A guide to Cologne

Cologne is very light and vivid city and with its population of about one million is the forth largest city in Germany, after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. Cologne stands on the banks of Rhine River, halfway between Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
Cologne is known for Cologne Cathedral, Cologne beer, eau de cologne and numerous festivals and fairs. Cologne was founded in 16 AD. Due to its convenient geographical situation in the Middle Ages Cologne was an important church, art and educational center. It was even compared with Jerusalem. Cologne Cathedral construction began in 1248, but was completed only by 1880. Like many German cities Cologne was nearly destroyed during World War II, but Cathedral remained almost untouched.
Cologne is mostly a Catholic city, almost a half of its population belongs to this religion. Catholic influence is especially obvious during annual Carnival.
One of the main German educational centers, Cologne can boast an excellent University, especially known for its economics faculty.
The city has about 30 museums ranging from archeological remains to contemporary art. Roman-German Museum exhibits art treasures of the ancient Rome epoch. The museum was built on the place of the former roman villa with beautiful frescos.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum is the oldest museum in Cologne, dating back to XIX century. The museum displays art objects of 1300-1900.
Ludwig Museum is an authentic temple of modern art. There the main European art movements of XX century are presented.
Modern art has a special respect in Cologne. The city, which is not very big or famous, is the second in the whole world (after New York) in the amount of modern art galleries.
Along with permanent expositions, every year in November Cologne houses Art Cologne - the biggest art fair in Germany. Art has become a serious business in Cologne.
Cologne can be called a cosmopolitan city. About 20% of its population is immigrants. The most of them came from Turkey. Cologne is a tolerant city - here the most active German gay movement exists and the biggest gay parade "Christopher Street Day" is held.
Kolsh - famous beer, having become one of the symbols of the city. Another liquid Cologne is known for is Eau de Cologne. In XVIII century Italian immigrant Farina invented fragrant substance, which he named in honor of the city he lived.
Rhine separates Cologne into two parts - historical left bank and industrial and residential right bank. Innerstadt - historical center of the city is almost the only place of the city where you can see something reminding of Cologne past. The district is always overcrowded - along the most interesting historical sights, the best shops are also located here.