Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany. It was built on the river Rhine between Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The city with a well-developed economy and culture is annually visited by tourists from different countries. Even those who know little about the city must have heard about the world-famous Cologne beer. The majestic temples of the city surprise with their beauty and diversity, and the University of Cologne is considered one of the best higher educational institutions in Germany. The city often hosts holidays, festivals and events. The people here are cheerful and cheerful. The city attracts tourists with its openness and ancient history. There are many interesting places here. Let's talk about the most interesting sights of Cologne.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Mary is known far beyond the city limits. It is the hallmark of the city. It is here that all tourists flock in the first place. The cathedral impresses with its beauty and magnificent architecture. The construction of the temple took about 530 years. Work stopped and started again. Architects, artists and craftsmen changed. And finally, the cathedral was erected.

The temple at first sight impresses tourists with its size. This is a huge building in the Gothic style. Up close, the cathedral seems even larger. It is so big that it is even difficult to photograph it. The two towers of the majestic cathedral are carried high into the sky. The height of each of them is 157 meters. If you climb to the very top of the tower, you can see most of the city. All the splendor of the city will appear before your eyes, in full view.

Cologne Cathedral is an inimitable example of architecture. This is not just a temple, it is one of the largest German museums. Its interior is just as luxurious as its exterior. Here you can see ancient and very valuable paintings and sculptures. Beautiful stained-glass windows, huge mosaics, ancient frescoes – all this can be viewed endlessly. Columns decorated with sculptures rise to chiseled vaults. The cathedral has its own treasury. You can visit it for a fee.

The building is located on Cathedral Square. It is always full of people until the very late hours. The temple is the main meeting place. All roads of the city will lead you to this structure. It is simply impossible not to see him. The spiers of the cathedral towers rise above the city. They look great from afar.

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Perfume Museum

The Perfume Museum is also called “Farina's House”, in honor of the founder of the factory, Johann-Maria Farin. The perfume corporation, by the way, was the very first in the world. And the museum is now in his house. It all started with the fact that Farina managed to create one with an unusual smell from various floral fragrances. He named it “Cologne water”. And, after some time, the product has already gained great popularity.

However, not in Germany, but in France. The enterprising French began to produce “Cologne water” in their country in the form of cologne. Now Farin's House houses a factory and a perfume museum. Here you can see equipment for the production of perfumes, pictures and photos, and even a description of the process itself. The museum has a large collection of vessels for storing cologne.

Excursions to the Perfume Museums take place with a guide dressed in outfits from the time of the creation and operation of the factory. Here you can trace the entire history of perfume production over the years. Here you can appreciate the quality of perfumes and experience the aromas of cologne. The smell is similar to a mixture of citrus and bergamot. Not without reason, Farina wrote that his perfume is a spring morning in Italy after the rain, filled with the aromas of lemons, grapefruits and her favorite herbs.

You can buy souvenirs in the form of perfumes and cologne. You can get there by metro to the Neumarkt station or by bus number 132.

Museum Ludwig

The Ludwig Museum focuses on modernity. His collections include avant-garde paintings. The gallery is massive in size. It creates a good competition to other modern museums at the world level. This place is worth a visit for those who are open to new information. The gallery is a modern building of 4 floors.

It is done in a rather bizarre way. The museum is located next to the Cologne Cathedral. Here you can see such trends in the work of artists as avant-garde, pop art, expressionism, surrealism. Most of the museum's collection is occupied by a huge collection of the Ludwig couple. In 1976, the couple donated about 350 works to the gallery. The new museum building was also erected on their initiative.

The gallery has very good and helpful staff. They not only allow you to take pictures, but also offer to do it themselves. By the way, from the windows of the museum you can very well see part of the Cologne Cathedral. The Museum of Modern Art is very unique.

Each master sees the main idea of the work in his own way. To capture the essence, it is advisable to use the services of an audio guide. You can get there by trams No. 5, 16, 18 to the stop “Kolner Hauptbahnhof”.

Chocolate Museum

The sweetest museum has been operating for over 20 years. It is located near the famous chocolate factory. The structure of the museum confuses tourists. It has absolutely nothing to do with chocolate. The building is made in the form of a huge ship. The museum is located on a small island. And its floor is made of a wall of glass and brick. And not from cookies and sweets, as children dream. Inside you can see large rounded staircases with glass passages.

