the walls of an ancient monastery (Hotel Hopper St. Antonius). Even the hostels in Cologne are not quite ordinary: for example, among the designer rooms of Wohngemeinschaft there is a room stylized as a spaceship.

The cost of living in hostels is from 16 EUR, accommodation in a three-star hotel will cost from 45 EUR per day. Rooms in 4* hotels - from 60 EUR per night, the luxury of five-star hotels is available for 210 EUR per day.

Shopping

It will take more than an hour to get around the line of shops, souvenir shops and antique shops in the center of Cologne. It is better to start your shopping route on the pedestrian street Heujestrasse, which runs south of Cologne Cathedral. There are boutiques of luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Chopard, etc.), and small souvenir shops mixed with cozy cafes and restaurants. Turning onto Schildergasse or Breitestrasse, you can find shops with high-quality cosmetics and perfumes, shoe and furniture stores. Nearby are the city's largest malls: Neumarkt Galerie and Galerie Karstadt, connected by a covered walkway.

Most retail outlets are open from 10:00 to 20:00, on Thursdays the opening hours are extended to 21:00, on Saturdays they are reduced to 18:00, and everything is closed on Sundays.

The most popular souvenirs are all kinds of trinkets with the image of the Cathedral. But you can refuse boring postcards, keychains and magnets in favor of more original purchases. One of these is the famous cologne: the formula of a perfume with a light scent was once invented in Cologne. In a souvenir shop, a hefty bottle will cost 7-10 EUR, and in the company store at the Perfume Museum, for the same money you can only buy a miniature sample.

Many unique things are hidden on flea markets Cologne, the most famous of which is “University”. Both tourists and locals praise German ecological cosmetics. You can bring a whole box of sweet souvenirs from the Chocolate Museum, especially since the prices here are even lower than in supermarkets. An excellent addition would be a bottle of the famous Kölsch beer or tart Rhine wine.

Cuisine and restaurants of Cologne

Traditional German cuisine is the highlight of cities such as Munich, Dusseldorf and, of course, Cologne. You shouldn’t deny yourself the pleasure of going to banal European restaurants or fast food establishments, forget about them. If you are in Germany, welcome to authentic beer halls, traditional restaurants and fragrant bakeries. Even if you don’t drink beer, are on a diet and don’t like meat, it’s impossible to resist.

The main place where the most delicious and, alas, crowded restaurants are concentrated is the old town of Altstadt. What's worth trying? First of all, the pork knee (“Schweinhaxe” - grilled or “Hamchen” - baked) is aromatic, squeaky, served with tender stewed cabbage, spicy mustard and crispy onions. Be careful, portions of this knee can weigh more than a kilogram, so you can safely order them for two.

Traditionally popular appetizers are "Halver Hahn" made from Dutch Gouda cheese, "Earth and Sky" (blood sausage "flenz" with mashed potatoes, applesauce and fried onions) and Dicke Bunne mit Speck - boiled white beans with a good piece of fried bacon on top.

In general, German cuisine consists of meat, stewed cabbage, and legumes. The food is quite fatty and heavy, desserts are not far behind. Soups are not very popular here, but they are on the menu.

The average bill for lunch in an inexpensive cafe is 15 EUR per person. You can have a snack at a fast food eatery for 6-7 EUR. Dinner for two at good restaurant- from 55 EUR.

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Beer, pubs and breweries in Cologne

Traditional Cologne beer is called Kolsch and is bottled in all bars and beer halls in small Stangen glass cups with a volume of 0.2 l. Fans of the amber drink should not despair; the advantage of such glasses is that the beer always remains fresh and cold. And the speed at which the waiters deliver the next steamy glass will hit you right in the stomach.

In most traditional beer halls, waiters don't ask you if you want a glass or two. They see that the glass is about to be empty, and they bring a new one. This bacchanalia can only be stopped by shouting “nine-nine!” (in barbaric style), or by placing a “birdekel” on top of the glass - a thick paper stand, which is given to each visitor at the very beginning of the feast with the first glass.

Finally, if you decide to buy a couple of bottles with you, pay attention to bottled Kolsch, as well as other popular local varieties - Reissdorf, Fruh, Gaffel and Muhlen.

The number of breweries, restaurants and beer gardens in Cologne is so great that you can walk from one to another all night long and not see even a tenth of it. The greatest concentration is in the old town of Altstadt, near the cathedral. The most popular beer hall is Fruh Kolsch, which is also revered by locals for its presence. Looking inside, you can see a suite of halls, going deeper one by one, and many wooden tables at which satisfied restaurant guests are sitting. If you don’t find a free table, don’t be upset: here it’s considered quite appropriate to sit with some company that doesn’t occupy the whole table.

You can also look into the youth Hellers Brauhaus on Roonstrabe near the Zulpicher Platz metro station or Brauhaus Putz on Engelbertstrabe near Rudolfplatz. Friesenstrabe is generally considered a kind of “bar counter” of Cologne, there are so many beer gardens and cafes here. Decent place- Paffgen, Muhlen near Heumarkt is also noteworthy.

Those who are tired of the taste and interior of medieval Germany should visit Zulpicher Strabe - there are many modern pubs and cafes, for example, Umbruch (funky) or Stiefel (punky). Finally, there are many stylish gourmet establishments in the so-called “Belgian Quarter” between Aachener Strabe and Ring, such as the famous M20 or Hallmackenreuther.

The best photos of Cologne

Guides in Cologne

Entertainment and attractions in Cologne

Cologne is full of amazing sights, the most important of which is the monumental Cologne Cathedral. The huge, luxurious Gothic structure survived the merciless bombing of World War II and remains the main symbol of the city. Its construction began in the 13th century and continued for several centuries in a row. And today anyone can climb 509 steps and climb one of the towers going into the sky to admire Cologne from a 157-meter height.

