COLOGNE - THE REST OF THE STORY (or some of it)

As it should be, the focus of a tour in Cologne centers on the magnificent cathedral.  However there is much more to see in Cologne (needing another lifetime here) including twelve Romanesque churches, architecture, fountains, and all the other little goodies that make one town unique from the others....

 Cologne is situated on both sides of the Rhine River.  The Deutz Bridge joins those two sections.  

Cologne is considered Europe's most flood prone city and the water level of the Rhine is closely monitored.  The above is a meter prominently displayed that shows the water level.    Thought it was a pretty funny looking clock when I first saw it.

The Neumarkt, along the water's edge.

The Fishmarkt -  The former fishery is now called the Stapelhaus. The late-gothic buildings themselves have been preserved in their original style. Nowadays, the Fischmarkt is a charming market square with many pubs and guest-houses.

A couple of the smaller churches, we can't all be cathedrals, you know.

St. Apostein Church

There are enough legends and tall tales to add another life time to my list of life times.  One is depicted in bronze in the Alter Market. 

 


Tunnes on the left the affable good natured soul; Schal on the right who takes pleasure in picking on and pulling pranks on Tunnes.

The statues are the creation of Wolfgang Reuter and the characters themselves are the brainchild of puppeteer Johann Christoph Winter.

Some little boys never grow up.

Another popular legend, or tradition,  is fun filled (the residents do like to have fun) is:

The oath was written in 1823 as a mockery of the city's soldiers, called sparks, who, from 1660 to 1794, served the Free Imperial City. More interested in drinking than fighting, these soldiers in their red and white uniforms were the subjects of ridicule by the people of Cologne.
The relief on the brick wall was created in 1973 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the association. It depicts two red sparks, who are watching a dancing majorette to the right of them, with what else but a glass of Kölsch in their hands.

There is an oath inscribed on the bronze plaque, which every spark must take on joining the association. Translated into English, the oath reads as follows: "With onions, kippers and clay pipes / and with red and white sparks hat / with wooden sword and pistol / I will be true to the carnival". After that, it is primarily about drinking and kissing...










Romance in Cologne

Not sure what the below had to do with anything but I loved it...of course water came out of the flute.

There was lots to see as we raced through the tour...I do know the hanging signs were indicative of the  business inside; there is a legend attached to the three woman statue, but otherwise it was just stuff I liked....