Cologne is a city full of fascinating monuments to visit, city life to experience and events to get involved in. If you like the sound of this and you want some extra advice on how to live it to the fullest, you’ve come to the right place.
Don’t miss
The Cathedral
Don’t miss the majestic and imposing Gothic cathedral, the Hohe Domkirche of Saint Peter, when you visit Cologne. It is so large that it can be seen from every point of the city and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside you’ll see magnificent, many-coloured stained-glass windows and the gilded sarcophagus, studded with jewels, containing the relics of the Three Wise Men.
The Hoenzollern Bridge
Another must-see is the Hoenzollern Bridge, a railway bridge built in 1911, with pedestrian lanes and railings studded with love padlocks, connecting the two sides of the Rhine.
Köln Triangle
You can also climb the Köln Triangle, a 100-metre tall skyscraper that resembles a triangle. You’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. You can also visit both the Chocolate Museum and the Ludwig Museum dedicated to contemporary art.
Shopping
For those who love shopping and sophistication, take a stroll through Cologne’s city centre neighbourhoods and the hip, multicultural Ehrenfeld area, where you’ll breathe in a bohemian atmosphere.
Cuisine
The typical cuisine of Cologne includes hearty, succulent dishes starting with Flönz, a PGI black pudding to eat combined with Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), which consists of mashed potatoes and apple sauce. Another dish you need to taste is Sauerbraten, a meat stew cooked with wine, water, herbs, and spices, and served with a grape sauce. Don’t miss the mouth-watering pork hock and quaff it all down with German beer.
Travel Documents
Identity Card
An identity card valid for leaving the country allows entry into European Union countries. However, please note that there have been reports of difficulties in some countries with the recognition of renewed and stamped paper identity cards, as well as the refusal of electronic ID cards renewed with a certificate issued by the municipality.
Passport
An ordinary passport is valid for all countries whose governments are recognized by the Italian one, except for any legal restrictions, and can be obtained by all citizens of the Republic. A passport is issued (and renewed) by the police and abroad, by diplomatic and consular representatives. It is valid for 10 years, but in some cases provided for by current legislation, this validity may be shortened.
For more information, see www.poliziadistato.it