The best view of the cathedral is from panoramic platform at the railway bridge on the opposite bank of the Rhine.

Another popular place- Town Hall Square in the center of the Old Town. The facade of the modern Town Hall - a synthesis of an ancient building, a 15th century tower and a new business extension - is decorated with 124 stone statues. Inside, visitors will find state rooms and an underground museum, where all sorts of artifacts from the ancient Roman and medieval periods are collected.

Cologne is a city of beautiful temples. The most spectacular of them is the Church of St. Martin in the Romanesque style, which harmoniously fits into the overall architectural ensemble. The Church of the Holy Apostles is famous not only for its majestic exterior, but also for its magnificent stained glass windows. The Church of St. Gereon is the oldest Romanesque religious building in the city, founded in the 5th century.

Museums in Cologne

Cologne is famous for its incredible variety of interesting museums. It’s worth starting your educational tour with a visit to the Perfume Museum: you can’t visit the homeland of cologne without getting acquainted with the history of its invention. The city is proud not only of perfume, but also of sweets, so it is better to head further to the Chocolate Museum. Visitors to the building, shaped like a ship, will be told all the secrets of preparing the legendary delicacy and will certainly be invited to taste it.

From earthly food to spiritual food: the Ludwig Museum houses a rich collection of surrealism, avant-garde, expressionism, pop art and other iconic art movements. The pride of the exhibition is Picasso's originals. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum has a valuable collection of paintings and graphics, covering the period from the Middle Ages to the 19th century (website in English).

A visit to the Nazi Documentation Center in the former Gestapo headquarters will remind you of Germany's sad past. On the walls of the gloomy basement, inscriptions once made by local prisoners are still visible. You can continue thinking about the meaning of life at the Rautenstrauch-Jost Ethnological Museum: its creators tried to clearly explain the laws of human existence and awareness of the world.

8 things to do in Cologne

Marvel at the majesty of Cologne Cathedral, then brave the 500-plus steps to the top of one of its towers.
Find all 124 statues on the Town Hall building.
Buy a bottle of the legendary cologne at the Perfume Museum.
Take a fresh look at the laws of human life at the Rautenstrauch-Joost Ethnological Museum.
Find out which is tastier: “Schweinhaxe” or “Hämchen”.
Lose count of the glasses of Kölsch beer while wandering between noisy pubs.
I can’t resist buying a magnet with a picture of the Cathedral on Hoyestrasse.
Spend an unforgettable day with the whole family at the Fantasyland amusement park.

Cologne for children

After a walk around Cologne, head to its surroundings: this is where an excellent park for fun family leisure has been built. This is the world of Fantasyland attractions with a whole palette of all kinds of entertainment. Here you can ride the Berlin Carousel, set sail on a Viking Ship, go on a Thrilling Hollywood River Cruise, or even search for Colorado Adventures with Michael Jackson. It's time to find out what lies behind the promising names!

Tired of the attractions, you can move on to a calmer, but no less exciting holiday. Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest and most comfortable in Europe. Monkeys, okapi, red pandas, pink flamingos and other rare animals and birds live in conditions as close to natural as possible. There are elephant colonies, an aquarium-terrarium, “Pinniped Rock”, “Monastery of Owls” and “Tropical House” with a special microclimate.

Another interesting place- Stadtwald Park: a picturesque forest with a boat station and a small zoo. It is inhabited by deer, donkeys, sheep, turkeys, peacocks and various waterfowl. Moreover, they do not live in enclosures, but in special areas with low fences, so that any animal can be petted and fed if desired.

You should complete your acquaintance with the parks of Cologne in the Rheinpark - the most beautiful in Germany. Among the well-groomed alleys, unusual fountains and numerous playgrounds, miniature trains run, and children's parties and festivals are constantly held in the southern part.

December

The climate of the northwestern part of Germany, where Cologne is located, is very variable, with pronounced seasonality. Temperatures can vary from day to day from comfortable for the latitudes of England to familiar to northern France. Winter here is never too frosty, and summer is never too hot. The hottest month is usually July, the coldest month is traditionally January (the mark on the thermometer circles around zero). Snow rarely falls, rains mainly occur in autumn and winter, but also occur in June. Therefore best time July and August will be the best time to visit the city - when it’s fine days Cologne appears before travelers in all its splendor. You can stroll along the streets free of tourist crowds in early May and late September.

Archaeological finds in the vicinity of Cologne prove that man chose these lands in ancient times: representatives of the Celtic tribes settled here five thousand years ago. But these were rather strongholds of warlike conquerors, but the Romans founded a permanent settlement here. This happened in the 1st century BC, during the reign of Octavian Augustus. And the village called Oppidum Ubiorum, lost in the wild forests, would have been a modest border outpost, but it turned out differently. The daughter of one of the governors of Gaul and Germany became the wife of Emperor Claudius and took advantage of her power to get small homeland special status and privileges. In honor of the patroness, the new name “Colony of Claudius and the Altar of the Agrippians” was shortened to Colony of Agrippina, and then the name of the empress was dropped. Modern “Cologne” is a common version of the pronunciation of Colonia.

In 85 AD. the city became the capital of the province of Lower Germany, which led to population growth and infrastructure development. Behind a short time not only “workplaces” were erected for officials sent from Rome, but also religious buildings, entertainment venues and villas for the patricians. At the very beginning of the 4th century, a bridge was built across the Rhine, which remained the only one on this river for a millennium and a half. The ancient period of Cologne's history ended in 454, when it was captured by the troops of the Ripuarian Franks. Another half a century later, the Merovingian dynasty gained power over the territory. After the fall of the “long-haired kings,” the city remained part of the Frankish state and, by the will of Charlemagne, was turned into the Archbishopric of Cologne.

