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Having family and friends who live there I asked my family to send me over some information for you :
Cologne cathedral with its two spires 157 metres in height, has been the city's most famous landmark for centuries and the most well-known architectural monument in Germany.
It took 632 years until construction of the largest German cathedral was completed. After the laying of the foundations in the year 1248 and making rapid progress initially, construction work gradually came to a standstill. It was only with 19th century romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and the commitment of the Prussian Court that construction work resumed in 1842. In 1880, completion of the cathedral was celebrated as a national event.
The relics of the Holy Epiphany found their last resting place in the cathedral. The Sarcophagus of Epiphany (dating from the 13th century) surpasses all comparable golden sarcophagi in Western Christendom, in terms of scale and magnificence. Other outstanding works of art are to be found in the cathedral treasure chamber.
Hansahochhaus
At the time of its construction (1920), it was the tallest "skyscraper" in Europe; today it is a commercial and administration building. Among other occupants, it houses the department store with the widest selection of audio media in Europe (Hansaring).
Flora/Zoo
The gardens were landscaped in 1863 according to designs by Peter Josef Lenné and Joseph Maria Olbrich. The botanical garden was added in 1914. The site, which was destroyed during the Second World War, was restored completely and now has a stock of plants including approx. 12 000 species. In the middle of the spacious park of the Botanical Gardens stands the historical banqueting house dating from 1864 , which has been restored according to old plans. The Cologne Zoo is located directly adjacent to the gardens. Starting from the Zoo one can cross over into the Rheinpark on Europe's only cable car traversing the Rhine. Former site of Germany's Federal Garden Show, the park is an oasis of flowers and shrubs surrounded by open green spaces, which serves as an ideal spot to relax in fine weather.
4711 House
New Gothic head office of the famous "Eau de Cologne" manufacturer with a carillon that chimes every hour - opposite the opera. The number "4711" refers to house-numbering system adopted by the French occupying power in 1795. For greater clarity, all private houses were numbered sequentially from 1 - 7 404. (Glockengasse). Webcam and Homepage
Opera house/theatre
Both buildings (1957-1962) on the Offenbachplatz were built by Wilhelm Riphahn and can accommodate 1.400 (opera-) or 920 (theatre-) goers. Starting from 2008 the opera house will be renovated. The Cologne architect built miscellaneous edifices in his hometown as the "Bastei" near the Rhine or some dwellings in the urban area.
Exhibition halls/Rheinpark/Tanzbrunnen
The Cologne exhibition center reopened 2006 with a new look. Four new multipurpose trade fair halls have been built to replace the historic Rhineside Halls. Lying adjacent to it is the Rheinpark, a green area designed in pure 50's style for the 1957 Federal Garden Show with a sculpture park, Tanzbrunnen fountain and the Sternwellenzelt by the Architect Frei Otto, who was also responsible for Munich Olympia Stadium. The Rheinseilbahn (Rhine cable car) at the end of the park leads over to the flora, Cologne zoo and the sculpture park by the donor couple Eleonore and Michael Stoffels on the other side of the Rhine.
Ludwig Museum /Philharmonic Orchestra
The historic centre of Cologne was completely redesigned in the eighties with the construction of the museum and the Philharmonic Orchestra building. Here, more than 600 000 people every year can hear more than 400 concerts live. In addition to the "resident orchestras", the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Cologne WDR Symphony Orchestra, the principal international orchestras, ensembles and soloists also make guest appearances. The museum Ludwig designed by the architects Peter Busmann and Godfried Haberer was opened in 1986. It is located between the Cathedral, the river Rhine and the main station.
WDR Arcades/Broadcasting House on Wallraff-Platz/Vierscheibenhaus
This buildings hiuses the Radio and television production studios of the largest German broadcasting station. The WDR-Arkaden are architecturally one of the most interesting buildings in Cologne. The shopping arcade was benn designed by Gottfried Böhm. Some people characterise it as some batched container.
Media Park/Cinedom
The Media Park on the site of the former Gereon goods station combines media companies and cultural and leisure facilities. The photographic collection of the SK Stiftung Kultur cultural foundation and the Cologne House of literature are to be found here, in addition to the Cinedom, one of the most successful German cinemas. The KölnTurm is the new landmark. It is 148 meters high and the highest building in Cologne with a restaurant in 100 metres height (open at the evening). Picture: aerophoto.de
KölnArena
The KölnArena events hall, opened in 1998, is one of Cologne's landmark on the right bank of the Rhine: the glazed structure is dominated by a steel arch, 78 meters in height, which casts its glow into the surrounding countryside at night. Practically all types of events can be organised in the largest events hall in the Federal Republic of Germany, with its 18 000 seats: sport, concerts, operas, shows, parties, general meetings, congresses, conferences and, of course, carnival. Picture: Kölnarena
Weltstadthaus
The "Weltstadthaus" designed by Italian architect Renzo piano regards as a whale or as a waterfall - always a question of the point of view. The building ist a real masterpiece, which found its place in the city centre. The building reminds inside of a turned hull. The glass dome rests weightlessly on the gigantic roofridge. 4900 square meters glass carry themselves and mediate the airiness of the building. Picture: Andreas Fechner
Rheinauhafen
The Rheinauhafen close to the old part of town and the Rhine garden extend on a length of approximately two kilometers - into the range of the popular Cologne southern part of the town. It is a true contrast between monument-protected environment and newest technologies. The character of the old, 1898 built port of transshipment, is preserved after the change, in addition three "crane houses" are shared to great cranes. They are a total special eyecatcher. The you find the Museum of Chocolate and the German sport and Olympia museum, too.
