Frechen

Frechen is a town in the Rhein-Erft district of North Rhine-Westphalia, located directly west of Cologne and spread across several neighborhoods. The municipality combines residential areas with commercial sites and has green spaces along the main roads.

The settlement was first mentioned in a document from 877 and witnessed a battle in 1257 between Archbishop Conrad von Hochstaden and local forces. Over the centuries, the place developed into a center for ceramic production.

The Keramion opened in 1971 inside a building designed by Peter Neufert and displays the ceramic collection assembled by Gottfried Cremer over many years. The exhibition makes the town's long craft tradition visible and invites visitors to observe different forms and techniques up close.

The town is connected to Cologne and surrounding communities through regional roads and train links and offers service points for administrative matters in the town center. Orientation is made easier by signage, and many areas can be reached comfortably on foot or by bicycle.

During the 16th century, the place specialized in the production of terra cotta, particularly the making of bearded man jugs known as Bartmannskrüge, which were widely used at the time. These vessels with a bearded face shaped the local craft and helped establish the region as a known production site.

Location: Rhein-Erft District

Elevation above the sea: 75 m

Website: http://frechen.de

GPS coordinates: 50.90962,6.80819

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:45