Cologne - an ancient city on the Rhine River.

With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Cologne is not only an important economic and cultural center of Germany but also a popular tourist destination thanks to its historical architecture, rich museums, and unique festivals.

Báo Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu•25/04/2025

Cologne is not only an important economic and cultural center of Germany but also a popular tourist destination.

Preserving many treasures of Germany.

Cologne (in German, Koln), Germany's fourth-largest city, lies on the tranquil banks of the Rhine River. Founded by the Romans in 50 BC, Cologne is like a multifaceted book of history and architecture, most notably for its medieval cathedrals.

Most notably, Cologne Cathedral, also known as St. Peter's Basilica, is an impressive Gothic architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With its two impressive towers reaching 157 meters, Cologne Cathedral is one of the tallest churches in the world and a symbol of Cologne. Begun in 1248 and completed in 1880, the cathedral took over 600 years to reach its current form.

Inside the cathedral is the Ark of the Three Kings, one of the most precious religious treasures of Catholicism. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower to admire the panoramic view of the city from above. Cologne Cathedral is not only an attractive tourist destination but also an important religious building, attracting millions of pilgrims every year.

Unlike Cologne Cathedral, the Romanesque-style Great St. Martin's Cathedral is located in the heart of Cologne. Built in the 12th century, it is considered one of the city's most important churches. The cathedral is 70 meters long, 23 meters wide, and its bell tower is 75 meters high. The exterior is decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures. The interior has a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is also one of Cologne's most famous landmarks, not only for its important transportation role but also for its romantic significance. Thousands of couples have attached "love locks" to the bridge's railings as a promise of eternal love. These colorful locks, inscribed with names, have transformed the bridge into one of Cologne's most iconic symbols of love.

The Altstadt, the old town district, is the heart of Cologne, where you can easily feel the interplay between past and present through its cobblestone alleyways and colorful houses. The Altstadt preserves its cultural and architectural heritage from the Middle Ages. As you stroll through this area, you'll admire charming squares, ancient churches, and, most importantly, a rich historical atmosphere.

One of the highlights in Altstadt is Heumarkt and Alter Markt square, where many of the city's major events and festivals take place, especially the famous carnival held every February.

The Cologne Triangle is a 103-meter-high observation deck offering a 360-degree view of the entire city below. From here, you can admire the panoramic German metropolis and the beauty of the Rhine River and surrounding landscape for just 5 EUR. On a clear day, the view from the top of the tower can extend up to 80km.

Cologne is also an ideal destination for chocolate lovers, with the Chocolate Museum located right on the banks of the Rhine River. Here, visitors can explore the history of chocolate production and consumption from ancient times to the modern era.

The highlight of the museum is the giant chocolate fountain, where visitors can sample fresh chocolate right on the spot. Additionally, you can tour a miniature chocolate factory and purchase sweet souvenirs at the museum's shop. This is sure to be a delightful experience, especially for families with young children.

If you're an art enthusiast, Cologne also boasts many renowned museums such as the Ludwig Museum, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum. These museums possess unique and historically valuable works of art, and also host numerous exhibitions and art events that attract a large number of tourists and locals.

In addition, Cologne has many recreational areas such as Rheinpark, French Flower Park, Stadtgarten, and Phantasialand amusement park. Rheinpark, in particular, is one of the most beautiful parks in Cologne, situated on the banks of the Rhine River with stunning natural scenery and numerous fun activities for tourists.

Many unique festivals

Cologne is also a vibrant and lively city with many activities and events taking place throughout the year.

The Karneval festival takes place from the night of November 11th to February 11th. It is one of Cologne's biggest festivals, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Karneval is described as a joyful celebration with dazzling costumes, lively parties, and activities such as parades and artistic performances.

The Cologne Light Festival, held in autumn, attracts thousands of tourists who come to admire the beautiful light art installations. At this festival, buildings, bridges, and monuments are decorated with sparkling LED lights, creating a colorful and photogenic atmosphere.

During Cologne's Christmas season, the city's streets are decorated with Christmas lights, and cafes, pubs, and retail shops open their doors to welcome visitors. Tourists can enjoy typical Christmas treats, such as cookies, cinnamon rolls, and rosemary tea.

The Cologne Carnival is also a traditional festival that dates back centuries and remains very popular with locals and tourists alike. The festival lasts for six days, from the 11th of November until Thanksgiving. The Cologne Carnival is described as a festival where people wear masks and bizarre costumes to relieve stress and anxiety after a year of work.

NGUYEN THAO

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202504/cologne-thanh-pho-co-ben-dong-song-rhine-1040868/