Scattered throughout the Old Town, these twelve churches are among the oldest buildings in Cologne—most of them date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. They’ve all got that heavy Romanesque look, but each one’s a bit different. Great St. Martin stands out with its massive tower right by the river, St. Gereon has got an unusual oval dome, and St. Maria im Kapitol is one of the largest. You don’t need to see all twelve, but stopping in at a couple while you’re exploring the Old Town gives you a good feel for the city’s medieval side.

Constructed in the late 1540s under the rule of Gustav Vasa, Uppsala Castle stands as a testament to centuries of Swedish history. This historic fortress has witnessed pivotal events like the Sture Murders and the abdication of Queen Christina of Sweden. Today, the castle serves as a venue for meetings and conferences in its majestic Great Hall, while also being the residence of the County Governor. Visitors can explore the Uppsala Peace Museum, attend lectures, enjoy films, appreciate modern art at the Uppsala Art Museum, and delve into the castle's history amidst the ruins of Vasaborg.

Mentioned in ancient sources as early as the 2nd century AD, the archaeological site of Ulpiana contains remnants of a Roman settlement, all clearly marked and accompanied by information boards. It was a relatively important city, whose territory covered an impressive 120 hectares, one that to-date remains largely under the radar.