On the tour you will be introduced to the production technology of your favorite delicacy. The production process has long been automated. All the work is done by huge machines. Packed by hand only in boxes and foil. In the museum you can see a collection of metal boxes and tablets with the names of various chocolate companies. Dishes, paintings, old street vending machines and much more related to the theme of chocolate are part of the gallery's expositions.

The most favorite place for children is the chocolate fountain. Employees dip waffles into it and offer them to visitors. The structure is a large, about 3 meters fountain, similar to a tree. The chocolate flows out of it into a small tray. There are a lot of visitors with children here. They even organize special games and quizzes for them. Here you can even set your own recipe, according to which you will immediately prepare a chocolate bar. The museum has a large chocolate shop.

The range is simply huge. It features various chocolate brands. You can get to it by buses No. 106, 132, 133.

KolnCard tourist card – 9 €

Town Hall Square

According to a long tradition, almost every major city in Germany has its main Town Hall and the square of the same name on which it is located. Cologne is no exception, its Town Hall Square is one of the attractions. It is located in the center of the Old City. Decorates the square with the old Town Hall.

The magnificent building survived the war and restoration. Now it is an architectural monument. In the middle of the Town Hall there are halls with sculptures of famous people of Germany. In the basement of the building there is a museum where you can see the life and life of ancient Cologne. The room is underground at a depth of 10 meters. This gives the exhibition an even more ancient spirit. And the remains of an ancient settlement take visitors back to ancient times.

All the big celebrations and events take place on the Town Hall Square. Balls and receptions are held in the Town Hall building. However, this building is administrative, it is also called the “House of the Citizens”. People work here every day for the benefit of the city. You can get to the square by metro to the Dom/Hauptbahnhof and Heumarkt stations. Or by bus number 132.

Amusement park “Fantasy Land”

The most favorite place not only for children, but also for adults. “Fantasy Land” is not just an amusement park, it's a fabulous city. The territory of the complex is divided into several parts, each with its own theme. Here are the countries: America, Africa, Mexico, China. The park has rides on the water and for the smallest children. For those who are very wet, there is a dryer. Here you will be dried with warm air currents. The area with attractions gives an incredible adrenaline rush. And you get it already from the first glance at the incredibly large swing. A hanging road with a dead loop and a free fall from a huge height beckon thrill-seekers to the park.

You can visit the “magic room”, look at Chinese acrobats, meet “live” dolls and your favorite cartoon characters. You can get to the amusement park by train. The journey will take about 15 minutes. From April to November, Fantasyland is open from 9 am to 6 pm. From December to March – from 11 am to 6 pm.

Church of Saint Martin

“Big St. Martin” – this is how the inhabitants call this temple. Of the 12 Romanesque churches in the city, this one is recognized as the most beautiful. Great Saint Martin is located next to the Cologne Cathedral, on the banks of the Rhine. The church, like most other ancient churches, has experienced destruction, reconstruction, changes in appearance and interior decoration. Now the cathedral is a basilica surrounded by 4 towers. The best view of St. Martin's Church opens from the Fischmarkt square. Tourists come here to photograph the cathedral in its entirety against the still waters of the Rhine. The altar of the temple was erected in the form of a clover leaf. The arch of the largest hall of the church is built in the form of a 10-gon. The high windows of the church are covered with beautiful stained-glass windows with faces of saints.

Part of an ancient Roman column in the Great Saint Martin serves as a talisman. It is said here that it is a powerful defense of the temple from enemies. You can get to St. Martin's Church by metro to the station “Rathaus” or “Heumarkt”. The doors of the temple are open to visitors:

If you decide to visit a church, do not forget that this is a holy place and the appearance for entering it must be appropriate. Discard short skirts, shorts and deep necklines.

Church of the Holy Apostles

The Church of the Holy Apostles is the third tallest Romanesque church in Cologne. It is located in the Old Town on the Neumarkt square. The church has the appearance of a basilica, consisting of three main naves and two naves on the sides. Two large 67-meter towers majestically go into the sky. They are located on the east and west sides of the cathedral. Getting into the church from the fairly lively Neumarkt Square, you find yourself in a quiet, large and very beautiful temple. The interior of the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles was restored more than once after wars and destruction.

