I was introduced to Cologne (Koeln) by a friend almost three years ago. Since then, I have been back to the city about 10 times for weekend trips. There is so much left to explore, it might actually take living there to experience it all. Before visiting Cologne, take the time to learn some of the basics about the city.

Cologne Facts

Location: in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (north-western part of Germany), along the Rhine river
Population: about 1 million
Ranking in size: fourth largest city in Germany
Native German population: about 42%
Cologne is both English friendly and gay friendly

Roman Cologne

Cologne was first settled about 2000 years ago in 38 BC. Upon becoming an official Roman city in 50 AD, it was named Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, from which its current name stems. Cologne has a rich Roman history: Roman artifacts have been discovered and documented and many are on display at the Roemisch-Germanisches Museum in the heart of the Old Town next to the Dom. The most famous Roman artifact is likely the Dionysus Mosaic. It dates back to the 3rd century and was discovered when the inhabitants of Cologne were digging an air-raid shelter on the site during WWII. Also of note is a protected archaeological site in/under the Rathausplatz which can be viewed from ground level.

Air Raids during WWII

WWII had a huge impact on the city: at least 90% of the city was destroyed by Allied air raids which occurred on a regular basis between 1942 and 1945. The most famous of these air raids was called Operation Millennium and took place on May 30-31, 1942. Significantly, on March 2, 1945, Cologne was again subjected to a brutal air raid which destroyed most of what was left of the city. The Allies took Cologne just days later.

In addition to the partial destruction of the Cologne Cathedral, tens of thousands of inhabitants were made homeless as a result of the air raids. The city was reconstructed in the following decade but is criticized today as not being visually pleasing from an architectural perspective.

Koelsch

Koelsch is both a language and a beer. The language Koelsch, a German dialect, is quite difficult to understand. You will find it on some menus, hear it in traditdional Cologne songs, and possibly even overhear a few phrases spoken by local inhabitants. It is only spoken by about 250,000 people.

The other, more famous Koelsch, it the local beer specialty. There are 24 brands of Koelsch, some of the most common of which are Frueh, Gaffel, Suenner, Pfaeffgen, and Sion and Dom. Koelsch is less bitter than a German pils and is traditionally served in .2 litre tall, thin glasses called "stange". Don’t bother asking your server for a refill: they come automatically until you put a beer coaster or deckel over your glass. Koelsch is only allowed to be brewed within the city limits, with a couple of agreed upon exceptions outside the city limits. Some say that if it isn’t brewed within sight of the Dom, then it can’t be called Koelsch!

City Center

The heart of the city was built over the original Roman settlement on the western bank of the Rhine. The Old Town and surrounding area is, for the most part, a pedestrian zone and definitely one of the best places to spend a day or two in the city. Here you will find the main train station (hauptbahnhof), the skyline-dominating Gothic Catherdral (Dom), dozens of restaurants, bars, hotels, churches and a couple blocks away, a large shopping district.

Cologne Cathedral (Koelner Dom

The Dom is an incredible example of Gothic architecture and is the point from which the rest of the city revolves. It took over 600 years to complete its construction, which began in 1248 and was finally completed in 1880 after a 200 year interruption in 1560. Upon completion, at 157 meters high, the Dom could claim to be tallest building in the world, if only for four years. The remains of the Three Kings (Three Wise Men) are said to be contained in the magnificent Shrine of the Magi (Shrine of the Three Kings), which stands behind the altar.