Koln, also spelled Cologne, is a large city in western Germany. It is only a few hours from where we live in the Netherlands-3 hours if the traffic is light. Koln, like many German cities, holds Christmas Markets in the weeks preceding Christmas. We decided to visit the city and enjoy the festivities.
We first went to a small town outside of Koln called Siegburg. The Christmas Market there was an old fashioned or medieval theme.
The bread ovens with the wood fires
The market with booths
Goods for sale
Everyone needs a fur skin for Christmas
The merry-go-round
Wood working-the old way
The blacksmith with his furnace and anvil working the metal
Mel even started her own produce company.
Church on the main market square
We then drove to Koln. Koln is the 4th largest city in Germany. It is famous for the Cologne Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. The University of Cologne is one of the oldest in all of Europe. The town is located on both sides of the Rhine River. This small town that was made into the major trade and production center by the Romans around 50 A.D. It became the Roman provincial capital and was the most important Roman city north of the Alps.
During the medieval period, Koln continued its prominence as a trade and a commercial city. The huge Gothic cathedral was begun in 1248 and housed the relics of the Three Magi. It was the home of the Archbishop was the largest cathedral in Northern Europe. During WWII, the Cathedral was hit by 15 or 16 Allied bombs but was able to withstand the attacks. Much of the city was destroyed during the war with about 95% of the population leaving the city.
Koln Cathedral
On the steps in front of the Cathedral
Merry-go-round
The Christmas Market at the Cathedral
Koln Christmas Market
One of the numerous booths at the market
Nightfall at the Koln Cathedral Christmas Market
Koln street cafe
Headed to another Christmas Market in Koln
Christmas Market
Manger scene
Puppets
Wood carvings - the Three Magi
Street Band
Back to the Cathedral
Notice Mel in front of the Cathedral.
Probably the only time the sun shone through the clouds!
This building is huge
The relics of the Three Magi
Chapel of the Three Magi
Street in front of the Cathedral
Hotel decorated for Christmas
Mel's new friend
Street performer - when she moved it scared the boy.
He thought she was a statue.
Christmas Market outside the Cathedral
Again--truly amazing how large this building is.
Bruce Lee has a hair salon here in Koln. Who knew?
