Cologne

Cologne represents Germany oldest major city founded as Roman Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium around 39 BC serving as Germania Inferior provincial capital. UNESCO Cologne Cathedral dominates skyline as world third-largest Gothic cathedral with 157m twin spires, 632-year construction (1248-1880), attracting 6 million annual visitors. Historic Rhine River position created major trade intersection between western-eastern European routes. Cultural capital houses 30+ museums including Roman-Germanic Museum, Museum Ludwig with Picasso collection rivaling Barcelona-Paris, Wallraf Richartz Museum. 12 extraordinary Romanesque churches (10th-13th centuries) showcase Ottonian religious architecture before Gothic era. Rhine cruises offer scenic city perspectives while 9,000 historic buildings represent pre-WWII architectural heritage. Modern cultural scene features Christopher Street Day, Musical Dome, galleries, theaters reflecting Rhineland cultural leadership spanning 2,000 years.