About Cologne
Colognians are very friendly people welcoming tourists of all types and with all interests. Cologne is Germany’s fourth largest city after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. It is the largest city both in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and within the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area which is one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than ten million people. As of June 31st 2009 Cologne is home to just under a million inhabitants. Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was founded in the year 38 BC. It lies on the river Rhine. The University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Cologne features a vibrant and exciting arts scene and is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland. It is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries which hold exhibitions ranging from local ancient Roman archaeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculptures. Cologne is known as a very important media centre within Germany. It is home to the head quarters of WDR, RTL, and VOX and more. The city also hosts the Cologne Comedy Festival which is considered the largest comedy festival in mainland Europe.
Cologne is one of the warmest cities in Germany. It has a temperate climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers. Its average annual temperature is 10 °C to 14.5 °C during the day and 5.5 °C at night.
There are many landmarks dotted around Cologne. The city’s most famous monument and the citizen’s most respected landmark is Cologne Cathedral. It is a Gothic church. Construction commenced in 1248 and was not completed until 1880. In 1996 it was designated a World Heritage site.
Cologne was the 2006 FIFA World Cup venue. The Rhein Energie Stadion is home to both the football team “1. FC Koln” and the American football Cologne Centurions who played in the now out of date NFL Europa. From 2002-2009 the Panasonic Toyota Racing Formula One team was based in the Marsdorf suburb.
Cologne Carnival is one of the biggest street festivals in Europe. The festival begins at 11 minutes past 11 a.m. on the 11th of November and continues until Ash Wednesday. This festival is a must for all ages.