Cologne Facts
Fact 1: Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and the fourth largest city in Germany. 1,700 years ago, Constantine, the first Christian emperor, made "Colonia" the seat of a bishopric. Some 500 years later, "Köln" became the seat of an archbishop under Charlemagne.
Fact 2: Scents Ability! When people think of Cologne, they often associate it with perfume. Eau de Cologne was first made in the city by an Italian chemist in 1709.
Fact 3: Cologne's Cathedral is Germany's most awesome Dom. With its 472-foot length and 143-foot height, it is the most prominent landmark in the city. At its completion, the Cathedral's 515-foot towers were the tallest in the world.
Fact 4: During World War II, bombs destroyed over 90% of the city and reduced the population from 800,000 to 40,000. In fact, in the spring of 1945, there was so little left of the city that it was suggested to rebuild Cologne elsewhere.
Fact 5: Beer, anyone? If you like a sip of the suds, you've come to the right place. The city is considered to be a huge beer center. Cologne boasts some 24 breweries, more than any other city in the world.
Fact 6: Join the carnival! Cologne's carnival is held each year and ranks as one of Europe's major popular celebrations. The highlight of the festivities is the Rosenmontagzug, when more than forty tons of sweets, 100,000 chocolates, 100,000 packets of popcorn, flowers, and cologne are hurled into the crowd!
Fact 7: Looking for a place to grab a bite to eat? You'll find no shortage of eating establishments in this German city. Over 3,000 restaurants, bars and cafés offer choices that run the gamut!
Fact 8: If you're a museum lover, you'll love Cologne. The city proudly offers several choices when it comes to museums. Be sure to check out the Ludwig Museum, which houses pop art works made famous by the likes of Andy Warhol.
Fact 9: The nave of Cologne's Cathedral is adorned with many pieces of stained glass. In fact, there is enough to cover three football fields.
Fact 10: The South Tower of the Dom contains a very steep stairway of some 509 steps. This stairway leads to a platform that offers a beautiful panorama of the city. Be sure to check out the belfry. St. Peter's Bell, the largest of the nine bells, weighs over 24 tons! It is the world's largest swinging church bell.
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