Cologne sex attacks ‘a matter of public order and not related to the refugee crisis’ – EU Commission — RT News Over 1,200 victims of NYE assaults across Germany – State Interior Minister Mass sex assaults that saw groups of people, presumably of North African and Middle East origin, harass and rob roughly 1000 women in the German city of Cologne on New Year`s Eve drew special attention to the issue of integration of migrants from war-torn countries into the European community. More than 800 complaints were filed with the police in the aftermath of the events, with about 500 of them related to offences of sexual nature. Ralf Jager, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, confirmed the majority of the 52 suspects identified were not German citizens. Twenty-five were from Morocco and Algeria, 15 arrived in Germany as asylum-seekers and 11 perpetrators were staying in the country illegally. Timmermans also denounced the reinstatement of border controls between several European countries, members of the Schengen agreement, stressing that “checks at EU internal borders must not be reintroduced, otherwise the achievements of Schengen would be placed in jeopardy”.

Earlier, several European countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Hungary took a stricter approach to the security of their borders by reintroducing internal checks in a bid to divert the overwhelming flow of migrants sneaking into the countries . On Monday, following the EU ministerial meeting it was announced the EU would consider prolonging temporary border measures for a period of two years instead of the currently permitted six months limit amid the growing pressure from countries with a huge refugee intake. EU warns Greece could be sealed off from Schengen zone over its handling of refugee crisis pic.twitter.com/m1zUrcXFcm — RT (@RT_com) 27 января 2016 However, he called the accusations of some European states, challenging the EU Commission on its inability to tackle the crisis as “unworthy” and reiterated that it remains “the guarantor of European integration and Schengen area”. Speaking about what can be done to alleviate the crisis, the commissioners listed two key areas where urgent measures should be taken. They stressed the importance of creating so-called ‘hotspots’, processing centers where migrants are registered upon crossing the EU border and then relocated to one of the EU member states, as well as stepping up the EU external border security.

Cologne Germany Travel Guide | Europe Travel Share By James Martin Cologne is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, along the Rhine river between Dusseldorf and Bonn. Founded by Romans, Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. The Gothic Cathedral of Cologne started construction in 1248 and wasn't finished until 1880; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Germany's most visited landmark. Adjacent to the cathedral is the modern Römisch-Germanisches Museum, its vast collections reflecting the Roman underpinnings of ancient Cologne, called by the Romans Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. While these two attractions are enough for a full day if you're really interested in the ancient culture and religious structures, Cologne has much more to offer the visitor, as noted below. Cologne is Germany's fourth largest city; the city holds over 1.8 million people. The historic center is easily walkable, however, and you'd have a hard time thinking of it as a huge city while visiting.

Cologne Tourist Office: continue reading below our video Tipping Etiquette Around the World The Tourist Office is located at Unter Fettenhennen 19, just southwest of the train station. It's open 9 am to 10 pm in summer, and 9 am to 9 pm in winter, except for Sundays and public holidays, when it's open 10 am to 6 pm. They will help you make same-day hotel reservations. Phone: +49(0)221-30400. Cologne Airport: Called the "Köln Bonn Airport" both Cologne and Bonn are served from the airport that sits between the two cities. A taxi ride at the time of writing (see the airport site for current rates) to Central Cologne costs around 25 Euros. The distance is 17 kms and it should take around 15 minutes. There is bus service to the main train station in Cologne every 15 minutes. Cologne Central Station - Köln Hbf: The huge central train station is one of the key rail hubs in Europe. It is centrally located near pedestrian shopping streets and the Cathedral.

For travelers using Germany's excellent rail system, Germany Rail Passes (buy direct) offer discounted travel around Germany and to neighboring countries. Cologne - When to Go: Cologne has moderate, mild winters. It seldom snows. Summers can be humid (but seldom blazingly hot). Fall is considered idea; hotels lower prices in September-October and raise them when the carnival season starts in November. See Cologne weather and climate information . Cologne - Library and Internet Access: Free internet access is available at the Cologne Public Library (StadtBibliothek Köln), one of the biggest in Germany. There is a wireless LAN there, as well as international newspapers. Cologne Carnival: Although carnival season in Cologne starts on November 11, the main event called the "three mad days" is held around Easter time (opens the Thursday before the beginning of Lent) and attracts over a million revelers. See our links on the upper right for more. Cologne: Major Attractions The Cologne Cathedral - Cologne's Gothic Cathedral is one of its top attractions. It took over 600 years to build and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Conveniently located right next to the train station.

In 2000, the Cathedral treasures were placed in a historic vaulted chamber so folks could view them easier. If you can climb 509 steps you'll get a good view of Cologne on the observation platform. Open 6am to 7:30 pm for viewing, except during mass. Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to get it all in the picture, or you'll end up with an impressionistic shot like this picture of the Cologne Cathedral and its soaring spires. Rhine Boat Trips - lots of day trips and longer excursions are available. Ask at the tourist office. Visit the house of 4711, the Original Eau-de-Cologne - Wilhelm Mulhens marketed a concoction called Aqua Mirabilis on the basis of its stimulating and refreshing effect (splash it on or drink it, it didn't matter). It later got to be know as the first Eau de Cologne when French Revolutionary troops sent it home for gifts to the family. Glockengasse, in the city center between the cathedral and Neumarkt, opposite the opera house.