Having survived the devastating attack of the Normans, the polis gradually gained power and became a prominent point on the map. medieval Europe. In the second half of the 14th century, a meeting of the German-Dutch trade union took place here and a university was opened. At the same time municipal government passed from the hands of nobles to the guilds of artisans, and in 1475 the status of free imperial city was legally assigned to Cologne.

The 16th century brought economic decline and a strengthening of the clergy's position. During the time of the Inquisitors, Cologne became a German stronghold of the Jesuits and the site of mass executions at the stake. Since 1794, it was occupied first by the French and then by Prussia. Representatives of the latter, in the wake of the industrial revolution, contributed to the transformation of Cologne into the industrial capital of the region; in the second half of the 19th century, many plants and factories were built in the city, a telegraph line and a railway were launched.

Having barely recovered from the consequences of the First World War, Cologne resisted with all its might the Nazis’ rise to power, but was forced to surrender under the pressure of a new political force. The results of World War II were catastrophic destruction, setting the city back decades. The restoration of what was lost lasted until the 80s of the 20th century.

Sights of Cologne

The main symbol of the city has been the famous Cologne Cathedral, built in the Gothic style, for many centuries. About 6 million tourists come to see it every year. House, as the stone mass is lovingly called local residents, began to be built back in 1248. Not long before, the relics of the Three Kings (called Magi in the Orthodox tradition) were transferred to Cologne from Milan, which provoked a flow of pilgrims from all over Europe. Such a significant relic required a special place, so Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden approved the design of a grandiose structure with five naves.

The unprecedented scale led to the fact that the process literally dragged on for centuries. In 1590, funding was stopped due to the economic recession; large-scale construction was resumed only during the period of Prussian rule. Completed view of the cathedral Holy Mother of God and received St. Peter's already in 1880. During this time, many German craftsmen had a hand in creating its external and internal appearance. The frescoes, stained glass windows, mosaics, and sculptural compositions collected here make up a unique ensemble, the real value of which even seasoned art critics cannot estimate. The subject of special pride of the Catholic community is the monumental crucifix of the 10th century installed inside, which is credited with miraculous properties. Also, according to legend, anyone who looks at the statue of St. Christopher, located in the southern arm of the transept, will not face sudden death.

As soon as a magnificent celebration took place regarding the completion of construction, its restoration immediately began. Since then, it has not stopped, because the rains, smog of the metropolis and constant vibrations (Cologne Cathedral is located next to the railway station, more than 1000 trains rush past every day!) do not benefit the shrine. Cologne residents joke that the restoration will end with the end of the world.

The total length of the five-nave structure reaches 144 meters. It can accommodate up to 20 thousand people. The central nave is separated from the side nave by 44 m high columns. Behind the main altar is a gold reliquary encrusted with diamonds, created in 1170-1220. Lorraine master Nikolai Verdun. It contains the relics of three wise men - Caspar, Melchior and Belshazzar. The altar of the Chapel of St. Mary is decorated with the triptych “Adoration of the Magi” by the outstanding German painter of the Cologne school Stefan Lochner.

This architectural monument is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List cultural heritage, don’t miss the opportunity to see it with your own eyes and feel the gloomy but majestic atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Inside there is a detailed diagram in Russian. The most resilient travelers can climb observation deck on one of the “towers” of Cologne Cathedral, after climbing 500 steps you will be rewarded with a beautiful panorama of the old city. The cathedral is open Mon-Fri from 10.00 to 16.00, Sat from 10.00 to 13.00, Sun from 13.00 to 16.30

By the way, the center of Cologne today is a painstaking reconstruction of ancient buildings, streets and monuments destroyed by British bombing. Only the cathedral itself survived the Second World War; by some miracle, only three shells hit it.

St. Martin's Church was much less fortunate. Huge building in the Romanesque style had to be rebuilt almost from the foundation. It took almost 30 years to restore it using old photos and drawings, and today this temple is again part of the ensemble of the Benedictine monastery.

Considerable skill of the architects was also required by the variously damaged facades of other churches: the Apostolic, St. Severin, St. George, St. Mary Capitoline, St. Panteleimon, St. Kunibert, the patron saint of Cologne, St. Ursula. Today they have been restored to their former appearance. In the Church of St. Andrew, where the remains of the 13th-century theologian Albertus Magnus lie, some of the original wall paintings from the Middle Ages have been preserved. Definitely worth a visit ancient temple city, the Church of St. Gereon, which was built during the era of Roman rule.

Among the secular buildings of Cologne, the city hall is of greatest interest to visitors to the city. Since the 14th century, the building was rebuilt several times; as a result of the post-war reconstruction, it was possible to achieve maximum resemblance to original project. The façade of the late Gothic tower is decorated with 124 sculptures depicting significant figures for the history of Cologne, from august persons, pontiffs and saints to famous citizens. The bronze bells at the top play melodies known to every German every three hours. It all looks original and unforgettable.

On Dvorovaya Street, next to Cathedral, there is a curious Brownie fountain. It is an illustration of an old urban legend about gnomes who helped residents with housework. One day, an overly curious woman decided to look: who works at night? She scattered peas on the stairs, the gnomes fell and ran away from Cologne. This supposedly happened in the building where today the historical beer restaurant “Haxenhaux zum Rheingarten” (Frankenwerft, 19) is located, which stands on the Rhine embankment. Since then, Cologne residents have had to do everything themselves.

