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History & Evolution
Cologne is the oldest major city in Germany whose name stemmed from the Roman empress Agrippina who was born on the banks of Rhine and later elevated her ‘Colonia’ (a city under Roman law) to the status of a city in the year 50 A.D. Today the traces of Romans are still found at every turn in Cologne.

Many crucial developments took place in the region during Roman Empire. One of the longest aqueducts (canal) of the Roman Empire- the Eifel Aqueduct was built in 80 AC. Ten years later, the city became the capital of Roman province of Lower Germany Germania Inferior. Then Cologne was made the capital of the Gallic Empire that lasted for twenty years. Eventually in 310 AC, the Emperor Constantine constructed a bridge over river Rhine constructed.

With 4th century came the Christianity in the city. The first bishop Maternus constructed the first cathedral here. The subsequent Archbishops of Cologne became very influential day by day and became advisers to the various subsequent dynasties and this went on for various centuries.

By 13th century, the relationship between the city and its archbishop became difficult and after the Battle of Worringen in 1288, Cologne became a free city. This period had its dark side too like a long series of Jews massacre. Between 16-17th century, Protestants were persecuted and many women in fell victim to witch-hunts.

Nevertheless, this history of "Holy Cologne" and free city ended in 1794 with the bloodless occupation by the soldiers of French Revolution. The French confiscated and secularized church assets, monasteries and religious congregations and Protestants were given the same rights as Catholics and Jews were also allowed to resettle in Cologne. Even the archbishops returned in 1821.

After this, the World War I slowed the rapidly developing Cologne a bit but doesn’t interrupted it much. Between 19- early 20th century came the trade fair culture for which the city is still famous.

The strong Nazi Empire emerged in Germany, who occupied Cologne as their major territory during mid years of 20th century. The successive World War II was devastating event for the city and for the country as a whole, which were diminished to ruins by continuous bombings.

After the end of the wars, it took time to rebuild the city and its economy. During 1980-90s Cologne's economy prospered from two factors: First, the steady growth in the number of media companies and Second, a permanent improvement of the diverse traffic infrastructure making Cologne one of the most easily accessible metropolitan areas in Central Europe. Today Cologne is a city of a developed nation prospering rapidly with each passing day.

Site-Seeing
Cologne, the cultural capital of the Rhineland, is a beautiful diverse city with vibrant art scene and equally attractive and varied site seeing. Surrounded by the foothills of Eifel, Bergisches Land, the narrow Middle Rhine valley and the Lower Rhine plain, Cologne is considered an ideal starting point for excursions in Germany.

Rich in history, Cologne is range of museums, some of the most famous cathedrals and churches.

Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral):
Cologne's most famous landmark and one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany, Cologne Cathedral is the second-tallest Gothic structure in the world.

This church with the largest facade is under the administration of the Roman Catholic Church. Along with its two 157 m (515ft) high spires, the Dom holds number of other treasures too like golden casket holding the remains of the Magi, 9th century Gero crucifix, Stefan Lochner triptych and medieval stained glass windows.

The tower, which is reached after climbing 509 steps, provides dizzying views of the city.

Location: Domkloster

Museum Ludwig:
Ludwig is not only the oldest museum of Cologne, but is also home to one of Germany’s most important and interesting collections of modern art. Founded in 19th century to exhibit works by local artists of the Gothic period, today the collection of the museum extends from 14th to 20th century including works from Pop Art, Abstract, Surrealism, Picasso, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein.

Further the Wallraf-Richartz collection encompasses every school from German, Dutch, Flemish to French Impressionism along with 'Ludwig Donation' of American art and Germany's largest collection of works by Wilhelm Leibl.

Location: Bischofsgartenstrasse

Romanesque Churches:
Cologne, renowned for its churches have a unique ensemble of twelve large Romanesque churches packed into a compact area within the medieval city walls. Each church in the region is a true gem of medieval architecture and thus, are among the most important churches in western Europe.

These wonderfully atmospheric churches were originally built between 10th - 13th centuries and then rebuilt after severe war damage. The twelve churches housing here are- St. Andreas, St. Aposteln, St. Cacilien, St. Georg, St. Gereon, St. Kunibert, St. Maria im Kapitol, St. Maria in Lyskirchen, Grob St. Martin, St. Pantaleon, St. Severin & St. Ursula.

Location: North of Old Roman City Gate

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladen museum or Imhoff-Stollwerck-Museum):
Situated in an extraordinary 2000 m2 large brick and glass building, Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum studies and exhibits every possible aspect of the fascinating history of chocolate.

Also part of exhibition is a walk-through containing cocoa trees & exotic plants and at the end of the tour is the biggest chocolate fountain you have ever seen with free samples of course.

Location: Rheinauhafen

4711 House:
Located in central Cologne, 4711 House is headquarter of the famous original “Eau de Cologne” fragrance. The house also boasts a carillon that chimes every hour.

However, now the building is named after the ‘Cologne’ itself i.e. 'Eau de Cologne’.

Location: Glockengasse