Have a brew and a bite to eat in the Altstadt (old town) - Cologne is definitely a beer city with their own beer style called Kölcsh, a pale top fermented beer that must be brewed in the Cologne metropolitan area. While most of the breweries in the city center are gone, you can still enjoy a beer with other tourists at a pub in the Altstadt. Visit the Roman-German Museum (Romisch-Germanisches Museum) - See Roman antiquities from the first through fourth centuries--and the 230 foot long mosaic showing Dionysus, the Roman god of wine. Highly recommended. Cologne for Free Vacation budget stretched to the limit? Like most cities, Cologne has many things to see and do that don't cost money at all: Cologne's Best Free Attractions . Take a Tour Viator offers a variety of tours of Cologne Attractions , including river cruises. Cologne Pictures Take a virtual tour with our Cologne Germany Pictures . Around Cologne Strasbourg and Colmar , France, and Baden-Baden are interesting nearby destinations. A fast drive around the Nurburgring should get your blood flowing nicely.

Plan a Trip: The Travel Planning Toolbox Learn German - It's always a good idea to learn some of the local language in the places you're going, especially the "polite" expressions and a few words pertaining to food and drink. German Rail Passes - You can save money on longer rail journeys, but Railpasses aren't guaranteed to save you money , you'll have to plan your trip to use the pass on longer journeys, and pay in cash (or by credit card) for the short runs. Rent or Lease a Car? If you're going to Germany for three weeks or more, leasing may make more sense. Cologne Map | City Map of Cologne, Germany Disclaimer Close Disclaimer : All efforts have been made to make this image accurate. However Compare Infobase Limited,its directors and employees do not own any responsibility for the correctness or authenticity of the same. Cologne City Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. It is the 4th largest city in the country, and the biggest in the metropolitan region called Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan.

Among the things the city is famous for is being one of the most liberal cities in Germany, the most number of pubs per capita, the gloomiest city with only 1427 hours of sun per year, and the most flood-prone city in all of Europe. Geography Cologne is situated on both sides of the Rhine River. Its highest point is the Monte Troodeloh, which lies at 118 meters above sea level. It has 9 districts and 85 city parts, all lying in the larger area of the Cologne Lowland - a cone-shaped are of south-east Westphalia. How to Reach (Transport) By Plane - The city is served by 3 airports - the Cologne Bonn Airport, the Dusseldorf International Airport, and the Frankfurt Rhein Main International Airport. The Cologne Bonn Airport offers international and domestic flights provided by low cost airlines and can be reached within 15 minutes from the city center through the S-Bahn tram system. The Dusseldorf Airport, found 40 minutes from the city center, offers intercontinental connections. The Frankfurt Airport, which is the largest in the country and located in Frankurt, provides destinations to all major cities in the world.

Residents of Cologne frequently use this airport for flights outside of Europe. By Train - There are 2 major train stations in Cologne - the Koln Hauptbahnof, and Kold-Deutz. Direct trains are available to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris through the ICE high speed trains. By Bus - Direct trips to Serbia and Denmark are provided by regional buses. Private bus lines also offer trips to all major cities in Germany. By Subway and Tram System - The U-Bahn provides the easiest and fastest way to get around the city. The S-Bahn provides trips to and from the regional areas. When to Visit The best months to visit Cologne is during September and October. Autumn season is the best time due to having the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. This is also the peak season for tourists so hotels are mostly booked during this time and prices tend to be at their highest. Spring and summer are pleasant but get unbearably humid. May is also another popular time to visit the city due to the opening season of beer gardens. Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions Cologne Carnival - This festival is one of the largest street festivals in Europe.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators and performers gather during this event, with the highlight being the Women's Day Carnival happening every Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Live shows, street performances, and bazaars all take place during the events. It kicks off every year on November 11, 11 minutes past 11am. Cologne Gay Pride - One of the city's most attended annual festivals, it occurs annually at the Heumarkt Square. Plenty of live music, a candle-lit vigil for the sufferers of HIV/AIDS, and a large parade are among the activities. Christmas Markets - The city is filled with Christmas markets from November 24 to December 23 every year. The biggest ones are found at the Cologne Cathedral and the one at Neumarkt. Popular smaller markets include the fairytale market and the medieval market. Millions of people from around the city and from all over the world visit the city during this time, where everything imaginable is put up for sale - from bakery goods, to traditional beer and regional wine, to toys, decors, arts and crafts, and just absolutely everything.