The Roman Tower, located 800 m west of the Cathedral, is a brick structure - a valuable monument of ancient Roman architecture, built in the 1st century.

Of the 12 medieval gates built in Cologne in 1180, three remain: the northern Eigelsteintor, the southern Severinstor and most notably the massive western gate Hanentor. Inside the latter there are exhibition halls for exhibits from the collection of the Museum of East Asian Art.

The city's Jesuit gymnasium is notable for the fact that it was taught by a scientist now known to every schoolchild, Georg Simon Ohm. The writer Heinrich Böll, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972, was also born and lived in Cologne.

The University of Cologne was created back in 1388 on the model of Paris and soon became one of the centers of Catholic theology in what was then Europe. In 1798, the university was closed by the French who occupied Cologne and resumed its activities only in 1919 thanks to the efforts of Konrad Adenauer, a native of Cologne.

Main Train Station and the bus station are located next to Cologne Cathedral. The streets of the city, where trade and business activities are concentrated, have been turned into pedestrian zones. This is the High Street, stretching from the cathedral to the south, and the Schildergasse alley perpendicular to it. In 2006, High Street was named the main shopping street of the country. Behind the Schildergasse is the New Market Square with a shopping gallery. The glass and metal building houses 65 stores on three floors.

On the site of the old city fortifications in the 1880s. boulevards were built, covering the territory of the Old Town in a 6-kilometer semicircle. The names of all boulevards end with the word “ring” - Ring, and together they are called Ring streets - Ringstrassen.

Among the new buildings in Cologne, the original building is especially noteworthy Opera House(Opernhaus), built in 1954-1957. designed by architect V. Riphan. In addition to the opera, there is the Schauspielhaus, where modern and classical plays are staged, as well as a small West End theater specializing in modern drama. The Opera House hall seats 1,300 spectators.

Museums in Cologne

Tired of inspection architectural monuments? Welcome to original museums! First on the list of must-sees is, of course, the Chocolate Museum. It is located just a 10-minute leisurely walk from the center and looks like a ship. There are always a lot of people at the entrance, it’s simply impossible to pass by. The Imhoff-Stolwerk factory has been supplying delicacies made from cocoa beans since 1839 and was one of the first to replace manual production with machine production. After purchasing an entrance ticket, you will be able to follow the process of making chocolate from A to Z, see how the workshop works, which produces about 400 kg of products daily, what the main components of sweet bars look like, admire the old packaging of famous brands (Mars, Milka , Nutella) and even visit a greenhouse with tropical plants that provide ingredients for desserts. You can try sweets at the chocolate fountain, which looks like a fantastic bush. After the tour, be sure to stop by the company store. The range of goods is simply stunning, and the prices are lower than in supermarkets. And if you want something completely unusual, visitors have a confectionery studio where you can choose the type of chocolate and toppings for it yourself. Museum address: Rheinauhafen, 1a. Open: Tue-Fri from 10.00 to 18.00, Sat, Sun and holidays from 11.00 to 19.00.

Indifferent to sweets? Then a fascinating journey into the world of smells awaits you. It was in Cologne that Eau de Cologne was created - flavored water, the name of which has become a household name in Russian. The exposition of the Perfume Museum or “House of Farina” gives a clear idea of where and how fragrances that could be sold in bottles were obtained in different eras. There is also a collection of rare bottles. At the museum interesting story: In 1796, Napoleon's army entered Cologne. To avoid getting lost, the soldiers numbered all the houses. On the building in which “Cologne aromatic water” was produced, a French horseman wrote “No. 4711.” Nowadays this is the name of the world famous cologne. The French name for Cologne - Cologne - has also been fixed in the Russian language as part of the word “cologne”, “Cologne water”. The Perfume Museum is located at Obenmarspforten 21. Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 19:00, Sun from 11:00 to 17:00.

Intangible values are presented in the Ludwig Museum in Cologne. Among the paintings of famous artists of the last century (avant-garde, surrealists and expressionists), several creations of the brilliant Pablo Picasso stand out. Address: Bischofsgartenstraße, 1. Opening hours: Tue-Sun from 10:00 to 18:00, Mon – closed.

The Roman-Germanic Museum has many valuable exhibits, for example the tombstone of the legionnaire poet Poblizius (1st century). Many exhibits from that distant time - columns, friezes, sculptures - are displayed outside. On the side facing the cathedral, a mosaic of Dionysus can be seen through the glass. The museum is located next to the Cathedral, at Roncalliplatz 4. Open: Tue-Sun from 10.00 to 17.00, Wed from 10.00 to 20.00.

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is called the forefather of Cologne museums. Most of the exhibition is devoted to German painting. Museum address: Martins-strasse, 39. Opening hours: Tue from 10.00 to 20.00, Wed-Fri from 10.00 to 18.00, Sat-Sun from 11.00 to 18.00.

Family trip

If you are going to Cologne with children from April to November, be sure to add the Fantasy Land amusement park to your plans. This complex is located in the outskirts of the city, but getting to it will not be difficult even for those who do not rent a personal car. Electric trains departing from the city station twice an hour will take you to your place in 15 minutes. A huge selection of attractions for different age groups will not leave either kids or their parents indifferent. Please note that what is paid here is not a visit to specific locations, but an entrance ticket for one or two days, during which you can ride anything and as much as you want. Taking this into account, it is better to come to Fantasyland as early as possible in order to be on time everywhere - there are queues at the entrance to popular attractions like Galaxy, Mystery Castle, Taron, and Black Mamba. The park is divided into thematic zones, each of which represents a specific country or region, so navigating a fairly large area will be easy and interesting. You can find many establishments in the area Catering(from fast food to serious family restaurants) and recreation areas.

