Platzjabbeck, Medieval wood sculpture on Rathausturm tower in Altstadt-Nord, Germany.
The Platzjabbeck sculpture depicts a male head with a floppy hat, wide eyes, black beard, and red tongue on the east side of the tower.
The Cologne Council installed this wooden figure in 1445, marking a period when power shifted from patrician families to local trade guilds.
Every hour, the mechanical head opens its mouth and extends its red tongue, continuing a tradition that started with renovations in 1913.
Visitors can observe the sculpture from Alter Markt square, accessible via tram line 5 to Rathaus station or by foot from Cologne Central Station.
The name Platzjabbeck combines the German word Platz with Cologne dialect jappe meaning to yawn and French bec meaning mouth or beak.
Location: Altstadt-Nord
Made from material: wood
GPS coordinates: 50.93830,6.95941
Latest update: March 7, 2025 01:34
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