Cologne, Germany

The oldest of all the major German cities, Cologne is fourth largest metropolitan city of Germany and is located in the state of North Rhine-

Westphalia. Its history spans over for more than 2000 years and is famous for Kí¶lsche beer and perfume Eau de Cologne. Cologne welcomes every tourist with warm hospitality and though many people are not fluent in English, language rarely becomes a barrier in travelling the city. People speak a local dialect Kí¶lsche, but nowadays, young Germans and businessmen are quiet good in English. Tourists just need to make an friendly approach and they will be helped in every way by the friendly people of Cologne in Germany.

One can reach the city of Cologne by air, train, car or bus. Both international and domestic flights arrive at the Cologne Bonn airport which is only 15 minutes journey in train from the center of the city. There is the Dí¼sseldorf International Airport at Dí¼sseldorf from where Cologne can be reached within 40 minutes by train. The major rail stations in Cologne are Kí¶ln Hauptbahnhof and Kí¶ln-Deutz. The city is connected with Paris, Brusseles and Amsterdam by railway network. At Breslauer Platz is the major bus stand of Cologne. The city has a good network of subway/ tram and bus service.

Founded by the Romans, the city of Cologne has a rich cultural heritage and replete with famous monuments built over the passage of time. Of all the monuments, the most famous in whole of Germany is the magnificent Kí¶lner Dom or Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral is the landmark of the city which you can see just after coming out from the main exit of the Cologne central station. The

brilliant architecture will draw your attention as you climb the steps of the cathedral, but it is the lavish interior and the splendid artworks present there that mesmerize every visitor.

Find yourself in Roman era as you walk amidst the remains of the buildings, towers, burial chamber made by the Romans thousands of years ago. There is Praetorium or the residence of Roman governor that was discovered under the Rahtaus or city hall. Built in first century A.D, The Roman tower with its mosaic decoration stands tall exemplifying the fortifications of Roman era. To learn more about the history of Cologne under the Romans visit to the Rí¶misch-Germanisches Museum is a must.

Cologne is the home to twelve large Romansque churches situated within a confined area encircled by medeival city walls. There are other architectural splendors of Medieval period like City Hall, Hansasaal, Overstolzenhaus or the patrician's house, Gí¼rzenich Hall and Zeughaus or the modern arsenal of fifteenth century.

During the twentieth century, many new buildings and towers were made that have become famous landmarks of the city. You can view the entire city from the balcony of Cologne tower, a 29 storey building or head for any of the museums or art gallery. There are two museums of art, a chocolate museum, a ethnographic museum and even a German sport museum. In Cologne, accommodations for any budget are available along with all the amenities for a comfortable vacation.

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