A walk on the cable car. This unusual type of transport appeared in Cologne in 1957, and since then almost 20 million people have used its services. The popularity of such a crossing over the Rhine is understandable - where else will you have the opportunity to soar over a deep river and enjoy the panorama of an ancient city with a majestic cathedral? The mechanisms and safety of passengers are monitored with German thoroughness, so you can enjoy your “flight” with complete peace of mind. Sightseeing tour It’s better to start from the left bank station, next to which there is the city zoo and Botanical Garden. In this case, the walk can be continued along the alleys of the beautiful Rhine Park.

Cologne Zoo strives to provide its “guests” with conditions that are as close as possible to what they are used to in wildlife, which is why even rare animals and birds (red pandas, snow leopards, okapi, white rhinoceroses, pink flamingos) feel great in captivity and bear offspring. Two elephant enclosures, one of which began the history of the zoo, and enclosures with primates deserve special attention. In total, this place became home to representatives of more than eight hundred species of animals.

Although Stadtwald Park cannot boast such a rich “exposition,” it does offer visitors closer contact with their pets – through low barriers it is convenient to pet the animals and hand-feed them suitable treats. There is also a large green area and boat rentals are available for boat trips.

Cologne Carnival

Interesting for tourists at any time of the year, Cologne becomes especially crowded in last days before Lent. Hundreds of thousands of curious people come here to swirl in the whirlwind of the traditional carnival. If you are planning a trip in February, we recommend checking the church calendar and booking accommodation in advance - free seats in decent hotels there are much fewer people willing to see the colorful procession with their own eyes.

Festive events last for several days; during this period you can attend masquerade balls, folk festivals, musical performances, and mass “get-togethers” with a glass of local beer. A great opportunity to get to know Cologne, German culture, centuries-old customs and mentality, isn’t it?

Cologne Carnival has rich history– it was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1341. In the 18th century, costumed masquerade balls were added to street processions. The romantic custom has become an integral part of the life of all townspeople. From the middle of the 19th century, residents of Cologne began to choose a “carnival hero”, and later – a “carnival prince”. The carnival begins at the same time every year: November 11 at 11:11 am and lasts with breaks until Lent. During the holiday, 160 carnival committees throughout the city hold up to 600 events: meetings, balls, festive processions.

On “Indian Thursday,” which opens the program of fun, women enjoy the right to make fun of men without malice; even the deft cutting of a tie from the neck of a gaping passer-by does not meet with resistance. Those who know about the long-standing tradition at Weiberfastnacht prefer to leave this element of their wardrobe at home or wear one that they are already tired of. On Saturday evening, an unusual crowd of mummers pour out onto the streets, pretending to be ghosts and other evil spirits. It is believed that a theatrical performance called Geisterzug helps to finally drive away the February cold and turn the tide of the battle between spring and winter.

By Sunday it begins to seem that the program of events has been fully completed. However, do not rush to conclusions until you see the apotheosis of everything that is happening - Rosenmontag, that is, “Pink Monday”. Best places on the route of the costume parade you need to occupy it in the morning. Early birds get the opportunity to see in all its glory the motley procession with the Maiden, the Peasant and the Prince at the head, accompanied by cries of “Alaf!” ("Forward!") and catch the maximum amount of sweets. Yes, you heard right: chocolates and candies are thrown towards the public from moving platforms! Shouts are heard: “Kamelle!” ("Lollipops!")- then candies fly into the crowd, “Strusier!” - and bouquets of flowers rain down on the merry people from all sides. The total weight of free treats is more than a ton, so every viewer can receive a pleasant bonus. Keep in mind that it is convenient to catch presents using an inverted umbrella.

Then the fun dies down, but there is still something to stay in Cologne for. On Violet Tuesday, a straw effigy is burned in the square, and along with it - the sins and troubles that those present have accumulated over the year. “Ash Wednesday” is an interesting opportunity to try traditional fish dishes, which will be banned for believers until Easter.

National cuisine

In Cologne, tourists can appreciate all the delights of authentic German cuisine. To do this, of course, you need to go to small restaurants and pubs where locals dine. The most popular products are pork, sausages, legumes and cabbage. The pork knee can be baked or grilled at your request. A popular snack is halve khan - a rye bun with aged cheese and onions. Blood sausage (flönz) is often ordered, accompanied by a side dish of himmel-un-ed, that is, mashed potatoes with applesauce.

All this should be washed down, of course, with local branded beer. The Kölsch variety is protected by law; only a drink produced using a special technology and necessarily at a certified Cologne brewery can be called this. It is served in tall glasses with a capacity of 0.2 liters, and is refreshed by the waiters instantly and without a special request. When you think you've had enough hops for the day, cover the glass with a cardboard coaster.

Memorable gifts

In addition to trinkets with images of Cologne Cathedral, you can find a lot of interesting things in the souvenir shops next to the designer boutiques. As mentioned above, the best place to buy sweet gifts is at the Chocolate Museum, but Cologne eau de toilette, on the contrary, should not be purchased at a thematic exhibition for reasons of economy. In shops for tourists, the famous scent is cheaper, and they will offer you gift sets for all occasions.

A win-win option for men will be beer mugs of all kinds or a bottle of local Kölsch, and beautiful ladies will be pleased with German ecological cosmetics, which are produced in this region. If you left your children at home on your trip to Cologne, bring them a nutcracker or a teddy bear as a kind of compensation.

or a monastery, where the staff of the HOPPER et cetera hotel welcomes guests. The most budget option traditionally are hostels located in different parts of Cologne. The undoubted favorite of tourists is Wohngemeinschaft Cologne - each of its rooms is decorated in an unusual style, you can feel like a Buddhist monk, an astronaut or a German aristocrat.

