The Cologne Cathedral
It was 9am on a Tuesday morning. The weather was wet and chilly. As soon as I stepped out of Cologne's Hauptbahnhof, one of the country's busiest rail stations, I was astonished by the magnificent Kolner Dom. I couldn't wait to explore the city. After a quick check-in and freshen-up at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, I rushed into the vast and intricately built Gothic architecture.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst:
Building of the Cologne Cathedral began in the mid-13th century, but it wasn't completed until 1880. By that time, it was the tallest structure in the world. Restoration work is still going on now. After a long gaze at the breathtaking exterior, I set off to the entrance. Once inside, like other hundreds of visitors, I simply couldn't stop staring at the medieval sculptures and stained glass windows in speechless amazement.
The Dom has a new pixelated glass window, which is designed by the contemporary German artist, Gerhard Richter. This newly installed mosaic window has been a controversial piece of art. Most Kolners are amazed by the aesthetic effect of the modern application, while others think that the modern design is a mismatch as much of the cathedral's stained glass is of medieval date.
After taking hundreds of pictures in the interior, I climbed a total of 509 steps up to the roof. (The tower is 475 feet tall !) I was almost out of breath. But the astonishing view up there was worth to see.
Museum Ludwig and Wallraf Richartz MuseumBesides being one of Germany's great historical city, Cologne is also a centre of arts. I definitely wouldn't miss the chance of visiting the 2 most renowned art museums, which are just walking distance from the Dom.
Museum Ludwig is a good place to get acquainted with German art of the 20th century. The big names, Kandinsky, Beckmann, Klee, Beuys are all here. You could also find collections of Picasso, Rothko, Warhol and Segal.
The Wallraf Richartz Museum has abundant collections of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, French Impressionism, as well as German medieval art. Useful tips for visiting the museum: you could take as many pictures as you like by simply getting a permission paper at the museum's information centre. No flash of course.
The famous Cologne artist, Stefan Lochner's vision of "The Madonna in the Rose Garden" and "The Last Judgement":
German medieval art:
French Impressionism:
The River Rhine and the Hohenzollern Bridge
A relaxing excursion to the Rhine is something that shouldn't be missed by any visitor. I picked the walkway over the Hohenzollern Bridge and took a leisurely stroll in the Rhine Park. Beside the Park exit is the Cable Car Station. Take a ride on the cable car is the best way to enjoy a delightful panoramic view of the city.
Dining & Shopping
My first dinner in Cologne was a delicious, mouthwatering one taken in the restaurant at Excelsior Hotel Ernst. The dinner came with a free starter including carrot soup, goose liver, duck breast and a free chocolate platter dessert.
Main shopping areas: Hohe Strasse, Breite Strasse, and Schildergasse:
On my last night in Cologne, I was honoured to be invited for a pleasurable, cosy home dinner by the Khazaka's family. I was greatly impressed by their hospitality and friendliness.
The Cologne Hauptbahnhof, a signature historic site with its 250 metre long hall of iron and glass, is a good place to begin and end a tour. My journey to Cologne was surely an experience never to be forgotten.
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