Top architectural sightseeing and landmarks of Cologne - ideas on city exploration routes

» Cologne Cathedral is one of the world's most famous Roman Catholic cathedral built in the Gothic style.
» 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.

» Great St. Martin Church is the Catholic Church that is one of the most interesting and unique attractions of Cologne.
» 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.

» St. Andrew Church is the Catholic Church in the central area of the city.
» St. Andrew Church is the Romanesque nave basilica with a transept.
» The church was founded in the 10th century.
» The church was consecrated in honor of the Apostle Andrew.
» The relics of Albertus Magnus, philosopher, theologian, scholar, a prominent representative of medieval scholasticism and mentor of Thomas Aquinas, lie there.

» St. Kunibert Church is the Catholic Church named in honor of the tenth bishop of Cologne, who laid the temple in the 7th century.
» Bishop Kunibert was buried here in the church, and later canonized.
» St. Kunibert is considered the protector and patron of Cologne.
» Holy spring originates under the slab before the altar; it’s believed that it has some miraculous properties. It was believed that if a pregnant woman bathe in it, her child is sure to be born healthy.
» January 16, 1998, Pope John Paul II conferred the Church of St. Kunibert the title of minor papal basilica.

» Colonius is the reinforced concrete TV and radio broadcasting tower.
» The height of the building is 266 m. Thus, the tower is the highest building in the North Rhine and the seventh highest construction in Germany.
» The name of the tower was given in honor of the Roman name of Cologne.
» The tower was put into operation in June 1981.
» Unfortunately, at the present time Colonius isn’t available for visitors, while earlier it housed an observation deck and a fine restaurant.

» Cologne Tower is the office skyscraper that was erected within two years, from 1999 to 2001.
» The height of this 44-storey skyscraper is 148.5 meters, or 165.5 meters with the antenna.
» That’s the thirteenth highest building in Germany.
»  The complex of buildings, including this skyscraper, is designed for enterprises and organizations of IT sphere and contains offices, meeting rooms for conventions and conferences.
» The public observation deck with the restaurant can be found at the thirtieth floor of Cologne Tower.

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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.