The Town Hall
Germany - Cologne - Dusseldorf - Frankfurt - Munich - Stuttgart - Hamburg - Berlin
When you visit Cologne, you will find that its skyline is dotted with impressive structures mostly having protruding church spires. When you look next to the church of Sankt Martin, you will find a building whose spire is inconspicuous in not having a cross but a sign carried by an angel telling you that it is The Town Hall, Cologne. This Town Hall in Germany is the oldest and got its first mention in historical documents some time between the years 1135-1152. However, the building came to the form as we see it today from the 14th century. The 61m high tower i.e. Ratsturm that marks the Town Hall building was built by the city council between 1407 and 1414. It was built over the wine cellar which is nowadays used for wedding ceremonies. This tower symbolized the self-confidence of the citizens of Cologne, who had the affairs of the city in their own hands. The main entrance known as loggia was built in 1573. The loggia was the only part of the Town Hall that survived the wrath of World War II, which saw most of the building destroyed. The oldest preserved part of the Town Hall is the Hansesaal. It got its name from a gathering in a room in 1367, by members of the Hanseatic League, who decided to wage war against King Waldemar of Denmark. The first floor of this oldest Town Hall in Germany has the magnificent senate room. The councilors used to gather in this room for consultations.
A fire caused severe damage to the Town Hall building in 1367. The front square of the Town Hall, Cologne and the building both were enlarged after the fire. The Jewish synagogue in front of the building was turned into the chapel of the Town Hall.
A special attraction in front of the Town Hall, Cologne is Mikwe, a 12th century Jewish ritual bath preserved in a glass pyramid. This shows the Jewish connection of this Town Hall in Germany.
The Town Hall, Cologne has the Mayor’s Office and is used for both public and private events throughout the year. What more, you can even see marriage held in this Town Hall on your visit to this historic building.
A fire caused severe damage to the Town Hall building in 1367. The front square of the Town Hall, Cologne and the building both were enlarged after the fire. The Jewish synagogue in front of the building was turned into the chapel of the Town Hall.
A special attraction in front of the Town Hall, Cologne is Mikwe, a 12th century Jewish ritual bath preserved in a glass pyramid. This shows the Jewish connection of this Town Hall in Germany.
The Town Hall, Cologne has the Mayor’s Office and is used for both public and private events throughout the year. What more, you can even see marriage held in this Town Hall on your visit to this historic building.
