Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Tourist Attractions In Cologne

Christmas in Cologne, Germany
During our recent Europe vacation package, sometime during our 16 days travel, we visited some tourist attractions in Cologne.

 Cologne tourist information:-

Cologne city is one of the oldest cities in Germany and is currently the fourth largest.  Only slightly smaller than Berlin or Hamburg, Cologne has almost 2000 years of history and an excellent transport system with seven Rhine bridges and ten motorways.  The international Cologne-Bonn Airport is the German hub for budget airlines and the harbour is the second largest inland port location in Germany.


With a vibrant arts scene, Cologne is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland and is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries.

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral which is on the UNESCO world heritage site list.  Described as one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany, and Cologne's most famous landmark, the Cologne Cathedral is a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Peter and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Entrance to Cologne Cathedral
Interior of the Medieval East end

Entrance with the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the central jamb of the door

Statues near entrance

Attracting an average of 20,000 visitors a day, the Cologne Cathedral is one of the world's largest churches and the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.  It held the title of 'tallest structure in the world' from 1880 - 1884 until the Washington Monument was completed.  The Cologne Cathedral boasts the second-tallest church spires which are surpassed by the single spire of Ulm Minster.

Stained glass window

Another stained glass window

With its enormous twin spires, the Cologne Cathedral also presents the largest facade of any church in the world.
Close up of the enormous twin spires

Cologne Cathedral with its twin spires
Nativity scene in Cologne Cathedral

Part of the nativity scene in Cologne Cathedral
Just a stone's throw from the Cologne Cathedral is this cute structure below.
A structure close to the Cologne Cathedral

Some Cologne souvenirs that we came across...

Interesting mugs as Cologne souvenirs

More interesting Cologne souvenirs

Cute little Cologne souvenirs

And last, but not least, the 4711 Eau De Cologne (water from Cologne) that has been in existence since the 18th century.  Grew up with this brand and love the fragrance of it.  So of course, could not resist buying a few bottles for personal use as well as gifts.
 
4711 Eau De Cologne

Whilst we were in Cologne city, as time was short and we wanted to go souvenir hunting as well as visiting the tourist attractions especially the Cologne Cathedral, we did not have much time for lunch.  Thus we settled for McDonalds.

McDonalds for a non-interesting lunch
You can tell it is the Christmas season in Cologne, Germany from decorations such as this.

Christmas is in the air



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