Cologne is the fourth most populous and third largest city in Germany, as well as one of the largest economic and cultural centers in the country. The "Metropolis of the Rhine", as Cologne is often called, is also one of the oldest cities in Germany, which has played a significant role in the history of Europe throughout its existence since the Roman era.
Cologne, with its main temple, Cologne Cathedral, represents one of the world centers of Catholicism and is figuratively called the capital of Catholicism in Germany; The Archbishop of Cologne is one of the cardinals.
Story
Roman period
The history of Cologne goes back centuries. Even 5,000 years ago, the ancient Celts had their fortifications here, as confirmed by archaeological finds in the Lindenthal area.However, the history of Cologne as a permanent settlement begins in 38 BC. from the base Oppidum Ubiorum. This fortified settlement was founded by Marcus Vispanius Agrippa, the general of Emperor Augustus after the resettlement of the Germanic Ubii tribe, friendly to the Romans, to the left bank of the Rhine. The Eburones who previously lived here were defeated by the troops of Gaius Julius Caesar. In 15 BC. In this village, surrounded by dense Germanic forests, Agrippina is born into the family of the commander Germanicus, who is considered the founding mother of the city of Cologne. Having become the wife of Emperor Claudius and at the same time an empress (and later the mother of Emperor Nero), she persuades her husband to give her hometown the status of a colony, officially placing it in the rank of imperial cities and introducing Roman law. In the year AD Oppidum Ubiorum receives this status and is henceforth called Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Latin Colonia Claudia of the Altar of Agrippina). The city was called Colonia Agrippina for short, and by the Middle Ages only “Colony” remained, in the local vernacular - Cologne.
From that time on, the city began to develop rapidly. In the year, during the unrest, the mayor of the Colony of Agrippina, Vitellius, proclaims himself emperor, but he is defeated by Vespasian. And already in the year the city was declared the capital of the province of Lower Germany (Germania Inferior) - an event that predetermined the historical fate of Cologne. In Col. Agrippina appears administrative buildings (praetorium - the governor's palace), temples (eg Jupiter), a theater; The administrative apparatus, traders, priests, and simply peasants were moving from Rome, hoping for fertile soils and lower taxes.
After 100 years, the city already has a population of 15,000 people - and this is in wild Germany, despite the fact that on the other side of the Rhine the possessions of free German tribes had already begun! Later, Cologne became the center of the glass industry, a mint appeared, and behind the city walls, which were destined to stand for hundreds of years, luxurious villas were built for the Roman nobility, who retired to the provinces.
Prussian period
It should be noted that the Cologne residents felt much more hostility towards the Prussians than towards the French. It is characteristic that it was the conservative, militaristic Prussian rule that was perceived as occupation, and not the period of entry into the French Republic. However, it was under the Prussians that Cologne again became a significant city, largely thanks to the beginning of the industrial age. In the city, a telegraph line was built here, and one of the first railway lines in Prussia, Cologne - Aachen, opened. In addition, construction of the Cologne Cathedral is being resumed in the city. By the end of the 19th century, numerous factories and factories appeared on the outskirts of Cologne, which, after the expansion of the territory, made it one of the largest industrial centers of the German Empire. In particular from to The communities of Deutz, Kalk, Fingst and Mülheim, which ran to the city walls, were included in Cologne. Before the First World War, the city's population exceeded 600,000 people.
Weimar Republic period
After Germany's defeat, Cologne briefly became the capital of the self-proclaimed Rhine Republic. Then, in the city, it, along with the entire Rhineland, enters the occupation zone of France. Despite inflation, the city is quickly recovering from the economic crisis and the consequences of the war. The university is reopening in the city, the Müngensdorf stadium is being built, the trade fair complex in Deutz is being built, and Ford is building its factories and factories here, which are still the main employers of the city. In the 20s, even the Ford Cologne model was produced. However, despite economic development, poverty, unemployment and housing shortages are rampant in the city.
