Home to about a million of people, the city of Cologne lies in the west of Germany along the banks of the River Rhine. The city boasts a large number of top attractions, from modern art galleries to a chocolate museum. Cologne is Germany’s fourth largest city spreading out to n area of around 405 square kilometres.

The city can be divided into 9 different boroughs, with this further split up into 86 distinct quarters. These city quarters are known as Veedel, Colognes traditional neighbourhoods, and they each hold something different to delight the large number of visitors who descend on the city each and every year.

The Agnesviertel segment in this area takes pride in its large collection of independent designers, bookshops, bars, and art galleries along with many notable historical monuments, such as the North City Gate or Eigelsteintorburg. Near it lies Fort X, which was built to protect the city from French attacks, and Agneskirche, a late neo-gothic church on the boulevardesque Neusserstrasse. Neusserstrasse also has a yoga school, an Aikido school, a japanese restaurant, a well-stocked bookshop, and a range of pubs.

Standing close is the Alte Feuerwache which hosts regular exhibitions on political topics and a surreal flea market every four weeks in summer. The Artclub holds regular exhibitions of contemporary art, and on Ebertplatz there is a cinema (Metropolis) which shows films in the original(Mostly English, but sometimes also french or spanish). Lübeckerstrasse is known for its Arty Filmpalette cinema.

Built by Wilhelm Vernukken, during 1569-1573, the loggia in the town hall of Cologne is a sight to behold. Its façade has a marked Renaissance characteristic and most historians consider its loggia a most typical Renaissance building. Its architecture is appreciated by all as are the sculptures and carvings present.

The town hall was originally built to serve as a connection between the city council and citizenry. Often morning addresses were held here by the council. However today, this link has become very informal. It even has an open façade where fans can boost their idols with their cheering.

A unique sculpture displaying a struggle between the mayor Gryn and the lion adorns the upper floor parapet. It signifies the legend that speaks of a great fight between the locals and the church for the controls of the city.

The town hall tower stands tall with its height of almost 61 metres! It depicts the church’s authority over the state. It was constructed by the guild after their victory over the nobility in 1396. Its construction style like the entire building is late gothic. It has three tetragonal lower floors and two octagonal upper floor boasts. “Platzjabbeck”, is an extremely famous wooden sculpture which takes out its tongue when the clock tower strikes the hour. Though the workmanship on this statue is remarkable, its sight is pretty pathetic. However there are a number of other stone statues present and they are a sight to behold.

The “Piazetta”, a 900 sqm large, 12.60 meter high open space is the centre of the town hall. It features not only a fantastic view of the enormous tower but also another monument by the name of “Wolke” by Hann Trier. The southern area has the administrative wing. The lion courtyard or “Löwenhof” another part of the town hall lies to its north as does the tower. The Hanseatic League hall or “Hansasaal” lies to its west while to its east lie the office rooms and reception hall.

The Hansasaal is one of the oldest rooms in the town hall. It got its name because it used to be used by the Hanseatic League for its meetings. Later the council started using it as a reception hall. The war ravaged much of its beauty however it was later restored to its original gothic design. “Neun guten Helden” or the sculpture of the nine good horses adorns its south wall and is a sight to behold. Other significant artworks present in the room are the eight prophet figures, the impressive council chairs by Melchior von Reidt and the wooden inlay of the doorways.

Remains of the Roman praetorium have also been discovered at this site. Though in an astonishing condition earlier it has now been restored to its previous glory and can be visited.