Cologne Cathedral
Cologne cathedral with its two spires 157 m. in height, has been the city's most famous landmark for centuries and the most well-known architectural monument in Germany.
It took 632 years until construction of the largest German cathedral was completed. After the laying of the foundations in the year 1248 and making rapid progress initially, construction work gradually came to a standstill. It was only with 19th century romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and the commitment of the Prussian Court that construction work resumed in 1842. In 1880, completion of the cathedral was celebrated as a national event.
The relics of the Holy Epiphany found their last resting place in the cathedral. The Sarcophagus of Epiphany (dating from the 13th century) surpasses all comparable golden sarcophagi in Western Christendom, in terms of scale and magnificence. Other outstanding works of art are to be found in the cathedral treasure chamber.

Modern Cologne

Hansahochhaus
At the time of its construction (1920), it was the tallest "skyscraper" in Europe; today it is a commercial and administration building. Among other occupants, it houses the department store with the widest selection of audio media in Europe (Hansaring).

Flora/Zoo
The gardens were landscaped in 1863 according to designs by Peter Josef Lenné and Joseph Maria Olbrich. The botanical garden was added in 1914. The site, which was destroyed during the Second World War, was restored completely and now has a stock of plants including approx. 12 000 species. Cologne Zoo is located directly adjacent to the gardens.

New Gothic head office of the famous "Eau de Cologne" manufacturer with a carillon that chimes every hour - opposite the opera. The number "4711" refers to house-numbering system adopted by the French occupying power in 1795. For greater clarity, all private houses were numbered sequentially from 1 - 7 404. (Glockengasse)

Opera house/theatre
Both buildings (1957-1962) on the Offenbachplatz were built by Wilhelm Riphahn and can accommodate 1.400 (opera-) or 920 (theatre-) goers. Click Kölnticket ticket sales for the current programme.

Exhibition halls/Rheinpark/Tanzbrunnen
The Koelnmesse exhibition halls on the right-hand bank of the Rhine (with modern extensions since 1922), with its more than 80 m high exhibition centre tower, sited diagonally opposite the cathedral, are designed in the expressionist architecture of the 20's. During the 1940's, they served as a concentration camp. Lying adjacent to it is the Rheinpark, a green area designed in pure 50's style for the 1957 Federal Garden Show with a sculpture park, Tanzbrunnen fountain and the Sternwellenzelt by the Architect Frei Otto, who was also responsible for Munich Olympia Stadium. The Rheinseilbahn (Rhine cable car) at the end of the park leads over to the flora, Cologne zoo and the sculpture park by the donor couple Eleonore and Michael Stoffels on the other side of the Rhine.

Ludwig Museum /Philharmonic Orchestra/Historic Centre
The historic centre of Cologne was completely redesigned in the eighties with the construction of the museum and the Philharmonic Orchestra building.

WDR Arcades / Broadcasting House on Wallraff-Platz/Vierscheibenhaus
Radio and television production studios of the largest German broadcasting station. More information on WDR.

Media Park/ Cinedom
The Media Park on the site of the former Gereon goods station combines media companies and cultural and leisure facilities. The photographic collection of the SK Stiftung Kultur cultural foundation and the Cologne House of literature are to be found here, in addition to the Cinedom, one of the most successful German cinemas and the editorial department of the radio programmes Eins Live and Radio Köln. The TV music station Onyx has moved in premises immediately next door. The Cologne film theatre is located a few steps further on.

Germany's largest and most modern multifunctional events hall, which can accommodate 18,000 spectators, is the home of the ice hockey club and the multiple German champions the Kölner Haie (Cologne Sharks).