Here you can admire the amazing gray-blue frescoes. They depict Saint John. The frescoes are unusually delicate and beautiful. Luxurious colored stained-glass windows adorn the windows of the holy place. The large church is decorated with a lantern made in the form of a clover. A huge organ, a very beautiful sculpture of 12 apostles, a stunning font – all this can be seen in the church. You can get to the church by tram numbers 1, 7, 9, 11 and 14 to the Neumarkt stop. By bus number 134 and 146 or metro to the same station. The temple is open for tourists from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm on all days except Tuesday. Free admission. Photography is allowed.

Ethnological Museum

The Rautenstrauch-Jost Ethnological Museum is an unusual and interesting place. It is one of the five largest German ethnological museums. Here visitors are offered to see thematic exhibitions. The main directions are awareness of the world and its structures. The museums feature old photographs, ethnographic artifacts, rare magazines and ancient monographs. All this is carefully collected in numerous expositions. Museum visitors can learn about life and death, about rituals and customs. About the essence of men and women, and the person as a whole. Here they reveal the problems and mistakes of generations that have been haunting people for hundreds of years.

A separate exhibition is dedicated to children. Here, more attention is focused on the child, his feelings and problems. The museum also has temporary exhibitions. All of them also reveal the problems of man and society. The museum is quite informative for those who want and love to listen. You can get to the museum by metro to the Neumarkt station. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm. The main influx of people here is from 12 to 15 hours. If you want to spend time in museums quietly and calmly, go to it in the morning.

Fountain “Curious Woman” Heinzelmennchen

Not far from the Cologne Cathedral is a “monument to female curiosity.” The Heinzelmennchen Heinzelmennchen fountain is the most famous in the city. This is a cute and funny sculpture, one of a kind. The monument is made in the form of a large fountain. In the center is a woman with a lantern in her hands, and at a distance gnomes lying on the stairs. The fountain was created according to a Germanic poem poet sculptors father and son Renard.

A curious woman, according to legend, really wanted to see the Cologne gnomes who helped the inhabitants of the city at night. And she succeeded, the woman scattered dry peas on the stairs so that the gnomes would slip and fall. And when this happened, the hostess immediately appeared, holding a lantern in her hand. The night workers were offended and were forced to leave the city. The fountain is located in a cozy corner of the city. Around him are wonderful bas-reliefs depicting other heroes of the poem. All this is surrounded by greenery and flower beds.

Near the monument is always full of tourists. They are looking for a funny fountain with great interest and take pictures against its background.

Zoo

The zoo is located in the north of the city, near the botanical garden. It is one of the oldest zoos in Germany. The animal park covers a large area. He is clean and tidy. Animals live here in cages and enclosures. They are looked after and fed. Here you can see dolphins, camels, elephants, baboons, a large number of various birds. Animals imposingly bask in the sun in good weather, and do not pay attention to visitors. What can not be said about nimble monkeys who are always happy to have guests. They live in a specially built “Jungle House”.

The zoo also has exotic plants. They are indoors to maintain the climate they need. On the territory you can see expositions with stuffed ancient animals. And there are also ancient people in mammoth skins and with prey. The zoo's aquarium makes an amazing impression. As if you visited the depths of the sea and saw a bizarre sea world. Colorful fish, mollusks and reptiles are no worse than huge animals.

You can get to the zoo by tram number 18 or bus number 140 to the Zoo Flora stop. From the Cologne Cathedral you can get on a special bus route “Zooexpress”.

cologne city hall

The oldest town hall in all of Germany is located in the historic center between the Old Market and the Town Hall Square. From another popular attraction of the city – Cologne Cathedral – it is only 300 meters away. The city government building was erected in several stages, and the process stretched over a long period from 1330 to 1573. A skillful combination of Gothic and Baroque gave the building a majestic and picturesque appearance, which attracts tourists so much.

Of particular interest to travelers is a physiognomy carved from wood, known as Platz-Jabbek. It is located on the facade of the building and with each stroke of the town hall clock it opens its mouth and shows its tongue.
Another “highlight” of the town hall is an elegant tower, decorated with figures of famous citizens.
Cologne City Hall, located at Rathausplatz 2, is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Palace Augustusburg

As one of the earliest examples of German Rococo, the Augustusburg Palace was erected at the beginning of the 18th century at the direction of August of Bavaria, Archbishop and Elector Clemens. Augustusburg – in the past the pompous residence of the prince-archbishops – is located in the garden suburb of the city of Brühl, not far from the city. In the post-war years, the building was used for state-level official receptions and other political meetings.

