Cologne is the 4th largest city in Germany and the most populated city of the Rhine River. Cologne had been a major trading route between east and west Europe. The city was built by the Romans, occupied by the Holy Roman Empire, by the French during Napoleonic Era, and by the British briefly, after World War I. During World War II, about 61% of the city was destroyed. The cities pre-war Jewish population were either deported or killed. The city’s six synagogues were destroyed.
Today’s Cologne was the result of the 1945 Cologne urban planning and 1947 reconstruction of the city. The constructions of streets and thoroughfares to the city center help to modernize the city. Some old landmarks were chosen to be rebuilt. Cologne is a modern city with reflections of the old.
The Kolner Dom (The Cathedral Church of St Peter) is the tallest building second to the Telecommunication tower of 1981. It is the landmark of Cologne which can be seen all around town. It can hold more than 20,000 people. Because it holds the shrine of the Three Wise Men and has impressive stain-glass windows, it was included in the UNESCO world heritage site.
Inside the cathedral and the stain-glass windows.
The bridges of Cologne:
The interesting town center of Cologne:
Lastly a refreshing beer. Salute!
awesome retirement 