Described by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Cologne Cathedral or the Kölner Dom is an awe-inspiring world heritage site. The construction of this Gothic cathedral started in 1248 and took 632 years to complete. When the church was finally completed in 1880, it was one of the world's tallest buildings. The Dom stands an imposing 157 meters (505 feet) high and while climbing one of the towers may be quite an endeavor, the view from the top is definitely worth the effort. Located within the cathedral is the Treasure Chamber, which is home to significant religious artifacts, including the hooked staff of Saint Peter. The Cologne Cathedral is a well-known historic landmark that can't be missed.
View amazing religious artwork in one of the oldest museums in Cologne. Located on the site where the St. Columba Church previously stood, Kolumba was originally established in 1853 by the Society for Christian Art and it was called the Diocesan Museum (Diözesanmuseum), today this prestigious museum is now run by the Archdiocese of Cologne. Kolumba has an impressive collection of religious artwork and artifacts, including pieces from Late Antiquity.
Designed by Oswald Mathias Ungers and opened in 2001, the neo-cubist Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is the perfect backdrop for exhibitions of post-15th Century European art. You'll find a stunning collection of Medieval works as well as neo-impressionist and impressionist art. Visit the second floor to see the Print Room which holds priceless drawings, including sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. There is also an onsite shop and cafe. This museum is a must-visit for all art lovers.
The imposing tower of the Great Saint Martin Church, also called Gross St Martin, watches over the crossroads in the Altstadt of Cologne. This Roman Catholic church was first home to an abbey founded by Benedictine monks. Steeped in history, the church of Great Saint Martin Church, with its clover-leaf choir, still bears witness to the Hohenstaufen period. Built between 1151 and 1240, the church has remained a part of the Cologne Old Town skyline since the Middle Ages. The quarter around the church is called the Martinsviertel.
Bringing several diverse cultures of the world to Cologne, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum is located in Innenstadt. Established in early 1900s and housed within a historic building, it boasts of one of the largest ethnological collections in Germany. This unique museum displays over 60,000 authentic objects that represent different cultures and ethnicities from across the globe. There's a library on site that has garnered prolific works on anthropological studies and findings which highlight the cultures different from European ones. Interesting displays here include the altar of Durga, the warrior Goddess of India, the funeral ritual display from Central Africa and archaeological finds from a Mayan site. As such, this museum gives a whole new perspective on different communities and cultures – a definite must visit.
The former headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo, EL-DE Haus is now the NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne. Founded in 1979 after the city council passed a resolution, it is the biggest provincial memorial place for the victims of the Third Reich in the nation. Get a glimpse of the social and political life in Cologne during the regime of the National Socialists through their permanent exhibitions. This award-winning museum offers an in-depth insight into the physical and administrative conditions of that era.
Freewalk Cologne is a tour company that organizes walking tours for both locals and tourists. Not only do you get the chance to explore the more famous tourist attractions, but the knowledgeable tour guides also show you around a few hidden gems. While providing visitors with all the facts and figures to the various tourist attractions, the tour guides also infuse the tours with a lot of humor ensuring that people have a great time. Although the tour is free, donations are expected.
In the year 1929, an important discovery was made by sewage construction workers who uncovered the very well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman Baths. Over the years when its conditions started falling into disrepair, numerous cultural and historical authorities decided to protect the ruins through a museum. Opened in the year 2008, the museum of bath culture displays the unique history of the baths from as fat as 2nd Century CE to the industrial revolution during the 19th Century. The museum's 18 exhibits also shed light on the cultural and social significance of the Roman Baths. Take a tour of the museum and see the temporary exhibitions as well.
Spread over the area of more than 2000 square meters, the exhibits at the Museum of European Garden History all about medieval Europe. Exhibits include beautiful paintings and graphics, life like sculptures, interesting books and models about garden art. The Schloss Benrath also conducts special lectures and guided tours at regular intervals. Check website for schedules and other information.
Kunstakademie Düsseldorf is a highly acclaimed art school, housed in a three-story building in Old Town. First established at the beginning of the 18th century, it has trained such greats as Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter. Offering a wide range of subjects, the public is welcomed in once a year to see the students' works.
Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz, also called Millowitsch Theater, is famous for its comedy shows. This theater has been owned by the Millowitsch Family for generations. The great actor Willy Millowitsch even ran this legendary theater and now his son continues the tradition. The main theater building has been strikingly remodeled, with some of its historical elements wonderfully retained. Volksbühne has hosted folk theatrical acts from as early as the year 1936. It offers an eclectic line-up of events and has played host to a number of well-curated shows, including cabaret performances and classical music recitals by noted musicians like Lutz Görner and Bläck Fööss.
The Freilichtbühne Zons is a popular cultural open space that regularly hosts events and performances. Look out for the famous folk dance that is held here every Tuesday evening.