Cologne Triangle
The tower on the right bank of the Rhine is 103 metres high and has got 29 floors and a viewing balcony from where you has a great view to Cologne and especially to the Cathedral and the Old Town. Because of its highness, the Unsesco once planed to disallow the Cathredral the title of a World Heritage Site.
There is always something happening in Cologne - often on a grand scale. And because the city's many diverse "scenes" not only co-exist but also tend to join forces in a spirit of cooperation, every event is always colourful and spectacular.
April 18th to 22nd, 2007
ART COLOGNE: For the first time in spring
In 2007, the world's longest-established fair for modern and contemporary art moves into the spring and will take place at the Cologne exhibition center from April 18th to 22nd.
From April 27th to May 20th
Boundless diversity of music at the MusikTriennale Köln 2007
Experience the sheer boundless diversity of music both as a listener and spectator at the MusikTriennale Köln 2007, which boasts symphony concerts, jazz sessions, organ improvisations, Peking operas, films, puppet theatre and much more.
December 9th, 2006 to March 4th, 2007
Museum Ludwig: Later work of Paul Klee
Whether as a painter, theorist or teacher - Paul Klee is one of the most important artists of the 20th century: The Museum Ludwig is presenting the later work of Klee with a selection of roughly 200 works on paper executed in the last two and an half years of Klee's life from the collection of the Klee Zentrum in Berne opened in June 2005.
From July 6th to July 8th, 2007
Summerjam
The 22nd Edition of Summerjam starts on July 6th and fans of Reggae music are looking forward to the event. Gentleman, who has become an international top act over the last few years, and his band will be part of Summerjam 2007, presenting new songs from their forthcoming album.
July 14th, 2007 - firework at the Rhine
"Cologne Lights" now has a "twin" event
The 7th Cologne Lights event on Saturday, July 14th, 2007 is still a few months away, but an important new development can now be announced. In addition to the concluding firework display which is set to music in front of the backdrop of the Cologne old town centre the WECO company will be firing a "Twin" into the sky.
More as 1 million people has seen the show
We will rock you: The Musical Success in Cologne
Since its premiere in London on May 14th, 2002, the spectacular show has become the most successful West End production of all times: "We will rock you". Opening in Cologne on the 12th of December 2004, the show has since then swept its German audience from their seats.
Cologne has not only a special beer to offer, there are also some meals that bear strange names. For example the "Halver Hahn", which means "one half of a ****", is not really chicken. It is simple bread with cheese. Here you'll find some specials:
"Himmel un Ääd"
means "heaven and earth" but if you order this, you' ll get mashed potatoes with apple mash, blood sausage, onions and sometimes bacon.
"Flönz"
is a kind of blood sausage. But the "Flönz" is not smoked like other blood sausages, it is cooked.
"Rievkoche"
The people of Cologne love their "Rievkoche" (Reibekuchen). Although you can get it everywhere in Germany, this potato pancake smells nowhere as good as in Cologne. Traditionally, it is enjoyed sweet with apple mash.
Rheinischer Soorbrode
Traditionally it is made of horse meat, but today you'll find generally the version with beef. The meat must be drenched in vine, vinegar and a special mixture of spice for a couple of days so that it gets its extraordinary flavour. After having been cooked for a long time it is served with mashed apples or "Knödeln".
Röggelchen
is a special kind of roll. Its dough is made of rye, which gives the "Röggelchen" its dark look. It is eaten with cheese and mustard as "Halver Hahn" (translated "one half of a ****").
Kölscher Kaviar
ist not really caviar. It is another sort of blood sausage with onions.
Kölsch - The beer of Cologne
For the people of Cologne, there is nothing that could beat their favourite drink - the Kölsch. This privileged position is well deserved as this beer is indeed something special. Kölsch is a light, top-fermentig beer, which contains about 4.8 % of alcohol. It is served in special, cylindrical glasses, called "Kölner Stangen". Each "Stange" contains 0.2 litres of Kölsch.
The Gaffel Haus
The thing that makes Kölsch so special is the brewing-process, for which special top-fermenting yeast is used. This yeast needs temperatures between 15 and 20 degree Celsius to ferment. After the process is finished, the yeast is on top of the liquid and can then be skimmed.
Like most things in Cologne, Kölsch has its own history and tradition. It has been brewed in the region of the Rhine since 874. Even today it not allowed to produce it anywhere else than here in its heartland.
There are twenty sorts of Kölsch. The breweries have public houses where fresh Kölsch is served. The most famous ones among them are Gaffel Haus in the old part of town and the Früh-Brauhaus near the cathedral.
Well, that´s things to do, places to see, eats and drinks .... the rest is up to you - have a great time! |
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