City of Cologne

Cologne, founded by the romans in 50 aD is a city with different facets and faces – a small town but an international major city. This is due in part to its ever-changing history but also to its people.

Even today, artefacts such as the city wall or the roman water system provide evidence of its rich roman history. Parts of the old town (Altstadt) reflect almost 2,000 years of history. Cologne is the metropolis on the river rhine: a cultural centre, a media centre, an economic centre and, especially, a fair and conference centre. Cologne, with its numerous museums, churches, theatres, restaurants and bars is the fourth largest city in Germany.

The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), whose spires measure 157 m in height, is the best-known building and Cologne’s landmark. The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral was set in 1248, but the cathedral was not completed until 1880. Also well-known in addition to the Cologne Cathedral, are the 12 roman collegiate, monastery and convent churches.

Several radio and TV-stations having their headquarters in Cologne have contributed to the natural growth of an active arts scene. Cologne is the home of the famous “photokina” and “Art Cologne” and also to countless art galleries.

Cologne is famous for two other things: the carnival and the “Kölsch”. The carnival has its peak with the traditional “Rosenmontagsumzug” parade in February, however, the carnival season will be kicked off on November 11 at 11.11 a.m. “Kölsch” is the traditional beer, which can only be called “Kölsch” if brewed in Cologne.

The city of Cologne will be an excellent host for the 12th European AIDS Conference/EACS.