Period of the Third Reich
In January, the Nazi party NSDAP came to power in Germany. The people of Cologne resisted the Nazis in the elections until the last moment, and only in March 1933, 2 months after Hitler was in power, the NSDAP received 39% here, which, however, allowed it to take power in the city into its own hands. Konrad Adenauer, the “permanent” burgomaster and a staunch anti-fascist, emigrates for fear of reprisals. Joseph Grohe becomes Gauleiter of the Cologne-Aachen district. In the city, Nazi troops enter the demilitarized Rhineland. Pogroms of Jews and Gypsies begin. On Kristallnacht, a crowd of fascists burns down the ancient Cologne synagogue and destroys shops and houses. With the beginning of the Second World War comes bombing, which by the end of it will destroy almost the entire city (up to 90% of the buildings). On May 31 alone, British aircraft destroyed more than 5,000 buildings. On April 12, American troops entered the city and liberated it from the “brown plague.”
Recent history
In June, Cologne enters the British occupation zone. 4 years later, in the first post-war elections, the former burgomaster of Cologne, Konrad Adenauer, becomes the first chancellorAttractions
As an ancient and large city, Cologne has many historical attractions. Many of them are only restored copies of originals destroyed in World War II. During the bombing by Allied aircraft from 1942 to 1945. Up to 90% of city buildings were destroyed, including numerous cultural monuments.
The main attraction of the city is, of course, the Cologne Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Peter. He miraculously survived the war, withstanding a direct hit from three bombs. Today it is one of the few remaining original temples in the city.
In addition to the cathedral, 12 Romanesque churches are among the most significant attractions of the city. The most interesting are the churches of St. Martin, St. Gereon, St. 12 Apostles, Saint Mary on the Capitol, Saint Panteleimon and Saint Ursula. Church of St. Gereon is the oldest church in Cologne, its construction began under the Romans, in IV, and the magnificent St. Assumption of Mary, built in the Baroque style, and the modern St. Elizabeth, and the “Kril Cathedral” with a medieval cemetery, and many others. Other outstanding architectural structures of the city besides the churches are some surviving monuments of ancient Roman architecture, such as the Roman tower near the cathedral or the ruins of the praetorium located under the streets of the old city. The town hall, several impressive city gates, Prussian fortifications and the magnificent Hohenzollern Bridge with its three arcades certainly complete the ensemble of attractions. The Overstoltz house, the Rhine embankment, wonderful parks and gardens (Stadtgarten, Volksgarten), many monuments all together determine the charm of this big city.
Besides everything else, Cologne is also the largest museum and exhibition center. It ranks second in the world in the number of art galleries, after New York. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum houses a magnificent collection of paintings from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the century, including such masters as Bosch, Lochner, Rembrandt, Rubens, van Gogh, Renoir. Other important museums include the Roman-Germanic Museum, the City Museum, the Schnütgen Museum (ecclesiastical art), the Museum of East Asian Art, the Ludwig Museum (one of the world's most important collections of modern art) and the Ethnographic Museum.
Cologne is home to Germany's largest university, with 64,000 students. Also in Cologne there are the City Institute, the Rhineland Institute, the European Phrinesius Institute, the Sports Institute, and the Catholic Institute. The Higher Schools of Art, Music and Cinematography are especially famous far beyond the city limits.
Famous Cologne residents
Such personalities as Agrippina (empress of the Roman Empire), Clovis (king of the Franks), St. Ursula, St. Severin, Plectrude (queen of the Franks), Charles Martell (king of the Franks), Rainald von Dassel (archbishop, chancellor of Italy), Thomas Aquinas (religious philosopher), Stefan Lochner (artist), Jacques Offenbach (composer), Adolf Kolping (public figure) , Karl Marx (philosopher), Heinrich Böll (writer),
The history of Cologne goes back centuries. Even 5,000 years ago, the ancient Celts had their fortifications here, as confirmed by archaeological finds in the Lindenthal area. However, the history of Cologne as a permanent settlement begins in 38 BC. e. from the founding of Oppidum Ubiorum. This fortified settlement was founded by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (the one whose name will forever remain on the Roman Pantheon), the commander of Emperor Augustus after the resettlement of the Germanic tribe of the Ubii, friendly to the Romans, to the left bank of the Rhine. The Eburones, who previously lived here, were defeated by the troops of Gaius Julius Caesar.