Today it is a popular tourist attraction, known not only for its luxurious architecture, but also for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. For tourists in Augustusburg, informative excursions are organized with a view of ancient exhibits, and in the adjacent parks – masterpieces of landscape design – there are many scenic routes and venues for concerts.

Visitors are welcome here every day, except for the only day off – Monday. The palace complex is open from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 16:00, and on weekends and holidays from 10:00 to 17:00.

The White house

The first mention of this medieval castle dates back to 1378, and the monastery of St. Panteleimon is considered the founder. In those days, the castle served as a defensive fortification and the summer residence of the Benedictine abbots. Snow-white walls, ancient masonry, many eclectic elements of the building's decor, Gothic turrets and a picturesque man-made pond surrounding the Weisshaus create an amazingly harmonious combination, complemented by the beauty of the surrounding nature.

The area of the complex is 743 square meters. Two colorful arched bridges connect the castle with a huge shady park. Today, the White House, located in the Lindenthal district at 201 Luxembourger Strasse, is privately owned. To get to it, travelers can use the metro tram, following the direction of Bonn. The final stop is Arnulf Strasse.

Roman-Germanic Museum

In the ranking of the most popular and frequently visited attractions, the Roman-Germanic Museum confidently occupies a leading position due to the fact that its archaeological collection includes exhibits from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages. The number of museum specimens reaches three million, including the Mosaics of Dionysus, the round tower and the surviving remains of the Roman city wall, the 15-meter tombstone of Pablicius and many others.

Part of the museum halls is reserved for displaying a collection of colored and ordinary glass, dishes, household items, Roman jewelry and weapons of various peoples. The Roman-Germanic Museum, located at Roncalliplatz 4, is open to the public daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Every first Thursday of the month, the museum starts its work at 10 am and ends by 10 pm.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Founded back in 1861, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum is now located in a modern building built in 2001 near the Town Hall Square. Being one of the largest art galleries in Germany, this museum complex contains a huge collection of paintings written over the course of seven centuries. The museum collection contains paintings of the Cologne school of painting and unique works of graphics.

Due to the fact that Cologne, to a lesser extent than other medieval cities, experienced the destructive forces of fires and other external influences, it managed to preserve the most extensive collection of medieval paintings and iconography stored in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. The true pride of the local collection is the “Madonna in the Arbor of Roses” – the pinnacle of the work of the famous Stefan Lochner.

Tourists can see this iconic landmark on Martinstrasse 39 any day except Monday. Every first and third Thursday of the month, the museum is open from 10 am to 10 pm. On other days – from 10 to 18 hours.

Schnutgen Museum

The amazing history of this museum has become one of the reasons for its popularity. Alexander Schnutgen collected medieval church artifacts for several decades at the end of the 19th century, and in 1906 he donated his unique collection to his native city. The only condition of the collector was the creation of a museum accessible to everyone.

The locations of the new museum changed several times, but in 1956 it firmly settled in the Romanesque Basilica of St. Cecilia at Cacilienstrasse, 29-33, which itself is an important architectural landmark of the city. The collection of Schnutgen exhibits includes colorful stained-glass windows, ancient tapestries, church utensils made of ivory and precious metals, ceremonial vestments, stone and wooden statues.

You can visit from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.

Ulrepfort

The first mention of the Ulrepfort fortress dates back to 1245, and the approximate period of its foundation, according to scientists, is 1230. For such a long, eventful life, the fort has turned from a defensive city fortification into one of the most recognizable sights.

According to the most reasonable version, the name of the fortress is translated as “pottery production”. It was this craft that actively developed here until the 19th century. In various eras, a mill, merchant households, and wine cellars were located inside the fortress. Today Ulrepfort, located in the south of the historical part, can be found between Sachsenring, Ulrichgasse and Kartäuserwall.

House of cologne “4711”

“Cologne”, translated from French, literally means “Cologne water”. Connoisseurs of fine fragrances all over the world know about this elite perfumery produced in the House of 4711. Today, at least 60 countries export the products of this factory. “Cologne water” in the Cologne House has been produced for several centuries according to a special recipe, the components of which are still kept secret.