Points of Interest (Places to Visit) Cologne Cathedral or Kolner Dom - This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited landmark in Germany, with over 20,000 visitors per day. It is one of the best examples of German catholicism and Gothic architecture in Europe. 12 Romanesque Churches - The city is littered with 12 Romaneque churches that are worth the visit. The St. Kunibert is famous for its stained glass windows; the St. Andreas is famous for its 14th century frescoes and being the burial place of Albertus Magnus; and the St. Aposteln for its controversial paintings from the 1990's. Agnesviertel - This famous traditional neighborhood is the best place to spend a full day in Cologne. It has a unique bohemian flair with all its independent designer shops, bookshops, bars, pubs, art galleries, historical monuments, cafes, occasional flea markets, and many studios that teach yoga, Aikido, and many other things. Monuments include the North City Gate and the Agneskirche, a late neo-Gothic church.

Accommodation There are over 250 hotels in Cologne, as well as many budget accommodation such as hostels and mid-price hotels. Camping sites are also popular places to sleep in for many budget travelers. Cologne: a city bursting with life. Top 100 Sights of Germany > Cologne: a city bursting with life. Every Cologne resident has more than their fair share of zest for life and partying spirit – it's in their DNA. After all, Cologne is more than just a city – it is a matter of the heart, an emotion and an unfalteringly positive state of mind. At the root of this outlook are carnival, kölsch beer and, of course, Cologne Cathedral. The TOP 100 sights and attractions in Germany Thank you for your participation! Your vote has been counted. close When you hear cheers of "Kölle alaaf" across Cologne, it can mean only one thing: the mayhem of carnival has arrived (or Fastelovend as it's also known). 'Completely crazy' or 'out of its mind' don't even come close to describing the scenes in the cathedral city the week before Ash Wednesday.

Carnival season begins in Cologne on 11 November at 11.11am and finishes on Ash Wednesday as it does everywhere else in Germany. But that's where the similarities end. As everyone can see, Cologne carnival is in a league of its own, especially in the final week when the street carnival has the city firmly in its grip. To experience Cologne's unique exuberance at any other time of year, drop in to one of the traditional and welcoming bars in the area around Alter Markt and Heumarkt square or the large brewery taverns scattered throughout the old quarter. Kölsch – the city's signature beer – never stops flowing there, the kitchens dish up Rhineland specialities and there is so much friendly and light-hearted revelry you would think it were carnival all year round. Every type of kölsch has its own distinctive flavour – and, of course, its own brewery. The beer waiters, known as Köbes, remain immune to the general merriment: a certain gruffness is the hallmark of a genuine Köbes.

The only thing that can dim the exuberance of Cologne's residents lies some 30 kilometres up the river Rhine in the form of Düsseldorf , whose reserved character couldn't be more different to Cologne's wild exuberance. The scores of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants in the city are heaving with locals and tourists, young people and students, particularly at the weekends. Popular haunts are the student district Kwartier Latäng, Friesenviertel, Belgisches Viertel, Südstadt and – increasingly – Ehrenfeld, traditionally an industrial quarter. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially for a city of this size. But it's not just carnival, bars and breweries. Cologne's vibrant arts and music scene also encapsulates the city's lust for life. The Cologne Musical Dome is the city's biggest theatre, with 1,700 seats, and is famed for its spectacular productions. Then there's Christopher Street Day, Germany's largest event for the gay and lesbian community. Alternatively, a home match for the city's Bundesliga football team never fails to entertain – even if the club's position in the league table doesn't always live up to the fans' high hopes.

Something guaranteed to surpass expectations, however, is the city's museum scene, in particular the magnificent Ludwig Museum which features works by Picasso, Warhol and Lichtenstein. There's also the Romano-Germanic Museum, where the exhibits span 2,000 years of history, the Wallraf Richartz Museum, with art from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century, and the chocolate museum for sweet-toothed visitors. If the culture and excitement of Cologne takes its toll and you need some time to relax, head to Rhine Park, one of the largest and prettiest in the city. Locals describe this park on the eastern bank of the Rhine as being on the 'wrong' side of the river. Nevertheless, you can get over there on the cable car. And if, after all that, you still have some time to spare, why not head to KölnTriangle? At a height of 100 metres, the observation deck offers probably the best view of Cologne old town and its . On a fine day, you might even see as far as Düsseldorf – just don't tell your friends in Cologne!

close City landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site: Cologne Cathedral True Cologners are quite literally overcome with emotion when they glimpse the spires of Cologne cathedral in the distance on returning from their travels. The city's famous landmark is one of the largest churches in Europe and one of Germany's top attractions, with more than six million people visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site every year. At approximately 157 metres in height, the Gothic cathedral has the second tallest church spire in Europe and houses the shrine of the Three Wise Men. Another highlight at the cathedral since 2007 is the window by artist Gerhard Richter. For the modest admission price of €4 you can climb one of the two towers and the effort is rewarded by a fabulous panoramic view. Read more When a city goes wild: Cologne carnival There are plenty of good reasons why Cologne is known as the carnival capital of Germany. During what is known as the 'fifth season of the year', the people of Cologne really let their hair down. Locals and visitors from all walks of life come together to enjoy a few drinks and have a party. The highlight is the Rose Monday procession on the Monday before Lent.