In 15 AD e. In this village, surrounded by dense Germanic forests, Agrippina the Younger (mother of Emperor Nero) was born into the family of the commander Germanicus, who is considered the founding mother of the city of Cologne. Having become the wife of Emperor Claudius and at the same time an empress, she persuades her husband to give her hometown the status of a colony, officially placing it in the rank of imperial cities and introducing Roman law. In 50 Oppidum Ubiorum received this status and has since been called Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Latin Colony of Claudia of the Altar of Agrippina). The city was called Colonia Agrippina for short, and by the Middle Ages only “Colony” remained, in the local vernacular - Cologne. In Italian the city is still called Colonia.
From that time on, the city began to develop rapidly. In 69, during the unrest, the mayor of the Colony of Agrippina, Vitellius, proclaimed himself emperor, but was defeated by Vespasian. And already in 85 the city was declared the capital of the province of Lower Germany (Germania Inferior) - an event that predetermined the historical fate of Cologne. In the Colony of Agrippina, administrative buildings appear (praetorium - the governor's palace), temples (of Jupiter), a theater; The administrative apparatus, traders, priests, and simply peasants were moving from Rome, hoping for fertile soils and lower taxes. After 100 years, the city already has a population of 15,000 people - and this is in wild Germany, despite the fact that on the other side of the Rhine the possessions of free German tribes had already begun! Later, Cologne became the center of the glass industry, a mint appeared, and behind the city walls, which were destined to stand for hundreds of years, luxurious villas were built for the Roman nobility, who retired to the provinces. In 310, by decree of Emperor Constantine, the first (and until the 19th century only) bridge across the Rhine was built. By this time, communities of Christians and Jews were already functioning in Cologne; after the Edict of Milan, Bishop Maternius of Cologne took part in the first conference of bishops of the Christian world (then still united).
However, since the end of the 4th century, a turbulent situation has been developing in Cologne. The rich colony becomes a victim of raids by the warlike Franks, as well as soldier riots. At this time, in Cologne, his current patroness, St. Ursula and her 11 virgins, suffered martyrdom. The raids of the Alans, Vandals and Saxons were successfully repelled. However, in 454 the Franks finally conquered Cologne and the surrounding area at the Battle of Zülpich. The Cologne Praetorium becomes the residence of King Clovis. The nearly half-thousand-year Roman period of Cologne ends with this.
Must-sees: Cologne Cathedral and Roman-German Museum. In the museum you can see objects of everyday life, everyday life and food of the inhabitants of the Roman city of the 1st-4th centuries AD. e., divided by topic. The collections on the top floor tell the story of the human settlement of the Cologne region since prehistoric times - during the Paleolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages.
The archaeological collection shows the rise of Cologne from a small settlement to the main city of the Roman province of Germania Inferior. Numerous Latin inscriptions written on the walls of houses and tombstones tell about her official life and the events of Roman history. Religious life is represented by altars, steles and objects of worship made of stone, bronze and clay. By the 1st century AD e. include sculptural portraits of Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia, the wife of Germanicus Agrippina the Elder, and others.
In 1248, when the Archbishop of Cologne, Conrad von Hochstaden, laid the foundation stone of Cologne Cathedral, one of the longest chapters in the history of European building began. Cologne, one of the richest and politically powerful cities of the then German Empire, considered it necessary to have its own cathedral - and its scale should have eclipsed all other churches.
There was another reason for the emergence of such a unique plan. Archbishop Rainald von Dassel of Cologne, chancellor and military leader of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, received from him the remains of the Holy Magi, or Three Kings, which had previously been kept in one of the Milan monasteries. This is how the emperor thanked the ruler for his military assistance during the conquest of Milan during the second Italian campaign. In 1164, Rainald von Dassel brought the relics to Cologne in triumph. For them, over the course of ten years, a sarcophagus was made from silver, gold and precious stones - the shrine of the Three Kings, one of the most precious shrines of Christianity. The high rank that Cologne achieved in Western European Christendom thanks to the acquisition of these relics was to be embodied in the corresponding cathedral.
