INTERESTING SITES TO VISIT IN A DAY
With its origins dating back to the Roman era, Old Town Cologne has plenty of interesting sites to explore, easily visited in a day or a few hours. Here I’ll give you the highlights I enjoyed and iconic monuments you shouldn’t miss.
I enjoyed taking a guided walking tour, plus roaming on my own.
Everything in Old Town Cologne is within walking distance, and afterwards, a traditional Kölsch beer at one of the many bars here.
A river cruise through Europe’s waterways took me to the historic heart of Cologne, situated on the banks of the glorious Rhine River, in Germany.
I had a day to stroll around the centre and take in the main sites I wanted to see and uncover some hidden gems as well. It’s a compact area, easy to get around and a welcoming city.
After a stroll along the Rhine River where the cruise docked, I walked a short way into the old town centre and was pleasantly surprised to find a fascinating district full of history and activity.
There is much to see and do in Cologne’s old town, even though more than 70% was destroyed in WWII. Much has been restored and new monuments built. Today there is a combination of architectural styles of all the different eras including Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and modern.
The city is one of the oldest in Germany. It dates back 2,000 years to Roman times when it was called Colonia Agrippina, and served as the capital of Germania Inferior, a major trading port in Europe.
Cologne’s Roman past is evident around the old centre where excavations have unearthed mosaics, paintings and other ruins. Old Roman walls once surrounded the old town in a semi-circle, and are partly still in existence.
Today, the Cologne Ring is the main road which almost completely encircles the old town of Cologne, on the site of the former medieval city walls.
Cologne Cathedral
The medieval looking Cologne Cathedral is one of the most visited sights in Europe with 6 million people coming to see it each year. With stunning Gothic architecture, this majestic church took 600 years to build, and is the symbol of the city. Technically it’s not really medieval given it was completed in 19th century.
Currently it is the 4th tallest in the world, with dual spires that reach a grand height of 157 metres, it cuts an impressive figure on the skyline of old town Cologne and it’s no surprise it’s a UNESCO World heritage Site.
For a bird’s eye view of the city, climb the 500 step spiral staircase of the south tower up into the roof structure.
Entering the church is free. A ticket is required for the tower, from the desk, and there are no lifts available.
Under The Cathedral
Perhaps even more fascinating is the underground discoveries that are taking place beneath the cathedral. Excavations of a Roman village have been ongoing for a number of years which has unearthed villas, murals and artefacts. Also visible from the above viewing area.
Roman-German Museum
Adjacent to the cathedral in the big square called Roncalliplatz is the Roman-German Museum, showcasing Roman artefacts and Pre-Historic pieces of the area.
The beautiful mural of a Dionysian scene from a luxury Roman villa was excavated south of the Cologne Cathedral.
The Roman floor Mosaic of Dionysus is preserved in its original location under the Museum also.
The museum has been undergoing renovations for a few years, so the main museum here is temporarily closed, but the interim location for some exhibits is the Belgian House.
12 Romanesque Churches
Old Town Cologne boasts 12 Romanesque churches set in a half circle. All were built between 1150 and 1250 in the Roman style, featuring round arches, prominent towers and vaulting arches within, and quite plain externally.
Arguably the most striking is Great St Martin Church, a famous landmark with its distinct central spire and 4 corner towers.
Fish Market Square
Fischmarkt square was historically, you guessed it, a fish market, suitably located next to the Rhine River.
It is the cutest part of the old town in my opinion, with traditional German buildings in pastel colours, and the majestic Great St Martin’s Church hovering above. The adorable little water feature in the middle is the Fish Wives Fountain.
Bars and restaurants are popular in Fish Market Square and there is plenty of outdoor seating, providing a charming spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most iconic areas of Cologne.
More Ancient Monuments of Old Town Cologne
There are many other medieval and Roman ruins scattered around old town Cologne to explore, if you are fascinated with ancient structures, as I am. These are some I suggest checking out if you have time:
- Hahnen Gate, a massive medieval gate with towers was once part of the city wall. Located at Rudolf Plaza, it dates from 13th century and is the most impressive of several gates around old town Cologne. Originally the main entrance to the old city, it has since been used as a prison, a museum and a hall.
- A historic medieval tower called the Stapelhaus, is located next to Great St Martin’s, which was part of a trade building.
- A medieval turret called the Weckschnapp was a watch tower, found on the banks of the Rhine River, which also formed part of the city walls.
- The Ubii Monument is the oldest relic in Cologne, dating before Roman times, which was a tower built by the Ubii Germanic tribe. You can find it near Heumarkt square.
Alter Markt
The Alter Markt is a vibrant hub of Old Town Cologne, considered the most traditional square with an area of almost 5,500 square metres.
- The Rathaus is the historic Town Hall, the oldest city hall in Germany, but different parts were built at various times throughout history.
- The most impressive structure of the Town Hall is the Gothic Town Hall Tower. With its medieval architecture and intricate detailing, it is adorned with over 100 statues of important historical figures on the outside. This tower dates from 15th century and is 61metres tall.
- The historic monument in the middle features a statue of Jan von Werth, a local war hero.
Hohenzollern Bridge
I strolled across the Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River which serves pedestrians and rail, and admired the views on both banks.
Some of the interesting things about the bridge are the thousands of love locks adorning the middle fence, as well as the Balancing Man Sculpture hanging off the side. But most noteworthy are the 2 pairs of large bronze equestrian statues standing on platforms at both ends. These figures are German Emperors and Kings on horseback.
Tünnes and Schäl
Legendary characters from the Hänneschen Puppet Theatre, Tünnes and Schäl, are much loved in the city and have a cult following. Their bronze statues stand outside this popular German restaurant of the same name, where people come to rub their noses for good luck.
Kölsch Brew
Kölsche brew is the local beer and is only made here in Cologne. It’s always served in small skinny glasses, so it won’t go warm. I’m not a beer connoisseur, but if you fancy a glass, I suggest giving it a try.
Peters Brauhaus is a landmark spot in Old Town Cologne for sampling Kölsch. A historic brewery, dating back to mid 1500’s and still very popular today, with an authentic Cologne atmosphere.
Snazzy Tips
- Old Town Cologne is easily accessible by public transport. Central Station, Hauptbahnhof, is conveniently located right next to Cologne Cathedral.
- You may wish to purchase a Cologne City Card (Koln Card) to save on attractions, dining and transport. Well worth the investment and convenient to use for things such as free travel and 50% off many tourist sites.
- Jump on the little tourist train, Bimmelbahn, to get around the old town sites.
- For car rental use this link.
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One Comment
Hi! This is a really lovely article – I lived in Cologne many years ago and this brought back such great memories!