Transport

It's better to get around the city by public transport– a rented car will be a problem in the historical center with its leisurely traffic and streets open to travel only to local residents. Experienced tourists We recommend purchasing a KolnCard. Thus, you will not only get rid of the need to pay separately for each trip, but also save significantly when purchasing entrance tickets to museums, theaters, the zoo, visiting restaurants.

How to get there

From the Russian capital to international Airport You can fly directly to Cologne, but travelers from St. Petersburg cannot do without transfers. Some tourists prefer the route along railway with a connection in Berlin, Paris or Warsaw.

On the North Rhine, in Westphalia, is located the city of Cologne, famous throughout the world for its cathedral. This is a city with ancient history. Since the times of the Roman Empire, Cologne has played an important role among the cities of Europe. Today it is one of the most developed cultural and economic centers in Germany.

First of all, Cologne is famous for its attractions: Cologne Cathedral, the Chocolate Museum, and the House of Cologne.

Cologne is the third largest city in Germany and the fourth most populous. The main language used is German, with Italian and English spoken.

This city is best suited for connoisseurs of antiquity and young families.

Climate and weather

Cologne has a temperate climate. Winters here are quite warm, and summers are not very hot. The weather is often windy and extremely changeable. The seasons are clearly defined. In July, the temperature is usually +20… +25 °C. January rarely gets colder than 0°C.

The best time to visit Cologne is summer.

Nature

The city of Cologne is located on the Rhine River, in its lower reaches. The natural landscape of Cologne is represented in the east of the city by the Highlands and the Sauerland mountainous terrain, in the west lies the Ville Park, the southeast is occupied by the Rhine Slate Mountains, and the southwest is decorated with a hill called the Eifel.

Attractions

The oldest quarter of the city is called Old city. Its territory contains all the most famous sights of Cologne: museums, Cologne Cathedral, House of Cologne 4711. Narrow streets, paved with cobblestones, are full of many signs of cafes and restaurants.

The world-famous Cologne Cathedral is a real monument gothic style in architecture. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but was completed only towards the end of the 19th century. This building miraculously survived the war. Today the cathedral is protected by UNESCO as an architectural monument. The height of the cathedral towers reaches 157 meters. The cathedral's treasury surpasses that of the Vatican itself. The crucifixion of Archbishop Gero, which was made around 975, is very famous. Significant is the sarcophagus where the bodies of the three Magi (kings) are kept. Be sure to climb the cathedral tower - from its top you can see a mesmerizing panorama of the city.

The Ludwig Museum is located not far from Cologne Cathedral. This is the place where they are gathered best creations contemporary art from many countries.

The German-Roman Museum will surprise you with unique artifacts found during excavations of Roman cities that were previously on the territory of Cologne. The museum opened in 1974 in a Roman villa from the 3rd century.

You should definitely pay attention to the Town Hall. The first mention of it dates back to 1135 as the House of Citizens. Later the Town Hall was erected as a symbol free city Cologne. It is decorated with 130 stone statues.

On Glockenstraße there is the House of Cologne 4711. In 1709, Johan Maria Farina first invented cologne, which was literally called “water from Cologne”. Since then, Cologne has become known throughout the world as a city of floral scents.

You can learn the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. It opened in 1933 and was the world's first chocolate museum.

Nutrition

A variety of restaurants, bars, cafes make a holiday in Cologne doubly enjoyable. One of the most luxurious restaurants in Cologne is Isenburg. Its location is a fortress built in the 13th century. The menu consists of French dishes and more than a hundred varieties of wine.

Seafood according to the best recipes is prepared at the Scampino restaurant. Most of the menu is Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant hall is decorated with massive wooden furniture and ancient paintings.

Turkish cuisine is served at Merhaba Restaurant. In addition to Turkish dishes, the establishment is famous for its excellent wine list. In the evenings you will find a bright entertainment with dancing and concert.

You can experience the luxury of Persian cuisine at the Ali Baba restaurant. Oriental sweets, excellent rice with vegetables, spicy meat - you will not remain indifferent.

Get rid of boredom and taste National dishes El Inca restaurant will offer you. Nice menu and interesting show programs will help you relax and unwind.

There is also a Russian cuisine restaurant in Cologne, Roter Platz. The restaurant's interior is designed in Soviet style.

Accommodation

In Cologne you will find accommodation to suit every taste and need.

The cost of rooms in two-star hotels is from 20 € per night, three-star from 30 €, four-star from 45 €, five-star from 80 € per night.

Entertainment and relaxation

A wonderful holiday would be a bike ride around Cologne. The most famous bike rental place is Rent-A-Bike. You will be provided with rentals from an hour to several days. In addition, you can be accompanied by a personal guide who will introduce you to the most incredible places Cologne.

Attractions, variety shows, multimedia shows and excellent restaurants can be found in the amusement park « Fantasyland" in the suburbs of Cologne.

Enjoys special prestige Entertainment Center Cinemathec. An ultra-modern cinema, restaurant, bar and disco attract many visitors.

If you come with children, stop by the Cologne Zoo, where you will be greeted by penguins, leisurely hippos, good-natured fur seals, wild cheetahs and dozens of other exotic animals.

There are many clubs for a night out. Fifty years ago the Koket club was opened. Throughout its existence, it has not lost its excellent reputation and has always been among the most prestigious clubs in Cologne. The style of the 60s will immerse you in the atmosphere of those years, and interesting show programs will not let you get bored for a minute.

A prestigious club with a VIP room, two bars and a spacious dance floor is the Diamonds Club. It is equipped with the most modern technology and is famous for its successful music programs.

As a youth club, you can visit Sensor. It is always crowded with visitors, and the music is provided by famous DJs.

