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Culture of Cologne. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
You will find many priceless historical and architectural monuments in Cologne. Every tourist should not forget to visit them. We encourage you to pay your attention on the ensemble of 12 Romanesque churches – the majority of religious monuments of the city were built yet in the Middle Ages. Cathedral of St. George is the most beautiful building made in the Romanesque style. Cathedrals and churches of the city were damaged seriously during the Second World War, but thanks to the efforts of talented architects and restorers they were fully restored. Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is one of the most popular museum complexes of the city. The walls of the museum keep collections of priceless historical artifacts and art exhibits.
Cologne is a city with long and interesting history. It was founded by the Romans. First mentions about Cologne date back to 50 B.C. In the Middle Ages the population of this oldest city in … 
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Travelers with children will never get bored in Cologne as the choice of entertainments in the city is simply gorgeous. There are many beautiful parks that are perfect for a walk at any time … Open
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A walk through Heumarkt will be a wonderful addition to your stay in the city. A special place worth visiting is the monument to Friedrich Wilhelm III, colorful restaurants, and houses. It is no surprise that it is in such a place that the famous Cologne carnival starts. Couples in love are extremely fond of this place and it is exactly where all the action is in Cologne. However, you can get acquainted with yet another history of the city by visiting the National Socialism Documentation Center. It will appeal not only to history lovers, but also to those who want to learn new and interesting information. Such places are undoubtedly a good reminder of what should never happen again.
Cologne will surprise fans of gastronomic tourism with widest variety of restaurants, outdoor cafes and bars. The restaurant named Isenburg is one of the most luxurious dining facilities of … Open
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Another mystical place in Cologne is called Trinitatiskirche. This Protestant church guarantees you a feeling of extraordinary reverence for something majestic. A cursory glance at the Hohenzollern Bridge conjures up similar emotions. This bridge, famous for its majesty, is surrounded by a composition of many castles. It is no wonder that the place is popular among couples in love. However, the street on which is located one more symbol of Cologne, Gross St. Martin, is another favorite place for romantics. Beautiful European style houses reinforce the romantic atmosphere, as well as the cathedral itself, being a majestic embodiment of European architecture.
Cologne inhabitants are known as very punctual and pedantic people. They have great respect for old traditions, so there’s no wonder why the coming of age is considered a large holiday … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Cologne and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Cologne: churches, museums and castles
Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» Cologne Cathedral is one of the world's most famous Roman Catholic cathedral built in the Gothic style. Facts:» The cathedral reaching a height of 157 meters is ranked third in the list of the highest churches in the world and listed as a World Cultural Heritage.
» Construction of the temple was carried out in two stages, in 1248-1437 and in 1842-1880. The temple was rebuilt and restored several times.
» Near Cologne Cathedral there are ongoing archaeological researches, because scientists have proved that this place has been considered holy even 600 years before our era. During excavations on the territory adjacent to the church the ruins of ancient temples built in honor of the pagan gods were found.
» Cologne Cathedral houses some of the major shrines of Christianity. The most important shrines are displayed in the treasury of the cathedral. You can see relics of the three Magi, numerous burials of archbishops, restored Milan Madonna and many other priceless treasures in Cologne Cathedral.
St. Maria im Kapitol, Cologne
Location on the map: Facts:
» St. Maria im Kapitol is the Catholic Church, the largest of all the Romanesque churches of Cologne. Facts:» On the site of the present St. Maria im Kapitol Church there was a temple in the 1st century AD; it was dedicated to the Capitoline triad, Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Hence came the name of this place, the Capitol.
» At the end of the 7th century the Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built on the site of the temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva.
» Then, in the middle of the 11th century, it was decided to build a new church, and in 1049 Pope Leo IX in presence of Emperor Henry III laid the first stone. In 1065 the church was consecrated by the Archbishop of Cologne. In the hierarchy this church is second only to the Cologne Cathedral.
