Cologne City Hall, Renaissance town hall in Altstadt-Nord, Germany.
Cologne City Hall is an administrative building in Altstadt-Nord, Germany, featuring detailed stonework and a multi-story facade. The structure displays decorative arches, towers, and numerous sculptures distributed across the exterior surface.
Construction began in the 14th century when the growing city needed a seat for its administration. Later centuries brought extensive rebuilding, with the tower added in the 16th century.
The structure serves as the seat of local administration and continues to host official ceremonies that residents attend during public events. Visitors can walk through the arcaded gallery where carved figures represent historical personalities honored by the community over time.
The central location near the cathedral allows easy walking access from the main train station. Guided visits are available at certain times and cover the main interior spaces.
The figures on the exterior facade include absurd and humorous depictions alongside official portraits, which medieval carvers used as hidden commentary on society. These carvings often surprise visitors because they remain tucked between solemn representations.
Location: Altstadt-Nord
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Website: http://stadt-koeln.de/6/sehenswertes/rathaus
GPS coordinates: 50.93800,6.95930
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28
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.
Wallraf–Richartz Museum
74 m
Cologne Archeological Zone
57 m
Fragrance Museum
101 m
Gilden im Zims
105 m
Mikvah in Cologne
60 m
Haus Neuerburg
119 m
Platzjabbeck
34 m
Gaffel Haus
79 m
Haus der Architektur Köln
126 m
Rathauslaube
0 m
Ostermannbrunnen
114 m
Trauerndes Elternpaar
146 m
Jan von Werth Fountain
83 m
Spanischer Bau
87 m
Ungers-Bau
90 m
Tünnes and Schäl monument
105 m
Rathausturm
46 m
MiQua museum
48 m
Joseph-Kardinal-Frings-Denkmal
109 m
Fastnachtsbrunnen (Köln)
109 m
Steinerne Pumpe
59 m
Portalgewände
68 m
Marsplatz 3-5 (Köln)
51 m
Rathausbrunnen
125 m
Mutter Colonia
93 m
Em Hanen
81 m
Steinerne Pumpe Marsplatz
48 m
Hauszeichen Em Hanen
79 mReviews
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