Kolner Dom

The Dom is pretty much all you can see in Koln, for miles as it projects massively into the skyline of the city. The Dom is lies barely a hundred yards from the main exit of the Station and should be your first stop. A UNESCO protected monument, construction on the Dom was started around 1250, halted in the 16th century and finally completed in the 1880’s a symbol of the modern state of Prussia. A careful look will reveal the different fascinating French-Gothic and Baroque styles that have been used on the insides, signifying the different eras it was constructed in. Admission to the Dom is free, though you will be asked for a donation. Walking around is forbidden, inside during Mass. As an option you can climb the imposing 509 steps that lead up to the Tower, a sure way to keep fit be sure to carefully inspect the worlds largest church bell on your way up. You can combine the tower visit with a visit to the treasury as well, for which a joint entrance ticket that costs $5.

The 12 Romanesque Churches

Koln boasts of twelve other churches that are scattered around the city. Some of these are definitely worth looking at, and are easily spotted on a tourist map. The highlights are the Basilika of St Geroen, with its mammoth decagon and brilliant interiors. Another favourite is the church of St. Kunibert with its ornate stained glass windows.

Der Kolner Synagogue

The Koln synagogue is a stunning visual treat, built in a dark gothic style that catches your eye the moment you see it. Pope Benedict created history, when he became only the second pope to visit a synagogue, on his visit in 2005. The only synagogue to survive the Nazis in the region, it incorporates a kosher restaurant and serves as the community center.

Museums

The city has an array of museums for the history buff to choose from ranging from ancient history, to sport and chocolate. A few of the most interesting include;

The Romisch-Germanisches Museum covers the ancient history of the city and its Roman roots. Built around an intricate mosaic, it has a collection of archaeological finds that numbers well over 3 million.

The Wallraf- Richartz Museum, Koln’s oldest, stuns you with its fantastic collection of Renaissance art and medieval paintings and the works of the masters – Rubens and Rembrandt.

The Deutsches Sports – und – Olympia Museum, pays a tribute to the role sport has in our lives today. A fantastic opportunity to trace the origins of sport from ancient times to its present position, located on the Rhine. Don’t forget to test your physical prowess, in the many interactive areas the museum possesses.

The Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum (Chocolate Museum), is a delightful little museum, with a chocolate tour, built around a tiny little factory run by Lindt. Don’t forget to get your little piece from the chocolate fountain on your way out.

Koln Walks

Take a history walk, heading west from the Dom, you will come upon the Rathaus or Town Hall, with its own little collection of artifacts. Continue in that direction, and you will come across the Praetorium or Roman sewer, a fascinating insight into how advanced ancient civilization was. Look above and you will see that massively impressive Roman Wall, or what seems to be left of it.

If history is not your cup of tea, stroll down the bank of the Rhine on the quay as you pass the museum strip, cyclists and wave to the boats on the river. A delightful walk, heighten the experience, and jump on to a river cruise to Bonn or Kolbenz.

Relax

Head out to the cities many green park areas and attached beer gardens to just laze about, and take in the surroundings. Or if you feel like that splurge head to the Claudius Therme Spa, the finest of the numerous Spas and Saunas that use that natural mineral springs in the area.