Kölner Dom / Cologne Cathedral, Hauptbahnhof, Station area

- Cologne Cathedral, Hohe Domkirche St Peter und Maria, Central Station, Domplatte, Roncalliplatz, Ludwig Museum, Roman-German Museum, Dom-Station area, Sta Maria Himmefart

Cologne was heavily bombed in 1945 during WWII so most historic buildings were replaced by modernist buldings. But the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) survived even thought it was damaged. This catholic church is the largest and most impressive gothic cathedral in the world and the greatest landmark of Köln! At 157m to the two spires it is still the tallest building in Köln. It was also the world’s tallest structure in 1880-84 and still the world’s 3rd tallest church! The cathedral was built 1248–1560 and completed 1842–1880. It is free to visit the cathedral, that is Germany’s most visited landmark (20 000 visitors a day), and it is really impressive with really high ceiling and almost like a city block of its own. In the crypt what is said to be the remnants of the Three Wise Men are buried in Der Dreikönigenschrein. It is the largest reliquary in the Western world. The full German name of the cathedral is Hohe Domkirche St Peter und Maria.

Opposite Kölner Dom is the square Domplatte, with Roman ruins, and benches and fountains, and stairs, a popular place to hang out or sit down and relax. Right next to the cathedral is Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station), a large railway station that opened in 1859. But today it has a modern glass facade since it was bombed during WWII. Even if the original building was just slightly damaged, it was torn down to make way for the new building. On the main building there is a large old glass wall with advertizment for the local Kölsch beer and the 4711 Eau de Cologne. The station has 11 platforms and about 280,000 travellers a day. Many of the 60s modernist surroundings are quite dull and grey, especially in contrast to the gothic beauty. Museum Ludwig is a very popular art museum in a modernist building. Next to the station and the cathedral is the church Sta Maria Himmelfahrt and also the Dominican Church of St. Andrew, beautiful churches, but overshadowed by the cathedral.

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