Cologne (Germanic spelling Köln), is a city in the North Rhine–Westphalia region of Germany. Situated on the Rhine river, it is a port and an industrial centre producing electronic equipment, chemicals, and other manufactured goods.
Founded in the 1st century BC by the Romans, it flourished between the 4th and 13th centuries under powerful archbishops. In 1475 it became a free imperial city and a member of the Hanseatic League of merchants.
The most famous landmark is the 13th century Gothic cathedral, begun in 1248 and known as the Dom. Its twin spired structure is amazingly supported by 56 pillars and highlighted by magnificent stained-glass windows. Cologne was badly damaged in World War II. However, the cathedral and the Romanesque Church of St. Andreas still stand.
As well as cathedrals and churches, this charming city is home to world famous museums. It is a multinational metropolis with over a million inhabitants. Cologne is popular with tourists and visitors for its gastronomic delights, plazas, and vivacious nightlife, particularly during the annual carnival festivities. It also offers outstanding breweries producing unique Kölsch beer.
Nightspots are concentrated in four distinct quarters. Südstadt and St. Severins quarters have the most stylish bars and cafes. The area around Gross St. Martin in the Altstadt is popular with tourists and businessmen, while the far more relaxed Belgisches Viertel lies just to the west of the city centre. Concerts, plays, ballet and opera performances are held most evenings around the city centre.
Lovers of the arts are catered for by the Museum Complex between the River Rhine and the cathedral. It contains paintings from 14th century Dutch and German masters in a magnificent sky lit setting.
There are eight municipal and the many ecclesiastical and private museums in the city. Ludwig Museum is the most famous as it provides an overview of major international works of art from the 20th century. Römisch-Germanisches Museum tells the story of the Romans along the Rhine.
Also around Cologne are Gürzenich Hall, the Jewish Mikwe, the Opera House, the medieval Overstolzenhaus and the Roman Dionysus mosaic.