When in 1790 Georg Forster glorified the upwardly slender columns of the choir, which was already considered a miracle of art in the years of its creation, the Cologne Cathedral stood as an unfinished frame, almost requiring repair. Between the choir, completed by a wall around 1300, and the south tower there was a temporarily covered nave, 70 meters long and only 13 meters high. The towers were not completed. Only the 59-meter southern tower rested against the sky like a mighty fragment, but it made it possible to imagine the intended scale of the western façade with two towers soaring upward. Work on the south tower was stopped around 1450, and then all construction activity was completely stopped.
In 1842, after careful preparatory work, King Frederick William IV of Prussia gave the order to complete Cologne Cathedral according to the original plans, and on September 4, 1842 he himself laid the first stone. By 1862, it was already possible to install trusses on the longitudinal and transverse naves; in 1863, construction began on towers 157 meters high. On October 15, 1880, in the presence of the German Emperor Wilhelm I, a celebration was held to mark the completion of construction.
However, even after this celebration, construction continued: glass was inserted into the windows, floors were laid, and in the end it was time to begin finishing. In 1906, one of the 24 large decorative towers that adorned the huge towers of the main facade collapsed; Other decorative towers also broke off, and damaged areas of masonry had to be put in order again and again. After 1945, work began to repair damage caused by bombing during World War II. But the temporary restoration office still stands on the site of the cathedral. Bad weather and, above all, environmental pollution contributed to numerous damages and would have led to the final destruction of the cathedral if protective measures had not been constantly taken. A chapter in the history of the construction of Cologne Cathedral is not completed today.
It is noteworthy that the Cologne Cathedral is located in close proximity to the main station of Cologne. In order to enter the cathedral, you need to walk no more than 50 meters from the station doors.
In this article you will learn:
In the western part of Germany, on the Rhine River, there is a city with ancient Roman history - Cologne. It is one of the largest centers of economic and political life in the country. It has satellite cities, with a total population of at least two and a half million people. The proximity to the Ruhr coal basin and large reserves for mining brown coal contributed to the development of Cologne as a powerful industrial region in Europe.
In this article you will learn the history and sights of the city of Cologne.
The most represented industries in the city are:
- Automotive industry - branches of Ford, Grundig, Toyota and Siemens.
- Chemical production - enterprises of the pharmaceutical concern Bayer, located in Leverkusen and Dormagen.
- Enterprises for the production of building materials.
- Oil refining.
- Textile industry.
- Food enterprises.
History of Cologne
The city has been known since Roman times. It received city status from Agrippina, the wife of Emperor Claudius in the year 50. During the Middle Ages, religious buildings were actively erected here, which is why Cologne was even called equal to Jerusalem. In 1288, it gained freedom, turned into the cultural center of the region, and the residents themselves began to manage it.
Ten years later, the University of Cologne, the largest in Germany, was founded here.
The exchange began operating in 1553, which is now one of the oldest. At the same time, city craftsmen invented the first cologne, it was called “Cologne Water”. Thanks to developed trade, its own university and educated citizens, it was ranked among the most successful and prosperous European cities of that time.
Since 1794, when Cologne was captured by the revolutionary French, it was first the territory of France, then of Prussia. New enterprises appeared on the outskirts of the city, making it a major industrial center in Germany. By the First World War there were more than 600 thousand inhabitants. After its completion, for some time it was the capital of the Rhine Republic, and then was under French occupation. During the Second World War, Cologne was destroyed by almost 80%. Today, the vast majority of buildings have been restored to their original appearance. The city preserves its traditions and cultural values accumulated over two thousand years of existence and is developing successfully.
Attractions
Cologne has priceless architectural monuments that confirm the complex path of its historical development.
