Overstolzenhaus, Romanesque house in Altstadt-Süd, Cologne, Germany.
The Overstolzenhaus is a six-story Romanesque house built with thick stone walls and rounded arch openings in Altstadt-Süd. Its facade displays a distinctive stepped gable that exemplifies thirteenth-century architectural style.
This house was built around 1225 for Blithildis, daughter of the wealthy merchant Gottschalk Overstolz. It served as both residence and business premises near the medieval Rhine port and survived World War II with damage.
The wine tavern on the ground floor reveals how wealthy merchants lived and conducted business in medieval times. Visitors can observe the spatial arrangement that shows the connection between family life and commerce.
The building is located at Rheingasse 8 and stands prominently visible along the historic street. Visitors should allow time to examine both the exterior details and interior rooms at a comfortable pace.
The ground floor windows were enlarged in the nineteenth century, showing how the building adapted to new commercial needs. Despite these changes, it retained its Romanesque character.
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