In the Flittard district, the visitor can enjoy the miniature landscaping of the Japanese gardens. The gardens are admittedly quite a long way out of the city center on the right-hand side of the Rhine, but it is certainly worth the detour. These magnificent gardens are part of the Carl-Duisberg-Park, which belongs to Leverkusen and contain blossoming camellias, magnolias and flowering cherry-trees. The gardens are divided into different areas; a tea-garden, a landscape garden and the miniature landscape. The visitor wanders under red gateways and over bridges, past Buddhas, dragons and ducks(both live and in bronze).
Established in 1958 and originally called Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion till 1998, this state-of-the-art football stadium was renamed BayArena in the year 1998. The home ground of the football club Bayer 04, BayArena served as a co-host to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The St. Gereon's Basilica is said to be the most beautiful medieval church in Cologne. Though the structure was mentioned in records dating back to 612, the church as seen today was built between 1151 and 1227. St. Gereon's Basilica is known for a unique architectural style where the nave is topped by a decagonal oval dome. The church was dedicated to St Gereon at a later date in June 1920. Archaeological evidence has suggested the existence of an earlier church dating back to the fourth century. The original site was supposedly referred to as Ad Sanctos Aureos i.e. the church of the Golden Saints.
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.
In the mid-19th Century, there was a bridge connecting the two banks of the Rhein near the Kölner Dom. This bridge was jokingly known to the inhabitants of the city as the Muusfall - the Mousetrap. At the beginning of the 20th Century, it had to give way to the Hohenzollern Bridge, a half-timbered arch bridge that was designed to carry the railway. Although the bridge was destroyed in 1945 during the last few days of World War II, it was later rebuilt and is most notable for the thousands of 'love padlocks' that adorn the railings. One of the most photographed landmarks in Cologne, the arches of the bridge light up the night in a beautiful sight to behold.
The Kölner Philharmonie was built in the 1980s and ranks among the most important concert halls in Germany. The Kölner Philharmonie has performances ranging from symphonies, chamber music, jazz, as well as folk and pop music. Orchestras and soloists from around the world have performed here. There is a concert nearly every day, sometimes two. The Kölner Philharmonie has excellent acoustics and the large circular hall ensures that every seat has a great view.
Galerie Seippel exhibits works by young artists from different countries. There is no particular art direction that Dr. Seippel selects, but rather he chooses them depending on his own taste. However, there is a tendency towards figurative painting, installation and photography. Dr. Seippel also travels throughout the world curating shows in South Africa, the United States and Eastern Europe. He brings back works by young artists, for whom the Seippel Gallery often represents the first step to further exhibitions.
The Haus des Waldes in Gut Leidenhausen is worth a visit by all nature-lovers. There are explanations, for the scientifically-minded, of the ecological circulation of the forest, and of what woodland ecosystems are to be found near the Rhine. One area of the museum is also dedicated to the infamous disappearance of the forests.
The Dischhaus was built in 1929-30 in the place of a hotel by Carl Damian Disch. Its arched shape is reminiscent of the bow of a large steam ship. This was the home of the Jewish cultural association during the Third Reich, and served as a refuge for Jewish artists. It became state property in 1938. The local town hall is now located here.
The famous Kreuzbergkirche is located on Stationsweg in Poppelsdorf. A place of pilgrimage stood on the site before the Elector Ferdinand allowed the Baroque church to be built there in 1627. The entry-way was first added under Elector Clemens August. The well known builder Balthasar Neumann designed the splendid stone steps which lead to the altar. The church was renovated for around two million Marks in the middle of the nineties, and the partly lost original decoration from 1750 was restored.
The Villa Prieger is an impressive mansion located within the government center of Bonn. Once severely damaged by a bomb, the mansion underwent reconstruction in the mid 1990's. The reconstruction plans remained faithful to the original and most parts look similar to the way they were before. The mansion has large rooms available for lectures, meetings, workshops, and discussions.
One of the few galleries dedicated to promoting culture and art in Dusseldorf, Solaris 53 supports upcoming artists. They regularly host concerts, exhibitions, performances and shows. They also present film screenings, DJ nights, lectures and discussions. A complete hub of youth activity, the place has some special offers for regular visitors. Thursdays are exclusively reserved for performances. Check website for latest programme schedules.