The factory has a shop where you can buy any Eau De Cologne 4711 from a huge collection of modern fragrances. In addition to perfume, they sell scented cosmetics, shower gels and much more. On the second floor there is a small museum with a collection of thematic exhibits that are directly related to the history of the creation and development of the brand.

House 4711 is open Monday through Friday from half past ten in the morning until half past six in the evening. On Saturdays, the working day is half an hour shorter, and Sunday is a day off.

Gurcenih

The impressive size and eye-catching gothic decor of this building have turned it into a center of attraction for numerous tourists. The hall, so spacious for those times, was erected in the period from 1441 to 1452, and its first owners were the nobles of Gürzenich. In the era of the Third Reich, socio-political meetings were held here, Hitler and other historical personalities promoted their ideas.

During the Second World War, the building was destroyed and the luxurious interiors were lost. Only massive walls survived. After the war, the building was restored, and today it is a sought-after exhibition and concert complex, where a unique old atmosphere still reigns. Here, at Messeplatz 1, eminent artists from different countries give performances, organ music concerts and various exhibitions are organized.

Hahnentorburg Gate

The Hanentorburg Gate was an important part of the old defensive city wall. Through them during the Middle Ages lay the path to Aachen and Jülich. They are located in the southern part of the Old Town near Rudolfplatz on Hahnenstraße. According to historians, the gates were erected at the beginning of the 13th century and served as a clear proof of the fortification power of the Cologne fortification.

In later times, a prison was located here, then the Cologne horse-drawn carriage. At the end of the 19th century, the Hanentorburg Gate was restored, and a historical museum was located in their stone walls. During the Second World War, the gates were significantly damaged, but after restoration they began to be used as an art exhibition hall. And since 1988, the carnival guard of honor has been located in the Hanentorburg building.

Saint Severin's Gate

The Gate of St. Severin, which is part of the medieval city wall, is one of the preserved historical sights. They are located in the south of the Old Town at the intersection of Severinswall, Severinstraße and Kartäuserwall near Chlodwigplatz. In the past, the main route connecting Cologne and Bonn ran through this gate. The construction of the gate dates back to the 13th century. In addition to being one of the main entrances to the city, the Saint Severin Gate served as a meeting place for visiting guests of honor.

After 1881, the Museum of Natural History began to be located at the gate, which was later transformed into the Museum of Hygiene. And since 1979, a community center has settled here, where private events of various formats are held. Despite the long historical path, the gates have retained their appearance almost in their original form and still serve as a reminder to contemporaries of the importance and grandeur of the city.

eigelstein gate

Located at the intersection of Lübeckerstraße, Eigelstein and Greesbergstraße, the Eigelstein Gate was the northern entrance in the past and was the most important element of the city's fortification system. The researchers believe that the gate was built between 1228 and 1248 as the main entrance connecting the city with Neuss. In 1804, Napoleon entered the city through them, accompanied by his wife.

By decision of the city authorities, the Eigelstein Gate was preserved after the demolition of the fortress wall, and at the end of the 19th century, the architect Stubben carried out a set of works on their reconstruction, after which a natural history museum was founded here, and even later, a branch of the historical museum, the main headquarters of which was located at the Hanentorburg gate. The gate was used as a location for exhibition expositions until 1963, after which the purpose of the object changed regularly. Today it is the most important part of the historical heritage of the city.

Bayenturm tower

The two-storey octagonal Bayenturm tower with a crenellated frame was built as part of a single fortification wall in 1220. Rising above the Rhine, today it is one of the popular historical sights of the Old Town. You can find the 35-meter Bayenturm at the Rheinauhafen embankment between Bayenstraße and Agrippinawerft. Its appearance fully corresponds to that which it had at the time of its construction.

A major reconstruction of the Bayenturm tower was made by Stübenn at the end of the 19th century, and then it was restored in 1987 after serious damage received during the Second World War, while the drawings of the architect Stübenn were used for the reconstruction work.

Church of St. Panteleimon

The Catholic Church of Saints Panteleimon, Cosmas and Damian, built in the Romanesque style, is located on a hill in the southern part of the Old Town. The first mention of it refers to the year 866 and is associated with the name of Archbishop Günther, whose documents spoke of the “church on the hill.” In 955, on the basis of the existing church, a monastery was opened, founded by Archbishop Bruno I the Great.

