Cologne-Koeln

Cologne

So, Cologne is Germany's fourth largest city. It is located on both sides of the Rhine River. Cologne was founded and established in the first century AD, as the Roman Colonia. It was the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior and the headquarters of the military in the region until occupied by the Franks in 462. It is hard for me as a layman talk about the history of this city, the fact is that at each step may be seen its connection with the Roman Empire, which testifies long and rich history of this city. Besides the Cologne Cathedral (I mentioned it in my previous post) there is also Romano Germanic Museum. Since it was closed on New Year's Eve, I couldn't enter and see a treasure which is exposed in it, I just looked a bit through the window and, you know, now I have a reason to come back :)!

St. Martin Church

Cologne has a lot of nice spots to visit, but this time we didn't want to spend  a lot of time in  sightseeing, our short stay we mainly dedicated to the Cathedral and stroll along the river. What a pleasure!

City hall

However, walking through the city we saw City hall, the St. Martin Church, 4711 House (house of Cologne-scent) and ...... finally welcoming the New Year. The people were constantly arriving on the banks of the river and on the bridges to make fireworks to welcome the New Year.

It was awesome! Well done Cologne!

Cologne-Koeln

This trip to the Krka has been recently, and this, to Cologne was for New Year. I checked my posts about New Year's Eve in Paris last year, well I wrote them in March, and this year about New Year's Eve I am writing in June, I'm really making progress :). 
Kidding!
Let's see what it was like in Cologne.
I actually knew very little about Cologne, except of course that I heard for the famous cathedral, and in fact the cathedral  was important to see and the rest ...

Cologne Cathedral 

The cathedral dominates the city and together with a bridge, which stands next to the cathedral, make a beautiful image of the city. Cologne's Cathedral is the landmark in the city and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is one of the largest churches in the world and for some time the cathedral even held the title of the world's tallest building. It's dedicated to St. Peter and the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the World War II  Cologne Cathedral was hit by an estimated 70 bombs and was severely damaged though not totally destroyed. Repairs started after the war and were completed in 1956. The exterior is beautifully decorated with plenty of statues, bar tracery, pinnacles and gargoyles.

Tower climb is possible daily for 3 Euro. Make sure you're ready for a climb of 533 steps, there is no elevator in tower. I did it barely!

Hohenzollernbrücke

Of the seven bridges that cross the Rhine river in Cologne, the Hohenzollernbrücke is the most famous thanks in part to its location near the cathedral. It is also the oldest bridge, built between 1907 and 1911. Today people leave a proof of their love on it. Nice and crowded!

photos by ilovetravels

Cafe Reichard

Entrance

Cafe Reichard is a place in Cologne, which you shouldn't miss. On the door I read that it was established, 1855 year. It is a a long tradition, and probably if it wasn't so good that it wouldn't have worked up to nowadays. The ambiance, atmosphere and cakes are perfect.
Visit the place!

Photos by: ilovetravels

CityClass Hotel CAPRICE AM DOM

In front of the hotel

View from my room

And this time, as usual I chose the hotel in the city center. I didn't have any idea about ​​Cologne, except that I knew about its famous cathedral. When I arrived to the hotel I was surprised how hotel was centrally positioned. Almost the whole city, the Altstadt (Old Town), is pedestrian zone, and the hotel is situated at such place that everything can be visited on foot. In four days of our stay in Cologne we used transport only twice, from and back to the airport. The hotel is outstanding, clean, tidy, the rooms are quite comfortable, bathroom too, there is a mini bar in the room, television (which I never watch and I don'z need it), there's really all you need for a pleasant stay. The staff is friendly, breakfast is solid, I do't know what else to say except I recommend it!

bathroom

room

Photos by: ilovetravels