This is the culmination of the carnival season, which officially starts on 11 November at 11.11am. The city goes wild for many days after the women's carnival. Everyday life grinds to a halt and the city is taken over by the Prince, the Peasant and the Virgin, Cologne's highest-ranking representatives during the crazy carnival celebrations. The world's oldest art fair: Art Cologne For those wishing to admire – and perhaps purchase – outstanding works of art, Art Cologne is just the event. The world's foremost exhibition of modern and contemporary art demonstrates the prowess of the European and overseas art trade. Around 200 international galleries present painting, sculpture, installations, videos, photography and works on paper as well as editions and multiples. Art Cologne also features unusual presentation formats such as 'Open Space', talent-nurturing programmes, 'New Positions' for artists and 'New Contemporaries' for galleries. Not just for sweet tooths: the Chocolate Museum The Chocolate Museum has approximately 2,000 exhibits, making it a memorable experience for anyone with a sweet tooth. Visitors are taken on a journey spanning 3,000 years of chocolate history.

The chocolate production area located at the tip of the museum is one of its highlights. Stretching across two levels, it shows visitors how bars of chocolate, truffles and hollow figures are made. Near the museum entrance there is a three-metre high chocolate fountain filled with melted, velvety chocolate – everyone can dip a waffle into it. At this museum, visitors can not only see the exhibits, but also smell, taste and touch them! Find out more about Museums The cathedral is not alone: Romanesque churches Countless legends are told about the inception of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, clustered together within the medieval city walls. The Via Sacra route encircles the city centre linking all these fine examples of Romanesque architecture. Especially worth seeing is the St. Maria im Kapitol church, built between 1040 and 1065. The churches provide the ideal setting for the Romanesque Summer, a music festival of the very highest calibre intended as an alternative to the philharmonic concerts. Art with a cult following: the Ludwig Museum Overlooked by majestic Cologne Cathedral, the Ludwig Museum houses a modern and contemporary art collection of international standing.

The museum was founded in 1976, when Peter and Irene Ludwig made an endowment of some 350 modern artworks. Iconic pieces such as Roy Lichtenstein's 'Maybe' and Andy Warhol's 'Brillo Boxes' can be viewed at the biggest pop art collection outside the United States, along with the world's third-largest collection of Picasso prints, sculptures and paintings, a great many works of the Russian avant garde and important examples of Surrealism, Expressionism and art from 1920s Germany. Find out more about Museums Excellence in entertainment: Cologne Musical Dome Cologne Musical Dome is an exceptional venue located right on the Rhine promenade only a stone's throw from the cathedral. It also catches the eye from the outside thanks to its impressive architecture of glass and steel. With seating for up to 1,700 people, it is also the largest theatre in the city. Built over a period of just six months, Cologne Musical Dome opened in 1996 and has become an absolute hit with productions such as Saturday Night Fever, We Will Rock You, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Hairspray and Thriller – Live.

Understanding history: the Romano-Germanic Museum The Romano-Germanic Museum gives a vivid impression of how Cologne became a city under Roman law and the capital of the imperial province of Lower Germania. Opened in 1974, the museum was built over the Roman villa discovered here in 1941, preserving its famous Dionysos mosaic, and on the site of the medieval Kaiserpfalz. The museum is a research centre, an archaeological archive for the city and a public collection all in one. Sensational presentation concepts make the Romano-Germanic Museum one of the most visited museums in Germany. Find out more about Museums The art of the Tiger: the Museum of East Asian Art A treasure trove of art from China, Korea and Japan. Opened in 1913, the Museum of East Asian Art was the first of its kind in Germany. The collection of the museum's founder, Adolf Fischer and his wife Frieda Bartdorff forms the core of the holdings. Their collection of Buddhist paintings and wooden sculpture, Japanese screen paintings, colour woodcuts and lacquer art is considered one of the most important in Europe.

The new building, opened in 1977, is a major monument of classical modern architecture in Cologne. It was designed by Kunio Maekawa, a student of Le Corbusier. Find out more about Museums Germany's most beautiful park: the Rhine Park The Rhine Park is set in delightful parkland covering 40 hectares in the heart of Cologne. Its present-day form is a reflection of 1950s garden design: the plans were drawn up for the 1957 Federal Garden Show in Cologne. The attention to detail, the layout of its pathways and the many architectural features make the Rhine Park one of the most beautiful landscaped creations from the post-war period and one of the best preserved of its day in Germany. In 2007, on its 50th anniversary, the Rhine Park was voted Germany's most beautiful park and the second most beautiful park in Europe. Cologne at its best: the Millowitsch Theatre Millowitsch: as integral to Cologne as the carnival and cathedral. The name appeared for the first time in the city back in 1792.

