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

Shopping in Frankfurt

When we arrived in Frankfurt, while we were passing through the customs, a customs officer asked me the reason for the visit Frankurt and then suggested to the shopping. I was surprised with the question, I must admit. Shopping has never been my goal. However, walking through the city, the center of course, we ran into the shopping area, from huge department stores to chic boutiques. Then it became clear why a customs officer asked me that "stupid" question about shopping.
For more than half of a century, the Zeil is Frankfurt's main shopping district that has been thrilling locals and visitors who enjoy in shopping experiences, the Zeil has something for everyone.

Zeilgalerie

Zailgaleri is located on the Zeil, the Zeilgalerie is equally as renowned for its architecture as for its shops. This shopping center, opened in 1992 has interior floors slope so that a visitor is able to walk to the top of the building without stairs or escalators. Instead, shoppers can get from top to bottom of this modern glass and steel structure via centrally located escalators or a ramp, making it very accessible for the handicapped. This shopping center includes a number of stores peddling electronics and music as well as clothing and is home to several restaurants. A fun to visit rooftop terrace provides a panoramic view of the city.

All this I wrote in several posts is not all that Frankturt offers, this is only a part that I was able to see in three days. I have to mention, before I finish these memories on Frankfurt, that I ate here the best strudel ever, that in Frankufurt I felt really nice all the time and that I carry happy memories from this city and will certainly come back.
I recommend a walk along the river Main.

Goodbye Frankfurt!!!

Photos by: ilovetravels

Stroll through the Frankfurt

Römerberg.

As usual, and I recommend it to everyone, I took a hotel in the center of the city. Thanks to its central location in three days we toured the city and we didn't have to use public transportation. Everything was within easy reach.
I went to Frankfurt without a lot of preparation, the real task was to familiarize the airport, as I said before, you know, in my last post, then without any obligation stroll around the city.
The only goal was Goethe house, everything else was getting to know to a complete stranger. And Ihaven't regretted it.
At first glance I liked the city, it's not always about architecture, landmarks and so ....
Somehow I felt, maybe it was the atmosphere, like I was home, and that is the best sign that I'm in the right place. So walking through the city we came to Römerberg.

Römerberg

Römerberg

Römerberg is the central and most beautiful square in Frankfurt's Altstadt (Old Town). For most visitors this is the first stop on their trail through the inner city of Frankfurt.

Römer

There is the Römer, Frankfurt's town hall one of the city's most important historic buildings. The town hall was originally constructed in the fifteenth century, back in 1908 expanded with the wings.

Bridge of Sighs at City Hall

Ostzeile

Ostzeile

The east side of the square, opposite the Römer is known as the Ostzeile. This row of six picturesque half-timbered houses are reconstructions of the original fifteenth and sixteenth century houses, most of which were rebuilt or expanded in the eighteenth century. In March of 1944 the whole historic district was bombed including the Römerberg. Some of the historic buildings, like the Römer, were reconstructed soon after the war.

The Ostzeile however wasn't rebuilt until 1981-1983 when the houses were reconstructed following historical models.

Fountain of Justice

Fountain of Justice

The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice) at the center of the square was built in 1543. The statue of goddess Justitia, holding the scales of justice but without her usual blindfold, faces the Römer.
On this square there is also Alte Nikolaikirche.

Alte Nikolaikirche

Alte Nikolaikirche

It's a small early Gothic church which was possibly built as early as in the eleventh century. In 1290 the small church was promoted to a court chapel for the emperors. In the fifteenth century the church became the official chapel of the city council. A carillon of thirty-five bells chimes every day at 9:05, 12:05 and 17:05.

The most beautiful of all churches in the city is located near the Römerberg square and it is the Kaiserdom.
It's on the Domplatz.

Kaiserdom

Frankfurt 's cathedral , originally built in the thirteenth century . German kings and the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned in this church from 1356 until the 1792.

Large, impressive, rich Gothic building which houses the largest organ in Germany. The church is named after St. Bartholomew. This church suffered severe damage in World War II as well.

To be continued....
Photos by: ilovetravels

Frankfurt am Main-Wolfgang von Goethe

Walking around the city I've noticed that Frankfurt people are very proud to Wolfgang von Goethe the greatest writer in the German language, who was born in this city.

There is a monument and square,

Birth house:
Goethe was born in this house and spent his youth here until he went to study law to Leipzig. In this house he wrote his famous work "The sorrows of young Werther", work that gave him instant fame in 1774.

and Museum:
Adjacent to  the house is the Goethe museum where you can find a collection of paintings and other art items associated with this art lover.

even a cafe at the airport.
there I drank a delicious cappuccino :D.

I'm gonna take you through Goethe's house and museum through the pictures.
Enjoy!

I hope I wasn't boring. Now let's go for a walk through the city! Photos by: ilovetravels

"Leib & Seele” Restaurant

Before I continue the story about Frankfurt, here's one recommendation.

During our stay in Frankfurt we ate at this restaurant every day. We were very pleased with the service and food. The portions are really big and tasty. Every day was a big crowd, I had the impression that the locals love this place. People were waiting in line for a table in the restaurant. I would recommend it!

Photos by: ilovetravels

Frankfurt am Main

 "Mainhattan" at night 

Euro center

Here I am, after a long time my "hibernation" has passed and I continue to write a scrapbook from my travels. So at the beginning of November we went on a trip to Frankfurt.
Frankfurt am Main known as Frankfurt, is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany, with a population of about 700.000.  Frankfurt is the largest financial center in continental Europe and ranks among the world's leading financial centers. It is home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, Frankfurt Stock
Exchange and several large commercial banks. A unique feature of Frankfurt is its significant number of skyscrapers and high-rise buildings in the city center. Frankfurt is one of only a few cities in the European Union that have a skyline, the others being London, Milan, Warsaw, Madrid, Rotterdam and La Défense in the outer Paris region. Because of the city's skyline, Germans sometimes refer to Frankfurt as "Mainhattan" :).

Previously written is a fact, but the real reason for my trip to Frankfurt is... well I wanted to pass through its famous large airport, to see how traffic works there, how far from the center the airport is located... all because of my future planned trips to other continents.
When we arrived to the center a pleasant surprise!
City impressed me, not with its beauty, even though there are nice places, but the atmosphere that is difficult to describe with words, but I'll try: nice people, good beer :), wonderful little restaurants with good food, cakes, shopping .... everything at very reasonable prices,

shopping on the Zeil





Photos by: ilovetravels

although I have read somewhere, before departure, that Frankfurt was one of the most expensive cities in Germany.
I don't know, to me, everything was very acceptable.

Follows a stroll around the city, see you!

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