Cologne, Germany

Cologne Cathedral interior

Cathedral

We spent this morning in Cologne, Germany. Cologne has existed since Roman times when it was recognized as a Roman city.

Roman mosaic floor

Roman arch

It has been under the rule of various groups and nations over time. This city was essentially (90%) destroyed during bombing raids in WWII, but the Allied forces made an effort to avoid the Cathedral, although it still sustained notable damage. The city has obviously been rebuilt, some in the old styles to maintain some historical effect, but most is modern.

Post-war destruction

Cologne

fountain

We took a walking tour of the city center, near the cathedral. The construction of the cathedral started in 1248 and stopped in 1473. The site had previously housed a Roman temple and later various Christian churches. The construction was restarted again in 1842 and completed in 1880. It is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe…and it is impressive.

Inside the cathedral

Part of the cathedral’s organ

Reliquary

Cathedral mosaic floor

Stained glass

More of the organ

Cathedral door

On our tour we also saw some buildings that are replicas of the original style of the city as well as some very modern buildings (one of which is locally known as the trash bag as it looks like the blue trash bags used here).

Replicas of original architecture

Narrow streets

We had some pastries (Paul had a berliner…sugar coated jelly donut) and found a camera store. I got an inexpensive point and shoot to use for the remainder of the trip.

Berliners

Pastries

Leaving Cologne

Cathedral from the Rhine

Cologne from the Rhine

We spent the afternoon on the ship. We sailed past Bonn and Remagen, among other towns along the Rhine. At Remagen there is the Ludendorff Bridge, or rather, what remains of it. It was built by the Germans in WWI to help with war efforts. In WWII the US took the bridge in a big strategic victory. The Germans eventually destroyed the bridge after the US forces used it to move many soldiers and supplies across the Rhine. The towers on each shore still stand: one side is a museum and the other is a performing arts area.

Towers of the Ludendorff Bridge

View between Cologne and Koblenz

In the evening we docked in Koblenz. This is a city that has already celebrated its 2000th anniversary, but the area has been settled since at least 1000 BC. It, too, was heavily bombed in WWII. We did an after-dinner quick walking tour of the town center as we leave early in the morning.

Church in Koblenz

Doors to another church in Koblenz

Koblenz

Today also brought me a camera shop and an inexpensive point-and-shoot that I hope will be useful tomorrow.