1830 saw the birth of Josef Caspar Millowitsch, whose puppet theatre required a permanent venue in Cologne. The next generation of the family switched to real-life actors and eventually, in 1936, the Millowitsch Theatre moved to its present location on Aachener Strasse. The current director, Peter Millowitsch, was born in Cologne in 1949 and is the son of the famous Willy Millowitsch. He played his first role here at the age of eight, proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. National Socialist Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne Established in 1979, this Nazi documentation centre in Cologne is Germany's biggest regional memorial site for the victims of the Third Reich. Since 1988 the centre has been located in EL-DE Haus, where the Cologne branch of the Gestapo was headquartered from 1935 to 1945. The documentation centre commemorates the victims of the Nazi regime, while also investigating and publicising Cologne's history during the Third Reich. In 1981 the former Gestapo prison was opened as a memorial site.

As one of the best-preserved prisons from the Nazi era, it is a cultural site of national and European importance. Opening times: Wallraf Richartz Museum The Wallraf in Cologne is one of the foremost picture galleries in Germany. Its collection of medieval paintings also has a worldwide reputation, with Stefan Lochner's 'Madonna of the Rose Bower' being the star attraction. Other highlights of the Cologne museum include baroque paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt, Murillo and Boucher, as well as works by German Romantic artists and French Realists and Impressionists. Opening times: Find out more about Museums Rautenstrauch Joest Museum – Cultures of the World This Cologne museum, awarded the Council of Europe's museum prize in 2012, provides compelling insights into worlds old and new, alien and familiar. The 3,600m² exhibition takes you on a multimedia, interactive journey of discovery with exhibits from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Europe. Opening times: Find out more about Museums German Sports and Olympics Museum The German Sports and Olympics Museum on the Rhine embankment in Cologne presents the history of sport in all its fascinating glory.

The exhibition covers sports from the classical period through to the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 and on to today's professional, elite sports. Recent additions to the display include new sports such as skateboarding, BMXing and surfing. The German Sports and Olympics Museum also offers the chance for you to get active yourself. Have a go at the ancient long jump, step into the boxing ring and practise your penalty kicks on a 'target wall', or experience Tour de France speeds on a racing bike in a wind tunnel! Opening times: Cologne | Germany | Britannica.com Cologne Alternative Titles: Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, Köln Related Topics Cologne, German Köln , fourth largest city in Germany and largest city of the Land (state) of North Rhine–Westphalia . One of the key inland ports of Europe , it is the historic, cultural, and economic capital of the Rhineland .

Cologne Cathedral, lit up at night, and the Hohenzollern rail and pedestrian bridge over the Rhine … Michael Busselle—Stone/Getty Images Cologne’s commercial importance grew out of its position at the point where the huge traffic artery of the Rhine (German: Rhein) River intersected one of the major land routes for trade between western and eastern Europe. In the Middle Ages it also became an ecclesiastical centre of significance and an important centre of art and learning. This rich and varied heritage is still much in evidence in present-day Cologne, despite the almost complete destruction of the Inner City (Innenstadt) during World War II. Cologne is the seat of a university and the see of a Roman Catholic archbishop . Its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996; it is the city’s major landmark and unofficial symbol. Area city, 156 square miles (405 square km). Pop. (2006 est.) 989,766. Cologne, Ger.

Landscape City site Cologne is situated about 21 miles (34 km) northwest of Bonn and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Düsseldorf . It lies 210 feet (65 metres) above sea level, just below where the Rhine enters the fertile North German Plain . The river at this point is navigable to seagoing vessels. The immediate surroundings of Cologne are varied. The picturesque hills of the Bergisches Land lie to the east, while on the west is another group of hills forming a chain called the Ville. The North German Plain stretches away to the north and northwest, and the Rhine Valley winds to the southeast toward Bonn. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest By the south side of the cathedral lies a reminder of Cologne’s still more ancient past: the mosaic floor of a banquet hall in a great Roman villa, discovered during excavations near the cathedral in 1941. The floor is now incorporated in the Roman and Germanic Museum.

Other Roman remains in Cologne include a well-preserved 1st-century-ce tower from the earliest city wall, the remains of the North Gate, a large portion of the Praetorium visible in the basement of the restored Gothic Town Hall, and a mausoleum in Weiden on the outskirts. The Ubier-Monument, discovered in the 1960s, dates from the period of the Ubii occupation of the area (see below). Remains of the medieval walls can still be seen, and three of the original 12 gates survive: Eigelstein Gate, Hahnen Gate, and Severins Gate. The medieval Bayen Tower stands near the Rhine. Apart from the cathedral, the Inner City possesses many other noble churches, largely built in the prosperous Middle Ages. Particularly in evidence is the Romanesque style, of which the best examples are Sankt Gereon, Sankt Severin, Sankt Ursula, Sankt Maria im Kapitol, Sankt Kunibert, Sankt Pantaleon, Sankt Aposteln, and Gross Sankt Martin.

