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Europe Germany Cologne Do & See Twelve Romanesque churches

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Twelve Romanesque churches

The guide was updated: 2024-02-16

The Old Town of Cologne encompasses twelve Romanesque churches that constitute one of the cultural highlights of the city. All of them where originally built in the 12th and 13th century and feature beautiful medieval architecture and art, but each one has different characteristics. Some of the most famous ones are St. Maria im Kapitol, Great St. Martin and St. Gereon.

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Cologne Zoo

Cologne Zoo

Cologne Zoo houses more than 750 different species from all over the world, making it a popular excursion destination for families and animal lovers. Some of the animals you can see here are hippos, elephants, penguins, flamingos, baboons and sea lions. If you arrive at the right time, you can also watch the animals being fed.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral

Work on the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it was the largest building project undertaken in the Middle Ages. A large, spacious church was needed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims who came to visit one of the most important shrines in the Catholic Church holding the relics of the Three Wise Men. Their bones are kept in a casket, which is the most precious treasure in the cathedral and a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's art.

Flora and Botanical Garden

Flora and Botanical Garden

This botanical garden housing about 10,000 types of plants dates back to the 19th century and is beautifully located along the Rhine River. The main greenhouse alone, with its great assortment of plants, is worth a visit. It'll feel like you're in South America's rain forest surrounded by its exotic vegetation.

Roman Praetorium

Roman Praetorium

The Praetorium was once the seat of the Imperial Governor of Cologne. Now this is an underground archaeological area where you can walk around and through tunnels with Roman ruins and learn more about the city's history. It is partly located under the current City Hall.

Cologne Opera

Cologne Opera

The Germans have always been big music lovers, and Cologne is no exception. Cologne Opera is the main opera house in the city, featuring modern architecture, a resident opera company and a rich cultural program. It can accommodate up to 1,300 spectators and 100 orchestra musicians.

Lanxess Arena

Lanxess Arena

Lanxess Arena is one of Europe's biggest entertainment venues and can accomodate up to 20,000 people. All sorts of events take place here, from concerts to ice-hockey games and big shows. Just check the program on their website to discover what's going on while you're in Cologne.

Volksgarten

Volksgarten

The Volksgarten is popular among visitors and locals alike. This public park is located by a beautiful lake and is a nice place for a peaceful stroll. There are also a playground for children and a beer garden for adults.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge

A walk over Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the most famous sights of Cologne, is simply a must-do. This railway and pedestrian bridge was originally built between 1907 and 1911, but had to be reconstructed after a bombing occurred in 1945. From 2008 onward, couples from all over the world have being adorning it with colourful padlocks symbolising their love.

Historic Town Hall

Historic Town Hall

In Cologne you can visit the oldest town hall of all Germany, with parts of it dating back to the 11th century. It features various architectural styles and sculptures from different periods adorn the surrounding area. The Hansasaal, named after the Hanseatic League, is at the heart of it. Other highlights include the beautiful Renessaince loggia and the Gothic tower, 61 metres high and with bells that toll four times a day.

Twelve Romanesque churches

Twelve Romanesque churches

The Old Town of Cologne encompasses twelve Romanesque churches that constitute one of the cultural highlights of the city. All of them where originally built in the 12th and 13th century and feature beautiful medieval architecture and art, but each one has different characteristics. Some of the most famous ones are St. Maria im Kapitol, Great St. Martin and St. Gereon.

Köln Triangle Panorama

Köln Triangle Panorama

One of the most beautiful, picture-postcard views of Cologne Cathedral can be enjoyed from Köln Triangle. The visitor’s platform on the rooftop of this building is at a height of more than 100 meters, providing a breathtaking 360 degrees view of the city. By using the express elevator, you can glide to the top at four meters per second.

Boat tours on the Rhine

Boat tours on the Rhine

A boat tour on the Rhine is one of the most exciting ways to visit the city. One of the companies that offer this kind of experience is KD, with up to 6 tours a day departing a few steps away from the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

Cologne cable cars

Cologne cable cars

Take a cable car over the Rhein and experience Cologne from above. Rides start from Cologne Zoo or from the Rhein Park, so you can visit both in one afternoon.

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