Cologne Cathedral
It is the largest temple in Germany, made in the Gothic style, one of the symbols of the city. Construction began in 1248 and was completed 632 years later. The treasury of this cathedral is the richest in all of Europe, second only to the Vatican. The main value is considered to be the chest where the holy relics of the Magi and three kings are located: Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior. This is the largest golden sarcophagus in Western Europe.
The decoration of the temple inside and its appearance evoke admiration for its splendor and medieval spirit. The valuables found here - mosaics, altars, frescoes, niches, stained glass windows and statues of the apostles - are part of a unique collection of masterpieces of German architecture of all times.
Cologne Cathedral is listed by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity.
Cologne Cathedral
Chocolate Museum
Housed in a large building on the peninsula, where the entire history of the emergence and development of this product over three thousand years is presented. The museum opened in 1993 and is the first in the world; it has no analogues in any country. During excursions, visitors have the opportunity to try a sweet product from the original chocolate fountain.
Chocolate Museum
Ludwig Museum
It is believed that the exhibits exhibited here set the tone for contemporary art in Germany. The building is located near the Cologne Cathedral in the city center. Works of art up to the present time are exhibited here. One of the most famous sections is dedicated to American pop art. The collection of this direction is the first demonstration outside of America. Paintings by many famous artists are presented. Famous paintings by Picasso are also on display.
Ludwig Museum
Roman-Germanic Museum
Demonstrated unique archeological objects, which were found during excavations of the ancient city of the Roman era, where modern Cologne is now located. The opening took place in 1974. Among the exhibits, the mosaic of a ceramic floor from 225 AD is especially eye-catching; its area is 70 square meters. m.
Roman-Germanic Museum
Dwarven Fountain
The most popular fountain in Cologne. A legend about hardworking gnomes is associated with it. The plot is chosen from the children's ballad “Magic Helpers” by the German poet August Kopisch. The fountain gradually demonstrates the plot: a sleeping townsman clutching a jug of beer, gnomes, a tailor’s wife with a lantern.
Dwarven Fountain
Roman tower
It was built back in the 2nd century, when Cologne was a Roman colony, defending itself from barbarian raids. The tower is a round structure with a jagged crown, built from various stones - trachyte, sandstone, limestone. The walls were decorated with mosaic masonry. Since the 19th century, the Roman Tower has been considered a historical monument. To see it, you need to walk west from the cathedral.
Roman tower
Monument to Thynnes and Skal
It depicts funny fairy-tale characters: the good-natured bumpkin Tynnes and the resourceful deceiver Skal. They were created back in the 19th century by the writer and storyteller Johan Winter and were loved by the people. Many people sincerely believe that if you make a wish and then rub the characters’ noses, it will come true. The noses are now polished to a shine.
Monument to Thynnes and Skal
Church of St. Andrew the Apostle
It is located near the Cologne Cathedral and was built at the turn of the 10th century. This is a place of pilgrimage for believers. The holy relics of Andrew the First-Called, as well as the apostles: Simon the Zealot, Judas Thaddeus, and the Maccabean martyrs are kept here. The objects of worship are part of the Cross, on which Christ was crucified, and the icon of the “Virgin Mary “Passionate”. In the church there is a tombstone of the philosopher Albertus Magnus - the teacher of Thomas Aquinas.
Church of St. Andrew the Apostle
Sport
Football is popular in the city; there are two teams: Cologne and Fortuna. Cologne has repeatedly won the German championship and participated in international competitions.
Hockey is no less popular. The main club “Kolner Haie” is a team from the major league, a multiple champion of the country.
Handball, basketball, and rugby are also developed. Cologne has a sports arena, a stadium, many sports complexes, and the world's largest physical education university.
Transport
There is an international airport in Cologne, shipping, and railway connections by electric trains are developed.
The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Cologne and back
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The city is covered by a wide network of public transport: 60 routes of high-speed trams and buses, 11 metro lines.
Metrotram with the symbols of the football club Cologne
The metro and trams are closely connected: the metro line first runs underground, smoothly emerges to the surface, and ends at a tram stop. Buses and taxis are popular. You can rent a bicycle or a scooter.
