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Cologne City Hall And Alter Markt

Gothic Tower and Hansasaal

The 900-year-old Cologne City Hall is located in the old town of Cologne and features a Gothic tower, the Saalbau, which was named after the Hanseatic League, a Renaissance-style Loggia, and a modern atrium, the Piazzetta. The Alter Markt in front of the city hall is also a historic commercial center.

The old town of Cologne, located on the west bank of the Rhine, is home to many historical monuments through centuries, including Kölner Rathaus, the Cologne City Hall, which has survived for 900 years.

The Alter Markt (Old Market) in front of Cologne City Hall has been a busy commercial area since long ago, and the presence of the City Hall has made it the political, economic and business center of Cologne. The Fountain Johann von Werth in the center of the square tells the legend of this successful general.

Manywhere Trivia:
The story about Johann von Werth and Griet has been a popular legend in the Rhineland and Cologne. The poor peasant Jan fell in love with Griet but got declined. Years later he returned to Cologne as a successful general, making Griet feel regret about her superficial decision.

Opposite the fountain in the Old Market is the iconic Gothic Tower of Cologne City Hall. The tower is 61 meters high and is decorated with over a hundred carved figures, including Jesus, saints and local historical figures from Cologne.

Cologne City Hall did not escape the warfare, and most of the buildings, including the tower, were rebuilt after the war, incorporating a variety of architectural styles and elements. In addition to the Gothic tower, Cologne City Hall has a Renaissance Loggia and a 20th Century Modern Atrium, the Piazzetta.

Cologne City Hall has a gathering hall called The Saalbau, named after the Hanseatic League, and the carved portraits on the walls of the hall are part of City Hall’s historic collection.

Manywhere Trivia:
Lufthansa, Germany’s most famous airline is named after the Hanseatic League, too.

Today, Cologne City Hall is not only home to the Cologne City Council and the mayor’s office, but also has a separate Exhibition Space to introduce the history and past of the city hall.