Purchases

Boutiques with world brands, many shops and retail shops are open on Hohe Strasse. This is one of the most visited shopping streets in Germany.

You will find shopping arcades and centers, small shops and cafes on the streets Breitestrasse, Ehrenstrasse, Schildergasse and Wallrafplatz, which are located near Cologne Cathedral. These streets are pedestrian areas.

Each district of Cologne has its own shopping street. In addition, kiosks are open until late.

Usually, shopping streets covered, so you can make purchases in any weather. Shops are open from 10:00 am to 20:00 pm. On Thursdays until 21:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:00. Large shops are open until 20:00.

Transport

Public transport in Cologne includes buses, trams, underground and overground metro. All transport is managed by one company, so the fare is always the same. A ticket for 4 stops will cost you 1.5 €, for a long route - 2.3 €. An individual day pass costs 6 €, and for a group of 5 people 9 €.

If you want to take a taxi, be prepared for the following tariffs: boarding will cost you 2.4 €, for each subsequent kilometer you will owe 1.5 €. Night rates apply from 22:00 to 6:00 and on weekends. When calling a taxi by phone, you will be charged 50 euro cents.

Bicycle rental costs on average 2 € per hour, 10 € per day and 20 € for three days.

Connection

Communication is provided in the form of a city telephone network, mail, mobile communications And mobile internet, Wi-Fi access points, Internet centers and Internet cafes.

The minimum cost of a mobile communication package is from 12 €. Recommended operators: Alditalk, Lebara.

Safety

Always carry a copy of your identification document with you.

Be careful on city roads - local residents often violate traffic rules.

Do not drive while drunk - this will endanger your life and the lives of others, and will also result in a fine of at least 500 €.

For violation of speed limits, fines range from 80 to 600 € depending on the area where the violation occurred and the number of kilometers exceeded.

Business climate

Cologne is rightfully considered one of the most important industrial centers in Europe. Today, the leading areas of the economy are: mechanical engineering, chemical industry, food industry, oil refining and textile industry.

In the north of the city there are factories of the world famous Ford company. Siemens AG, Toyota and Grundig have their own branches in Cologne.

The chemical industry is mainly represented by the pharmaceutical concern Bayer.

The leading confectionery manufacturer Stolwerk has its own branch in Cologne. In addition, the city has many old breweries that produce excellent Kölsch.

Such well-known companies as Shell, BP, Toyota, Lufthansa have branches and management centers here.

The Cologne Messe complex has become a permanent venue for thematic exhibitions and fairs of the arts and industry.

Cologne is the center of the International Chamber of Commerce, the Union of German Industry, the Union of Employers, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Union of German Banks, and the Chamber of Crafts.

Real estate

The average price for real estate per 1 m2 is 3,000-4,000 €.

A one-room apartment in Cologne costs from 16,000 €, two-room apartments from 30,000 €, three-room apartments from 42,000 € and more.

Renting a two-room apartment will cost an average of 300 € per week, a three-room apartment - 400 € per week. The cost depends on the location and quality of repair.

To receive discounts on travel, museums, shops and restaurants, you need to purchase a WelcomeCard. You can find them in all hotels in the city. It must be presented together with a document proving your identity.

Since there is very little parking on the streets of Cologne, and most central streets are open only to residents, it is advisable to refrain from traveling by car. The most convenient way to travel the city streets is by bicycle.

When you go to your local pub, keep in mind one rule: as soon as your glass is empty, they will immediately bring you another. To stop bringing you new mugs filled with beer, place a paper coaster on the empty glass.

When visiting a cafe or restaurant, do not forget about tips. If your order does not exceed 5 €, please round up the total amount to the nearest €. When ordering from 5 €, the tip is 7-10% of the total cost of the order. It is customary to leave a reward of 1-3 € to taxi drivers.

One of the German cities received beautiful name"Metropolises on the Rhine". Throughout history this locality played an important role in the history of not only Germany, but throughout Europe. This is why the coat of arms of Cologne looks so royal, this applies to both the main elements and the color palette used in the image.

Big or small

The coat of arms of Cologne consists of two important details: a German double-headed eagle holding symbols of royal power in its paws; shield located on the chest of a bird of prey.

Residents of Cologne prefer the small heraldic sign of the city - a shield, which has its own details and elements, since without a formidable feathered predator the tone looks more peaceful. Each element of this heraldic symbol and its color palette have its own meaning.

Small coat of arms and its symbols

The small coat of arms is depicted in the form of a shield with a rounded bottom. Its field is horizontally divided into two unequal parts; in the upper part, painted scarlet, three crowns are depicted.

The lower part of the heraldic symbol of Cologne is made in black and white. To some, it may seem like an ermine robe - the same white background color and black elements, reminiscent of the lining of a royal cape.

In fact, the appearance of such a picture has a sadder meaning. In the description of the coat of arms one can find the following explanation: eleven drops of blood shed by Saint Ursula, the main patron of the city, and her friends. Fearless girls gave their lives defending the city and the holy faith.

Kings from the New Testament

Most interesting fact about the Cologne coat of arms - the royal crowns are placed on the coat of arms not in honor of famous monarchs who played a role in the formation or development of the city. These are the characters of the New Testament, the so-called three kings; among the Slavic peoples they are known as the Magi.

These people are directly related to Cologne, which is why crowns, as their symbols, appeared on the city’s coat of arms. Three biblical wise men - Caspar, Melchior and Belshazzar - were among the first to come to visit the newborn Jesus Christ and presented him with gifts, symbols of royal power. For this they were canonized, began to be called “holy kings,” and January 6 became a non-working day in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral is one of the oldest and largest religious buildings in Europe, but this is not the fact that attracts thousands of tourist pilgrims here. It is here that the “chest of the three wise men” is located, where the relics of the saints are kept.