After sustaining severe wartime damage, these churches underwent a program of restoration, the completion of which was celebrated in 1985. The 14th-century Antoniterkirche, a secularized monastery church, was made over to the Protestants in 1802 and became the first public Lutheran church in Cologne. Among Cologne’s secular medieval buildings that suffered in World War II and have undergone reconstruction are the Overstolzen House, a 13th-century Romanesque house, and the Town Hall, with its 16th-century porch. The Gürzenich, or Banquet Hall, of the merchants of the city (1441–47), reconstructed as a concert and festival hall, and the 16th-century Arsenal, which contains a historical museum, were both restored to their medieval form only on the outside. These ancient buildings share the crowded city centre with modern offices, shops, a theatre and opera house (opened in 1957), and, just north of the cathedral, the railway station. Near the perimeter of the city is the new town hall.

Located about a mile from the cathedral is the 798-foot (243-metre) Telecommunications Tower (1981). People Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies Cologne is the fourth largest of Germany’s cities (only Berlin , Hamburg , and Munich are larger). Some four-fifths of its population is of German nationality; of the remainder, most are southern European guest workers who have moved to the city since the 1970s, chiefly from Turkey and Italy but also from the Balkan states. The predominant religion of the German community is Roman Catholicism , but there is a large Protestant minority. There is also a sizable Muslim community and a small Jewish one. Economy Finance and industry The city remains a banking centre, as it was in the Middle Ages, and it is the site of one of the world’s oldest commodity and stock exchanges. It has been a centre of the automotive industry—notably engine manufacture—since the late 19th century and is now the headquarters of the European operations of the Ford Motor Company . But business activity has become greatly diversified. Insurance has assumed a major position, and Cologne is a leading media centre with many publishing houses and production companies for radio and television.

Engineering, electrical engineering, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals also are significant. Other manufactures include chocolate and the city’s famous eau de cologne , which was first produced commercially at the beginning of the 18th century. In addition, several prominent economic organizations have their headquarters in Cologne, and numerous major trade fairs are held annually in the KölnMesse. The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research is headquartered in the city. Transportation Cologne’s geographic position and commercial importance have combined to make it a focal point for communications. The city is the busiest rail junction in the country and a major node for Germany’s and Europe’s evolving high-speed passenger rail network. Autobahns radiate outward from the peripheral road that encircles the city. An international airport located midway between Cologne and Bonn offers international passenger service and is a hub for air cargo. Trending Topics Open Door policy The Rhine harbour, important since Roman days, has become one of the larger inland ports in Germany. Small oceangoing craft use the river, and there are several ship lines for sightseeing on the Rhine. Intracity transport consists of streetcars, buses, and a subway system.

Administration and society Government Cologne is the administrative centre of one of the five major administrative districts of North Rhine–Westphalia. The city is governed by an elected council, which is presided over by an Oberbürgermeister (“chief mayor”). Many governmental services, such as welfare, planning, transportation, and cultural affairs, however, are controlled by the state government. Education The University of Cologne , founded in 1388, was dissolved in 1798 (during the period when the French occupied the city) and refounded in 1919. Teacher-training colleges, a school of sports, and colleges for the study of music, engineering, administration, and other professions and trades are also located in the city. Cultural life Cologne is rich in museums and galleries. These include the Wallraf-Richartz and Ludwig museum complex, with an exceptionally comprehensive collection ranging from paintings of the medieval Cologne school to contemporary art; the Schnütgen Museum of medieval ecclesiastical art; the Museum of Oriental Art, with artworks from China and Japan; and the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum, with ethnological collections.

The Roman and Germanic Museum houses artifacts from the period of the migrations of the Germanic peoples and that of the Roman occupation. Special exhibitions are held in the Josef-Haubrich Hall of Art exhibition centre near the Neumarkt. A city museum and museums of photography and chocolate are also notable. Cologne contains several important libraries, including the state archives. Thomas the Apostle placing his hand into Christ’s wound, as shown in the St. Thomas Altarpiece, the … © Photos.com/Jupiterimages Throughout most of the year, Cologne provides a variety of musical programs. Particularly notable are the Gürzenich concerts and those held in the concert hall of the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR; “West German Radio”), the high reputation of the latter being largely due to the WDR’s encouragement of contemporary music. A full repertoire is offered in theatre and opera as well, and the municipal theatre has its own ballet ensemble. The annual Rhenish pre-Lenten carnival is celebrated with great ceremony, culminating in the Rose Monday festival before Ash Wednesday . Long known as a tolerant city, Cologne is home to a vibrant homosexual community and hosts a large annual gay pride celebration.

Notable citizens of Cologne have included the Dominican scholar Albertus Magnus , the novelist Heinrich Böll , and the statesman Konrad Adenauer . History Early settlement and medieval growth After Julius Caesar destroyed the Eburones in 53 bc, the Roman general Agrippa colonized the area with another tribe called the Ubii, who came from the right bank of the Rhine. A fortified settlement was established on the site in about 38 bc. This was the birthplace of Agrippina the Younger , who was the wife of the emperor Claudius , and it was at her request that the title of Roman colony was conferred upon the town in ad 50. It was named Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, shortened to Colonia; later it was made the headquarters of the governor of Lower Germany. After ad 258 it was for a time the capital of a splinter empire ruled by Postumus and comprising Gaul, Britain, and Spain . In 310 the emperor Constantine the Great built a castle and a permanent bridge to it across the Rhine. Ceramics and glass were manufactured in Cologne in Roman times.

