Cologne Day Trip and another Bacharach Walk, Germany

Sep 8, 2024 | City, Europe, Germany, Historical Building

Cologne, Germany is a major city located in western Germany, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and impressive architecture.

Cologne Cathedral: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
Old Market: Alter Markt 18, 50667 Köln, Germany
Hohenzollern Bridge: Hohenzollern Bridge, 50679 Köln, Germany
Date Picture Taken: June, 2024

I wanted to go to Cologne to see the famous Cologne Cathedral, which looked impressive in the pictures. Cologne is easily reached from Bacharach by train.

The train station in Cologne shares the same square as the Cologne Cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral is the most iconic landmark. It is a stunning Gothic masterpiece, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The twin spires dominate the city’s skyline, and the cathedral holds significant religious and cultural value.

I walked up the side stairs of the cathedral

The front and the main entrance to the cathedral

The cathedral’s construction began in 1248 and spanned over six centuries, with significant interruptions. It was finally completed in 1880, following a renewed interest in Gothic architecture during the 19th century.

It was initially built to house the relics of the Three Wise Men (Magi), which were brought to Cologne from Milan in 1164 by Archbishop Rainald von Dassel. These relics made Cologne a major pilgrimage destination.

The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, with pointed arches, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and a grand verticality that draws the eyes upward.

The cathedral’s twin spires reach a height of 157 meters (515 feet), making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the third-tallest church overall.

The scene in front of the church

The right side hallway toward the front

The center of the church toward the altar

The back side

The left side hallway toward the front

The cathedral has a variety of stained-glass windows from different centuries, including both medieval and modern designs.

The altar

The back side

The front right side chapel

The most important religious artifact in the cathedral is the gold-plated, richly decorated shrine, which is believed to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men. I don’t know if the gold-colored furniture object behind the altar was the shrine.

The left side hallway toward the front

The same hallway toward the back

The cathedral survived World War II with relatively minor damage, even though the surrounding city was heavily bombed. Its resilience added to its symbolic value.

After visiting the church, I took a stroll around the city to take in the sights.

I walked down the Hohe Street toward the Old Market. Hohe Straße (High Street) is a prominent shopping street in Cologne, known for its rich history and diverse range of stores.

Hohe Straße has existed since Roman times, making it one of the oldest streets in Cologne. It used to be part of the Roman city’s main road and has evolved into a commercial hub.

I used a side street to reach the Old Market area.

The Old Market. The Old Market has been a central gathering place in Cologne since the Middle Ages. It was historically used as a marketplace where merchants sold goods, and it was the site of many important events in the city’s history.

The square is surrounded by traditional Cologne-style houses, many of which have colorful facades, giving the area a picturesque and charming appearance.

Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the Old Market was carefully restored to reflect its historical roots, and much of its architectural beauty has been preserved or reconstructed.

The Old Market is the site of various events throughout the year, including the Cologne Carnival, when the square transforms into one of the major gathering spots for parades, music, and celebrations.