A Day in Cologne

Cologne's most recognisable landmark it the gigantic Gothic Cathedral in the Old City.  We could see the spires from way down the river.

As we approached another large church appeared.

We started our day with a guided walking tour in the old section.  Here just leaving the boat I tried to take a picture of it but it is so long you have to take one half at a time.  Our docking spot close to the bridge resulted in the rear of the boat being under the bridge. Apparently, the radio transmitter and wi-fi are at the rear of the boat so our connections were disrupted until we left the city.

This is not a clock, it measures the depth of the river at this point.  The large hand shows meters and the small one milimeters.

Most of these houses are reconstructions built on the style of the old houses in this area.  Cologne is over 2000 years old.

There is some park area between here and the river.  You can see the spires of the smaller church behind the houses.

A narrow cobble-stone street, with restaurants and bars, runs between the houses.

Another street view in Old Town.

They have a large store which is totally dedicated to Mardi Gras clothing.  Mardi Gras lasts 6 days here.

This is an excavation of the Medieval Synagogue and Jewish Quarter.  A more recent building was taken out and underneath they found ruins from the ancient Synagogue as well as from other time periods.  They plan to put a building over the ruins which allow public access to them.

Just a building in a more modern part of the city.

There is an extensive sewer system from the Roman times underneath the city.  Here is one section which has been brought up.

Here is the  gorgeous  Gothic Cathedral which is commonly known as the Dom.

Another view.  We were able to look inside.  

The Dom is known for the fact that is supposedly contains the bones of the three wise men.  Seems the locals don't even know whether or not they should believe that.
Below is the crypt they are in.

This building, located in old town, is reported to be from 1626.

Pizzeria in Old Town.

Windows........

Another window and a street sign.

Just a glimpse of the little train which takes tourists from the Dom to the Chocolate Factory or the Zoo.

After our guided tour was over we used the Hop On-Hop Off Bus to see more of the city. We finished off at the Lindt Chocolate Factory which was conveniently right beside our boat.

Later in the evening they had a three piece orchestra from Cologne come on board to entertain.

I must say this company goes all out to make sure everyone is happy and they are sure creative with the food.  Each night we have a choice of three or four entrees or some alternative selections which are always available.

Tomorrow we travel to Koblenz to tour a castle and then return to the boat for our journey down the Middle Rhine, the most beautiful part with lots of towns and castles.