2.
The coat of arms of Cologne depicts three majestic crowns as a sign that in the main cathedral of this German city For several centuries now, a unique reliquary (ark) with the relics of the three wise men has been kept. In Germany they are canonized, they are called the “three holy kings,” and in their honor a holiday is established on January 6, marked in the calendar as a non-working day. Legends dating back to the 6th century turned the magi “stargazers” and the magi “sages” into “eastern kings”, so in the Western tradition they began to be called “holy kings”.

As is known, biblical story is silent about the names, origin, number of the Magi, their appearance and the time of their appearance in Bethlehem. In the West, it is widely believed that if the number of gifts-treasures presented to the born Christ was three, it means that there were the same number of wise men. Opinions differ somewhat regarding the time of their appearance in Bethlehem. On icons, paintings and in the Christmas crèches set up in German churches, the Infant God is depicted not swaddled, but already somewhat grown up. Apparently, in the Western tradition it is believed that the worship of the Magi did not take place in the first week after the birth of Jesus, but when the Child was already at least two years old, as indicated in Herod’s order to kill all infants in Bethlehem and its surroundings - “from two years and below, according to the time that I found out from the wise men” (Matthew 2:16). According to some sources, the names of the biblical wise men - Caspar, Melchior and Belshazzar - were first mentioned in the 8th century; according to others, these names appeared in the 6th century. Outwardly, Caspar is presented as “young and beardless,” Melchior as “an old man with a beard,” and Belshazzar as “dark-skinned.”

According to legend, the Magi, having returned from Bethlehem to their native places, were baptized and began to proclaim to the nations about Jesus Christ. Being pious Christians, the Magi not only preached the Gospel in the East, but also built temples and chapels there in honor of Jesus Christ. A legend has been preserved that tells that the Apostle Thomas ordained the Magi as bishops. Having accepted martyrdom, they ended their earthly lives at approximately the same time and were also buried together. Their tomb was allegedly located in the Persian city of Sava.

The relics of the Magi were first found by the holy Queen Helen Equal to the Apostles and transferred to Constantinople, and in the 5th century to Mediolan (modern Milan). There is evidence that the relics of the Magi were presented to the Archbishop of Cologne and Chancellor Rainald von Dassel by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. In 1164, from Milan, the remains of the famous Magi were first transported overland on special carts, and then on a river boat along the Rhine to Cologne. In order for the relics of the three holy kings to find a worthy home in the city, it was decided to make a golden reliquary in Cologne and erect a majestic cathedral in the “High Gothic” style. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, and was completed only several centuries later.

The veneration of relics in Cologne was based on the belief that the remains of the holy Magi had healing powers, which, when touched or approached, were transferred to other people. The “cult of relics” in Germany reached its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries, when relics were brought to Europe in large quantities and pilgrimages to them became a mass phenomenon. Starting from the 12th century, numerous pilgrims with donations began to flock to the holy relics of Cologne from all lands adjacent to this city. History knows that religious processions and streams of people from all over Europe arrived in Cologne. Among the people, the “three holy kings” were considered the patrons of all travelers, so many travelers specially came to Cologne to worship the Magi in the local cathedral, as described, in particular, in Walter Scott’s novel “Quentin Dorward.”

In 1181, the local school of goldsmiths, Nicholas von Werden of Meuse, was commissioned to make a reliquary for the relics of Saints Felix, Set and Gregory of Spoleto, as well as the relics of the three famous Magi. The unique ark, made only in 1220 (according to other sources - in 1230), is still considered in Germany one of the most outstanding masterpieces of medieval art. And to this day it is kept in the Cologne Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Peter and is its main treasure.

The golden reliquary, decorated with precious stones, is a three-nave basilica with two lower and one upper rooms. Experts note “the exact layout of the figures - from the Old Testament prophets and kings to the incarnation of Christ.” The high relief figures in the arcades on the longitudinal sides of the lower rooms are called outstanding masterpieces of art. Scenes of the Last Judgment and enthroned figures of prophets and apostles with their expressive faces, dynamic gestures and folds of clothing “overcome the frozen Romanesque plasticity” (see: Chronik des Christentums. Gutersloch/Munchen, 1997, p. 161). Art historians believe that at present this “amazing casket” as a work of jewelry has partially lost its completeness not only due to its many years of use, but also later restoration and looting.

The reliquary is available for veneration, but it is not opened. On this basis, notes from skeptics appear in the German press from time to time, doubting that the Cologne reliquary actually contains the relics of those same biblical three wise men, and not the “three young men” who died in the middle of the 12th century.

“The Day of the Three Holy Kings” - January 6 - is very popular and loved by the people. On this day, Cologne Cathedral becomes a place of mass pilgrimage for believers from all over Germany and from neighboring countries. The night before, in some cities and towns, you can see boys dressed in white robes, three of whom have “golden crowns” on their heads and wear “royal robes.” They go from house to house and sing songs glorifying the “three holy kings.” Near urban and rural churches, theatrical folklore performances are held, depicting the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem and their worship of the Infant God. In each temple, nativity scenes are decorated - Christmas mangers, where the famous Magi are “present”. According to a long-standing tradition, on January 6, the owner of the house writes with chalk at the entrance or on the door the initial letters of the names of the three wise men - K + M + V - and indicates the year. The Germans believe that such an inscription protects the home and its inhabitants from all harm. In addition, on this day they light up the house for the last time. christmas tree and they believe that after the holiday of the “Three Holy Kings” the daylight hours “increased by a rooster’s pace.”

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