Tickets for public transport can be purchased at bus stops, metro stations or kiosks. The cost varies depending on the number of zones crossed. The city's territory is divided into 9 districts. Each of them has districts.
Where to stay
You can stay in a hotel in Cologne. We suggest taking a look at hotels located near the city center.
| Hotel | Stardom | Discount | Price per night, from | Select dates |
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Hotel im Wasserturm |
★★★★ |
5 926 5 102 | ||
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Holiday Inn Express - Cologne - City Center |
★★★ |
5 134 4 817 | ||
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Hotel Altera Pars |
★★★ |
5 197 4 500 | ||
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Aparthotel Adagio Köln City |
★★★★ |
5 387 4 627 | ||
|
★★★ |
11 598 8 334 | |||
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Hotel Am Augustinerplatz |
★★★★ |
7 035 5 577 | ||
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Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt (ex. InterContinental Cologne) |
★★★★★ |
9 380 6 972 | ||
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Hotel Glockengasse |
★★★ |
5 118 4 199 | ||
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Hotel Monte Christo |
★★★ |
5 641 4 690 | ||
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Mercure Severinshof Koeln City |
★★★★ |
5 387 5 007 | ||
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Humboldt1 Palais-Hotel & Bar |
★★★★★ |
10 267 8 936 | ||
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Stadthotel am Römerturm |
★★★★ |
7 162 5 260 | ||
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Mauritius Komfort Hotel in der Altstadt |
★★★ |
Heraldry
City coat of arms
Cologne is the fourth largest city in terms of area and number of inhabitants (986 thousand in 2006), a leading center of culture and media of all-German significance, and one of the leading centers for trade in art objects. Cologne has been chosen as its center by such influential organizations as the International Chamber of Commerce, the Union of German Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers' Union, the Chamber of Crafts and the Union of German Banks. 
Cologne is perhaps the most liberated German city. The tolerance of local residents contributed to the fact that Cologne became a kind of “blue” capital of Germany.
It is also the country's most important transport hub, with its Eifeltor freight station being Germany's largest container and transhipment station. The Rhineport is the largest inland port in Europe.
Cologne's international trade fairs and exhibitions for industry, services and the arts are known throughout the world, such as Anuga, Photokina or Art Cologne. In Cologne, numerous television channels have settled here, now the city is the leader in the number of television channels in Germany!, as well as publishing houses and recording studios. Cologne is the location of the famous carnival, the largest in Germany. More than 43 thousand students study at the city’s university (one of the largest in Germany), the largest specialized university in Germany is also located here (16,500 thousand students), and a large number of smaller universities. Only recently were such large-scale projects completed as the Cologne Arena, the largest hockey stadium in Europe and the largest concert hall in Germany, and the Media Park, a beautiful modern quarter in which media offices, cinemas, TV channel studios, etc. are concentrated. Cologne Cathedral has been recognized as part of the world cultural heritage of UNESCO since 1997. 
The Rhine divides the city into 2 parts: on the left bank there are historical and residential areas, on the right - industrial enterprises.
Innenstadt is a historical center, conventionally divided into 2 parts – northern and southern. The northern part is around the Cathedral and Neumarkt. The southern part is between Zülpicher Platz and Chlodwig Platz and along Severinstrasse.
South-west: the neighborhoods of Lindental, Bayental, Marienburg (Lindental, Bayental, Marienburg) are primarily residential and very cozy areas. Rodenkirchen is a walking area that stretches along the banks of the Rhine.
East: Muehlheim, Kalk, Deutz – accessible by cableway over the river. The Deutz district offers the most beautiful panorama of Cologne.
Cologne has always retained its individuality; two World Wars failed to change anything, although in 1945 it was destroyed by almost 90%. And now, more than 50 years later, city residents are proud of their city and love it very much.
A Brief History of Cologne
Cologne is the oldest among large cities in Germany, its history goes back more than 2 thousand years. The Roman name of the city - "Colonia Agrippina" - comes from the name of the Roman Empress Agrippina, wife of Emperor Claudius, who was born on the Rhine and granted the small settlement of Ubii the status of a city in 50 AD. Later, the name Cologne came from the word “colony”. And today, traces of the Roman presence are visible in different places in the central part of the city.
