August 3 – Cologne, Germany

It was a rather dreary day today but at least it didn’t rain.  Photos of our Rhine River Cruising.

We docked in Cologne today and were headed out on our walking tours of the city by mid‑morning.  Photos from around the city.

Some fountains and art.

Tiles on the road commemorating Jews killed in the holocaust. 

Cologne was Roman city and there is a large museum containing Roman artifacts.  It has been closed for some time for renovations but adjacent to it were some uncovered ruins...a portion of the wall (sticking out of the wall on the left), the Roman road and part of the sewer system.

Almost 95% of the city was leveled during World War II but it has been rebuilt with a reasonable amount of charm.  The major landmark that was spared bombing was the Cathedral.  Allied bombers used the cathedral spires as landmarks for their bombing raids so they took pains to make sure it stayed intact.  It had only minor damage to one corner when a bomb intended for the nearby train station accidently hit a corner of the cathedral.

Construction of this gorgeous, Gothic cathedral started in 1248 but it wasn’t completed until the middle of the 19^th century.  There was a 300 year hiatus on construction due to the Reformation, the Thirty Year War and then lack of money. 

Details of the cathedral.

Much of the building is constructed of sandstone so it is soft.  The building has darkened over the years due to pollution, but the soft sandstone does not allow it to be sand blasted for cleaning.  So, the building is continuously inspected for damage and pieces are replaced as needed.  So, there are very light parts and the original dark parts (and the ever present scaffolding).

The nave and flanking wings soared to 475 feet...they were huge and beautiful.

The organ.

More photos of the interior.

Stained glass windows of the cathedral.

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More Cologne Cathedral
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Cologne (Köln) is the birthplace of Eau de Cologne.  And the original cologne was #4711.  It was developed in the 18th century and is the oldest cologne still being produced. 

Also saw a bride while walking through town (seems to happen often almost everywhere we got).

Gardens at a beer hall. 

A bakery with yummy looking pastries.

A Swarovski crystal shop.

And interesting street art in front of the cathedral.

A beer hall with a popular outdoor drinking area.

In the afternoon we heard a commotion outside our cabin window and checked to see what was going on.  AQ ferry was passing our boat and the entire deck was stuffed with a  spin class…everyone on their stationery bikes peddling away.