Modern travelers can find this three-nave basilica with one 36-meter and two 42-meter towers within the boundaries of the area delineated by Rothgerberbach, Am Weidenbach, Pantaleonstraße, Waisenhausgasse and Am Pantaleonsberg streets. The relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker, Bruno I the Great and the Great Martyr Panteleimon are kept in the church. For parishioners, Sunday and everyday fairs are organized here, conversations with priests and church classes are held, Eucharistic venerations of St. Panteleimon are arranged.

cable car

To enjoy the picturesque panoramas, see the Rhine and Cologne Cathedral from a bird's eye view and get an unforgettable experience from the tour, tourists should visit the cable car, the station of which is located near the city zoo at Riehler Straße, 180.

At the time of its opening in 1957, this cable car was considered the first and only one in the country, which inevitably attracted the attention of both residents of other German cities and foreign tourists. The Cologne cable car was the only one in Germany until 2011, when an aerial tram appeared in Koblenz.

Citizens are proud of their cable car not only for its historical status, but also for its environmental friendliness. In addition, this type of transport is recognized as the safest. You can ride the cable car every day from 10 am to 6 pm during the warm season, which is the season from April to October.

Hohenzollern Bridge

A powerful arch bridge thrown over the Rhine River at a distance of 688.5 kilometers from its source is a real calling card. Its huge steel structures serve as a support for the railway and pedestrian-bike paths connecting Cologne and Cologne-Messe/Deutz stations. Being the most important railway junction in Europe, this 409-meter bridge passes over 1,200 trains every day.

Its designer and architect is Franz Schwechten, and the grand opening took place in May 1911. Today, the Hohenzollern Bridge is no less popular with travelers than the Cologne Cathedral and the remains of the fortress walls. It is printed on postcards, and souvenirs with the image of the bridge are snapped up by tourists in the blink of an eye.

Botanical Garden “Flora”

The botanical garden was created one of the first in Europe. The date of its foundation is considered to be 1864, when Peter Lenne (architect from Prussia) began landscaping a new park in the northern part of the city. The old park was demolished for the sake of the construction of the railway station, and the city needed a picturesque place for walking. The botanical garden itself was founded in 1914. The northern part of the Flora park was chosen as the place for it.

Today fern thickets and flowering shrubs, heather meadow and exotic plants, mountain herbs and Mediterranean trees grow here. Plants from all over the world are complemented by statues, sculptural compositions, fountains and resting places. The park also has a picturesque lake, indoor greenhouses, artificial waterfalls and a cafe for visitors.

Admission is free, as is entry to all garden areas and the Subtropical Home. Tickets need to be bought only in some greenhouses. The Botanical Garden is open from 8 am to sunset (but no later than 9 pm). The subtropical house welcomes guests from 10 am to 4 pm (winter) or 6 pm (summer).

Colonius TV Tower

The television and radio broadcasting tower reaches a height of 266 meters (along the spire) and is considered the highest object in the city and the seventh in the list of the tallest buildings in Germany. Its construction took place in 1978-1981, and Erwin Heinle became the architect. Unusual for German speech, the name of the tower was in honor of its city, pronounced in the Roman manner “Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium”.
The Kolonius Tower is located on nnere Kanalstraße, the route of which follows the curves of the former city wall.

Until 1994, the observation deck and restaurant of the TV tower were available for tourist visits, but after an accident during the New Year‘s celebration, the city authorities decided to prohibit entry for unauthorized persons. Now you can admire the TV tower only from a distance, but what you see is worth it.

Roman tower

Round, with a jagged edging, the Roman tower was built back in the II-III centuries, during the colonial past of the city, when it was considered a remote fiefdom of influential Rome. The walls of the tower are made of sandstone, limestone and trachyte and are decorated with authentic mosaic masonry.

After gaining independence, the city was surrounded by a fortress wall, and the defensive Roman tower turned into a Catholic monastery of St. Clara, and then into a residential building. The Roman Tower acquired the status of a historical monument at the end of the 19th century. A large-scale restoration in 1898-1899 gave the building neo-Gothic features and a recognizable jagged profile.

Today the tower is privately owned. You can admire it by taking a ten-minute walk to the west of Cologne Cathedral.