» During the bombing in World War II, St. Maria im Kapitol was almost completely destroyed. Restoration was focused specifically to save the temple of the kind that it had in the 11th century.
Imhoff Chocolate Museum, Cologne
Facts:
» The Chocolate Museum was opened October 31, 1993 by the local pastry shop, Imhoff Stollwerck. » Imhoff Chocolate Museum is among the ten most popular museums in Germany.
» The museum’s building has the shape of a ship, built of brick and glass, with an area of about 2,000 square meters.
» The museum reflects the history of chocolate from its inception with the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs to modern products.
» Imhoff Chocolate Museum has the glass greenhouse area of about 100m2, which is planted with plants used for chocolate making. The museum also has a small chocolate factory and a confectionery.
Great St. Martin Church, Cologne
Location on the map: Facts:
» Great St. Martin Church is the Catholic Church that is one of the most interesting and unique attractions of Cologne. Facts:» The church originated in 1220 in the form, which we can see now.
» Originally, the church was built in the Romanesque style, but after numerous fires it was repeatedly repaired and rebuilt, acquiring new features.
» During the World War II, the building of the church has been badly damaged, but soon the church was restored, and in 1985 it was reopened for visitors.
Basilica of the Holy Apostles, Cologne
Facts:
» The Basilica of the Holy Apostles is another Catholic church in Cologne that is the basilica with two transepts and three Romanesque naves. » The church is decorated with three towers; the height of the highest is 67 m. This tower is the third highest among all the Romanesque churches of Cologne.
» The church was built in the 9th century, and later the Basilica of the Holy Apostles was erected there.
» In 1860, the gymnasium, which still exists today, was open in the church.
» After World War II, the church was badly damaged. However, funds for the restoration of the temple were collected, and in 1957 the building was renovated.
This guide to cultural sights Cologne is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
What to visit during two-day excursion in Cologne
The Cathedral Of St. Peter And Maria
Where: Kölner Dom/Domplatz, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 179 405 55; Metro: Hauptbahnhof; Tickets: Cathedral free of charge, € 2.50 to climb the tower, € 4 treasury.;
Where: Kölner Dom/Domplatz, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 179 405 55; Metro: Hauptbahnhof; Tickets: Cathedral free of charge, € 2.50 to climb the tower, € 4 treasury.;
Romano-germanic Museum
Where: Roncalliplatz 4, near the cathedral, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 221 244 38; Metro: Hauptbahnhof;
Where: Roncalliplatz 4, near the cathedral, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 221 244 38; Metro: Hauptbahnhof;
Museum Ludwig
Where: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, Cologne; Telephone: +49-(0)221 221 261 65;
Where: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, Cologne; Telephone: +49-(0)221 221 261 65;
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum
Where: Obenmarspforten, near Rathaus, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 221 211 19;
Where: Obenmarspforten, near Rathaus, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 221 211 19;
Schokoladenmuseum (The Chocolate Museum)
Where: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a / Rheinauhafen, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 931 88 80;
Where: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a / Rheinauhafen, Cologne; Telephone: +49 (0)221 931 88 80;
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Cologne
♥ Palace 'Electoral Palace' Bonn, 25.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Schloss Benrath' Düsseldorf, 25.2 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Cologne and around
♥ Art museum 'Romano-Germanic Museum' Cologne, 0.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Museum Ludwig' Cologne, 0.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Cologne)' Cologne, 0.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Wallraf-Richartz Museum' Cologne, 0.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Schnütgen Museum' Cologne, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Cologne
♥ Basilika St. Maria im Kapitol, Köln, 0.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilika St. Kunibert, Köln, 0.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilika St. Gereon, Köln, 0.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilika Sankt Aposteln, Köln, 1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilika St. Severin, Köln, 1.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Münster Basilika St. Martin, Bonn, 25.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Pfarrkirche St. Elisabeth, Bonn, 26.5 km from the center. On the map
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Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Cologne
Landmarks of culture on Cologne map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Cologne. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Cologne: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Cologne. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
