Cologne (German: Koln, pronounced (kœln) is Germany's fourth-largest city (after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich), and is the largest city both in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and within the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than ten million inhabitants. It is one of the oldest cities in Germany, having been founded by the Ubii in the year 38 BC. The name is derived from that of the Roman settlement, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.
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Cologne is located on both sides of the Rhine River. The city's famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. The University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln) is one of Europe's oldest universities.
Cologne is a major cultural center of the Rhineland and has a vibrant arts scene. Cologne is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions range from local ancient Roman archeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture. The Cologne Trade Fair hosts a number of trade shows such as Art Cologne, imm Cologne International Furniture Fair and the Photokina. Cologne is also well-known for its celebration of Cologne Carnival, the annual reggae summerjam.
Within Germany, Cologne is known as an important media center. Several radio and television stations, including Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), RTL and VOX, have their headquarters in the city.
Cologne Cathedral: In 1996, it was designated a World Heritage site. It is Germany's largest church and the third-largest church world-wide. The cathedral is more than 750 years old and every year more than 6.5 million people come to see it.
Schildergasse: This street in Cologne's Old Town is one of the most visited shopping areas in Europe.
Rheinauhafen: Trendy cafés, restaurants, a cultural centre and galleries attract visitors to this modern quarter.
Imhoff chocolate museum: The exhibition is situated on the Rheinau-peninsula and shows the whole history of chocolate and their production methods.
Cologne Zoo: It is one of the largest zoos in Germany, covering more than 20.000 square metres. A new attraction will be added in 2010: the Hippodom, a new enclosure for hippos that resembles an African river landscape.
Koln-Dusseldorfer Rheinschifffahrt (KD): - The largest and most modern fleet on the Rhine river carries between the two major cities on the Rhine River, Cologne and Düsseldorf. The KD fleet will take you up and down the river all day long.
4711 House: The traditional house located on Glockengasse is the birthplace and home of the world-renowned 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser. Guided tours, fragrance seminars and other events. Opened daily, tours every Saturday.
km 689: This year, Cologne Beach Club, which is located on the banks of the Rhine River, will open up in the first week of April. Holiday feeling and a cool drink at the beach bar, Rheinparkweg 1, at the river's 689 kilometre mark across the Old Town.
Museum of the City of Cologne: Works of art and everyday objects illustrate the exciting history of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Musical Dome: Cologne's dedicated musical venue is an architectural eyecatcher, located at the Rhine River near the Old Town. Since the end of 2009, it plays host to the musical “Hairspray", but it also features performances like “The Ten Tenors”.