Cologne [antikvár]

Foreword One of the most famous pieces of historical evidence in Cologne is the Dionysus mosaic. Between the dainty ornaments there are scenes displaying an elegant way of life: people dance and make music, they engage in sport or go for walks in the garden, there are animals and baskets of fruit. In the centre stands Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, of rapture and of release. Cologne also reflects a mosaic; put together by its town districts, the »Veedel«. Of course the cathedral is the centrepiece, which can be seen from nearly everywhere and which gives one a secure hold in the swarm of the city. Ancient ornaments are marked by thoroughfares - streets, rails and the Rhine - which help with orientation, so that one ends up in the »right« district. The Cologne »Veedel« are as different as the figures in the Dionysus mosaic. There are over one hundred parts and districts in Cologne. All of them have their own history, their lifestyle, their loveable and their odd aspects. To discover Cologne means to get to know the diversity of its Veedel - even the old-established inhabitants can still experience one or two surprises here. The character of a district can often be explained by history. The Old Town with its narrow alleyways is the medieval harbour district, the city centre of today is still situated on the site of the Roman town, the Ring in the new town of the 19th century gives the South district (Sudstadt), the university district (Univlertel), the Belgian district (Belgisches Viertel) or the North district (Nordstadt) a certain flair with its avenues and 19th century houses. On the right bank of the Rhine the formerly independent, small towns of Mulheim and Deutz still maintain their individuality today. The old workers' districts like Ehrenfeld and Nippes are now a lively mix of traditional milieus and young subcultures. Beside these particularly interesting districts for visitors there are also many more, which are worth an excursion. For instance the picturesque Zundorf in the South; the old villa quarter, Marienburg; Rlehl with the zoo and the botanical gardens; Siilz, characterised by its vicinity to the university; the »Northrhenish villages« from Merkenich to Worringen in the North; Holweide with its castles built in water; respectable Klettenberg; Chorweiler, an example of 1970s urban development There is something for every taste - you just have to find it. In this spirit have fun with this guidebook and welcome to Cologne. Kirstin Kabasci and Marcus Knupp