Alter Markt, Historic square in Altstadt-Nord, Cologne, Germany.
Alter Markt is a central square in Cologne's Old Town covering approximately 59,200 square feet (5,500 square meters) and surrounded by traditional buildings, outdoor cafes, and the tower of the historic City Hall.
The square originated during the Roman period as a port location on a tributary of the Rhine River and became Cologne's primary marketplace by the tenth century, serving as a trading hub and venue for public gatherings.
The square hosts seasonal events including the Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market each December and serves as the starting point for Cologne's famous Carnival celebrations, drawing both residents and visitors to enjoy traditional festivities and regional cuisine.
Visitors can reach the square via public transport at the nearby Dom/Hbf station and find parking facilities at Groß St. Martin and under Heumarkt, with the postal code 50667 marking the area.
The Jan von Werth Fountain erected in 1884 stands at the center of the square, featuring a sculpture by Wilhelm Albermann that honors a general from the Thirty Years' War with reliefs depicting his romantic story.
Location: Altstadt-Nord
GPS coordinates: 50.93860,6.96002
Latest update: November 28, 2025 09:49
Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, has stood on the banks of the Rhine for over two thousand years. This collection presents the main monuments, museums, and sites that trace the city's history from Roman times to the present day. The Gothic cathedral dominates the city center with its two 157-meter-tall towers, while remnants of medieval fortifications, such as the Hahnen Gate, testify to the defensive past of the city. The museums in Cologne offer a journey through the centuries. The Roman-Germanic Museum displays Dionysus’ mosaic and archaeological remains of the Roman colonia. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum houses seven centuries of European painting, from the Middle Ages to Impressionism. The Museum Ludwig contains one of the largest collections of pop art outside the United States, including major works by Warhol and Lichtenstein. The Nazi Documentation Center, located in the former Gestapo headquarters, documents the period from 1933 to 1945. The Chocolate Museum traces the history of cacao from Central America, while the Farina House remembers that Cologne has given its name to a world-famous fragrance since the 18th century.
Great St. Martin Church
128 m
Cologne City Hall
84 m
Cologne Archeological Zone
131 m
Senftöpfchen
125 m
Mikvah in Cologne
138 m
Platzjabbeck
54 m
Gaffel Haus
62 m
Haus der Architektur Köln
88 m
Haus Saaleck
139 m
Rathauslaube
84 m
Ostermannbrunnen
108 m
Spanischer Bau
87 m
Jan von Werth Fountain
0 m
Rathausturm
55 m
Tünnes and Schäl monument
67 m
Joseph-Kardinal-Frings-Denkmal
145 m
MiQua museum
120 m
Museum of medical history cologne
149 m
Steinerne Pumpe
31 m
Gedenktafel für Robert Blum, Köln
146 m
Marsplatz 3-5 (Köln)
133 m
Portalgewände
84 m
Tierbrunnen
109 m
Steinerne Pumpe Marsplatz
124 m
Mutter Colonia
93 m
Rathausbrunnen
114 m
Hauszeichen Em Hanen
57 m
Em Hanen
62 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes