cologne

Cologne, officially the City of Cologne (German: Köln), is a major city in western Germany. It lies on the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia and serves as a cultural, media, and economic hub for the Rhine-Ruhr region. With about one million residents, it is Germany's fourth-largest city by population and a major tourist destination, known for its historic architecture and lively neighborhoods.

Cologne was founded by the Romans in the 1st century CE as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium and grew into an important religious and commercial center. In the Middle Ages it developed as a leading ecclesiastical principality and trading town. The city suffered extensive damage in World War II and was rebuilt in the postwar era.

The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a Gothic masterpiece, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany's most visited landmarks. Other notable institutions include the Museum Ludwig, the Romano-Germanic Museum, and the Chocolate Museum. The Old Town features narrow streets, medieval churches, and the Hohenzollern Bridge, known for its love locks.

Economically, Cologne is a media and events hub, hosting Koelnmesse international trade fairs. The Rhine port supports commerce, and Cologne Bonn Airport offers passenger and cargo service. The city is well connected by rail and road, with the Cologne Hauptbahnhof as a major interchange. Higher education is anchored by the University of Cologne and several technical and applied sciences institutions.

Cologne has a diverse population and a rich cultural life, including the annual Cologne Carnival. The city supports theaters, orchestras, and museums, and it is known for Kölsch, a local beer. As a regional capital and global city, Cologne remains an influential center in western Germany.