Along with the Romans, Christianity came to Cologne. And in 785, Charlemagne established the Archbishopric of Cologne and transferred secular power in the city to church leaders: in the Holy Roman Empire, the Archbishop of Cologne was one of the most powerful feudal rulers. In 1164, Archbishop Rainald von Dassel transported the remains of the three holy kings - the Magi - to the city, for their storage and it was decided to build a giant cathedral, the largest building north of the Alps. The first stone of the cathedral was laid in 1248, but only by 1880, with the participation of the Prussian administration, the construction was completed. During this era, 12 Romanesque churches were also erected in the central part of the city.
The citizens of Cologne quickly “tired” of the rule of the archbishops. In 1288, they expelled the archbishop from the city (since then the archbishops moved to neighboring Bonn, in the vicinity of which residences were subsequently erected - the castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust, today part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage), in 1396 a city constitution and a city council with a burghermeister were created, and in 1475 Cologne officially received the status of a free imperial city. The Middle Ages were the heyday of Cologne, which became one of the largest and richest cities in Germany, played an important role in the Hanseatic League, and was a leading fair center. Already in 1388, the second oldest university in Germany was founded here.
The surrender to French troops without a fight in 1794 ends the history of Cologne as a free imperial city. During this period, the university is closed, church property is subject to secularization. In 1815, by decision of the Congress of Vienna, Cologne came into the possession of Prussia. Over the next few decades, Cologne retains its importance - now as one of the largest cities in Prussia. In 1822, the first temporary bridge across the Rhine since the times of the Romans was built - Hohenzollernbrücke, and later a permanent railway and pedestrian bridge appeared in its place (1859). In 1823, the now famous Cologne Carnival was held for the first time. Joining Prussia also contributed to the active industrialization of the Cologne region; such companies as the Stollwerck chocolate factory or the engineering concert Kloeckner Humboldt Deutz AG are known to this day (its founder Nikolaus August Otto invents the first internal combustion engine in 1874). It was in Cologne that the physicist G.S. Ohm, in 1824, discovered the law of electricity, now known to any schoolchild. The city is becoming an important junction of railway and river transport. In 1881, the medieval city wall, which until then had limited the growth of the city, was demolished, and in its place a modern boulevard ring was created. With the support of the imperial government, the construction of Cologne Cathedral was finally completed.
After the First World War, which temporarily disrupted the development of the city, the future Bundeschancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer, became its Oberbürgermeister. Under his administration, a university was reopened in Cologne, an active urban planning policy was being pursued, and a modern fair complex was being built in the Deutz district. The 1920s marked the birth of Cologne as a media center: the radio company Westdeutsche Rundfunk AG (WDR) was founded here in 1926, and the Pressa press exhibition was held for the first time in 1928. In 1930, G. Ford founded a branch of the Ford plant here. In the 20s, Cologne photographer August Sander created a series of works “People of the 20th Century”, which made him world famous.
From 1933 to 1945, the city was under the National Socialist dictatorship and was turned into the center of the Nazi military district; in 1935, the Gestapo headquarters (EL-DE-Haus) was opened in the city center - now a museum of Gestapo crimes. After the war, more than 80% of the old city lay in ruins, Cologne was called the largest pile of rubble in the world. It was not until 1959 that the population reached pre-war levels. The restoration of the city begins immediately after the war, but is completed only in the 80s.
In the second half of the 20th century, the city continued to transform itself into a center of culture and media: in 1950, the Fotokina fair was held for the first time, in 1967 - the first art fair, now the famous Art Cologne. In subsequent years, numerous galleries opened here and numerous artists worked here, television and radio broadcasting flourished, such masters as, for example, Karlheinz Stockhauchen or John Cage work in the WDR music studio. In the 70-80s, the city's population approached the million mark. The writer G. Böhl (“Through the Eyes of a Clown”), working in Cologne, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972. In 1974, the Roman-Germanic Museum opened.