About 456 it was conquered by the Franks , and it soon became the residence of the kings of the Ripuarian part of the Frankish kingdom. A Christian community existed in Cologne probably as early as the 2nd century, and the town is first mentioned as a bishopric in 313. Charlemagne made it an archbishopric in the late 8th century; by the 10th century the archbishop dominated the city, receiving a wide range of tolls, customs duties, and other payments. The city’s industry and trade grew during the Middle Ages, especially from about the 10th century, and increasingly bitter conflicts developed between the wealthy merchants and the archbishop. The former sought commercial and political freedom, the latter the preservation of his temporal power, which was augmented from the 13th century when the archbishop became one of the electors privileged to choose the German king. It was not until the Battle of Worringen, in 1288, that the archbishop was finally defeated, and the city of Cologne secured full self-government.

From that time, Cologne was, in fact, a free imperial city , although it was only officially recognized as such in 1475. Until the end of the 14th century, the government of the city was in the hands of the wealthy patricians; but in 1396, after a bloodless revolution, a new municipal constitution was established under which the 22 branches of the guilds became the basis of the government, for they elected a council that had power over all internal and external affairs. This medieval period was a splendid one for Cologne. It was a prominent member of the mercantile Hanseatic League , and its merchants had probably the most extensive connections and the most varied trade of all the German towns. Crafts included textile manufacturing, bookmaking, leatherworking, enameling, and metalworking, the work of Cologne’s goldsmiths being particularly fine. The arts and religion flourished there also. Three of the greatest Roman Catholic scholars and theologians of medieval Scholasticism — Albertus Magnus , Thomas Aquinas , and John Duns Scotus —all taught in Cologne’s schools. After the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), however, the city declined.

As late as 1794, when the French occupied Cologne, public Protestant services were still banned, and the city has remained predominantly Roman Catholic. The Jewish community, which had existed from the time of Constantine the Great, was expelled in 1424, and until 1794 Jews were forbidden to remain overnight in the city. Cologne since the 19th century Cologne’s history as a free imperial city ended when it was taken by France in 1794; and, when the archbishop elector died in 1801, the see was left vacant and not restored until 1821. In 1815 Cologne passed to Prussia , and from that time a new era of prosperity began. A wide range of industries flourished, and a chamber of commerce was established, the oldest in Germany. When the railways were built, Cologne’s geographic position made the city an ideal railway centre. The population grew from 41,685 in 1801 to 372,529 in 1900.

Liberal points of view were represented in the 19th century by the Rheinische Zeitung, edited (1842–43) by Karl Marx and Moses Hess , while the socialist Neue Rheinische Zeitung was edited (1848–49) by Marx, Friedrich Engels , and Ferdinand Freiligrath . The city’s growth was interrupted by World War I . Under Konrad Adenauer —the future chancellor of West Germany who was oberbürgermeister of Cologne from 1917 until he was deposed by the Nazis in 1933—growth resumed, especially in suburban areas and in the laying out of new industrial parks. By 1939 the population had reached 768,352. In World War II , Cologne sustained 262 air raids. There were 20,000 casualties, and the city was left in ruins, with nearly all the dwellings in the old town damaged and 91 out of 150 churches destroyed. In March 1945, the war’s end for Cologne, the population had sunk to 40,000.

By December, however, there were some 450,000 people in the city, and the population continued to rise rapidly while the work of clearance and reconstruction was undertaken. Since the war the process of growth has continued with the development of new industrial areas and satellite towns and the improvement of transportation, and Cologne has regained its place as the economic and cultural centre of northwestern Germany. By the late 20th and early 21st century, the economy shifted away from traditional industry and toward high technology, such as telecommunications. Cologne Travel Tips from Rail Europe View of St. Peter's Cathedral and Hohenzollen Bridge on the Rhine river. Enjoy the medieval town houses of Cologne's St. Martin's Quarter The popular Catherdral Square in front of Cologne's St Peter's Catherdral View of St. Kunibert's Church and the Rhine River Enjoy Cologne's Rhineland Festival Just a Dab Leaves you Longing for More Cologne or "Köln", as the locals call their city, is so rich in history that excavations can date the area back to 38 BC when the Romans set up camp here.

Cologne is over 2000 years old and was once a center for international trade. With that came riches, which helped build the city's incredible architectural gems. Exit the centrally located Cologne Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and find yourself smack dab in front of the city's biggest and best sight: the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Köln er Dom). Think of the church as your compass (moral or otherwise) around the capital of Rhineland. The edifice will seemingly follow you, as it can be seen from nearly every point in the city. Rebuilt after a fire in 1248 this Cathedral can hold over 20,000 people and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching over 500 feet above this beautiful medieval city, you can climb the 519 steps to the top of the spire for a closer view of the handcrafted stone work. Aside from the colossal scale, the church claims to have the world's largest church façade, and houses a wide variety of religious relics and artifacts, including the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings. Beyond the Cathedral, there are important museums housing prized works.

But there's something to see that is so sweet, so popular, most locals and tourists flock to get a taste. It's the Imhoff Chocolate Museum. Visitors get to see the entire chocolate process from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. There's a three-meter-high chocolate fountain with a docent readily handing guests wafers to dip into the liquid goodness. Continue to tempt your senses by visiting the home of the original Eau de Cologne at 4711 Glockengasse. Situated in the old town, the building houses a glockenspiel, which rings throughout the day (maybe as a reminder to douse yourself in scent?) To say you wore the original “ Cologne,” give yourself a brisk splash of the Echt Kölnisch Wasser from the fountain at the front door. You may get splashed on your river cruise up the Rhine, which is included with your German Pass and any Eurail Pass that covers Germany. The country's longest and busiest waterway is surrounded by centuries-old castles and is a distinct way to see the city. Who knows – maybe you'll see a Rhinemaiden! (Time to read up on your Wagner operas.) Cologne is perfectly situated for seeing other world-class cities.

Perhaps that's why so many Eurail passes include Germany. Be in Amsterdam in just under two hours, Paris in just over three hours and to Brussels in less than two. Think of your rail pass like cologne itself – the more you use it, the further it travels. Contributed by: Kathryn, who works with our web department, has traveled extensively throughout Europe – utilizing all forms of public transportation! Join The Discussion Our expert Rail Europe staff and well-informed travelers are sharing insights on our Support Community. Whether heading to a big city or the countryside, you’ll track down great tips for making the most of your journey. Google Map of Köln, Germany - Nations Online Project ___ Satellite View and Map of the City of Cologne (Köln), Germany Köln (Cologne) with Hohenzollern-bridge over the Rhine River, and Cologne Cathedral , Cologne's landmark and a World Heritage site. - Image: Thomas Wolf About Cologne Satellite view of Köln (Cologne), Germany 's oldest city. Cologne is since centuries a key inland port in Europe. It is the largest city in the western part of Germany and the fourth largest city in the country.

Köln is located at the Rhine river in southwestern North Rhine-Westphalia state (Bundesland), in central western Germany. The settlements of Celtic and German people at the site of what is today Cologne, was already a node of urban culture at the intersection of the north-south transport artery Rhine and major land routes for the trade between western and eastern Europe, long before the Romans founded their Colonia (Latin for colony) in 50 AD. Colonia ' Ara Agrippinensium' became the capital of the Roman province 'Germania Inferior' in 85 AD. The province included modern day Luxembourg , southern Netherlands , part of Belgium , and part of North Rhine-Westphalia . An important step for the further developement of the capital, was the construction of the first Rhine bridge in 310 under Constantine I (the first Christian emperor [sic] ). The city became the most important trade and production center, and one of the first centers of the early days of the Catholic Church in the Roman Empire, north of the Alps. Today Cologne has a population of about 1 million inhabitants. Just zoom in to see Cologne Cathedral (Dom zu Köln) in the city center.

The Map shows a city map of Köln with expressways, main roads and streets, zoom out to find Cologne International Airport (Flughafen Köln/Bonn IATA code : CGN) the third largest airport in Germany, located about 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast from Cologne city center and 16 km (9.9 mi) northeast of Germany's former capital Bonn. To find a location use the form below. To see just the map click on the "Map" button. To find a location type: street or place, city, optional: state, country. Local Time Cologne: Thursday-January-19 20:55 Standard Time Zone (CET) : UTC / GMT +1 hour CEST (Daylight Saving Time) in use from end of March until end of October. Time zone offset: UTC/GMT +2 hours φ Latitude, λ Longitude (of Map center; move the map to see coordinates): , Google Earth: Searchable map/satellite view of Cologne (in German: Köln).

City Coordinates: 50°57′N 6°58′E Bookmark/share this page Map Help [ show ] to pan the map click on the respective arrow on the pan button or click on the map and move your mouse/pointer to drag the map around (pan). to Zoom in +, or Zoom out – use the zoom buttons; or double click on the map to zoom in. Map Type Control Buttons; To switch between various map types click on this buttons: Click the Map button for a street map, this button holds the option for Terrain, it displays a physical map with topographical details. Click the Satellite for a satellite image; with the option to switch Labels (names, borders, roads, business, etc.) on and off, for a combination of satellite image and street map. The "Pegman" symbol offers the switch to Google's street view, the 360-degree, panoramic street-level imagery. To enjoy street views, grab pegman with your cursor and hoover over the map, when street view is available parts of the map will change to blue, drop pegman there and you might have a lot of fun within unimaginable boring landscapes. One World - Nations Online .:.

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Question: The city of Cologne is in which European country?
Answer: Germany