Eau de Cologne

Yes the perfume comes from Cologne, We didn;t visit the factory but it is still operating!
This is a great city. We have extended our stay but plan to do a day trip to Dusseldorf.

Our first visit was actually to the Rathaus or Town Hall. We think all Councils should be called the Rathaus and most Councilors and Parliamentarians Rats!! There are some exceptions! Our second visit was to a pub and these would be on the whole far more efficient at running most levels of government!!

This morning we moved on to the Duomo so no more political/religious comments! This is the largest in Germany and the tallest in Europe. It is an amazing building.

The stained glass was stunning.The internal and external size is hard to comprehend! We also visited the crypt.

The Magi or wise men. It is claimed that the bones of the Magi are held in the Duomo.

The sarcophagus of the Magi. This is the new version. The original relics precede the Duomo.

                         This is the Medieval inner container that was later replaced. It is in the Treasury.

                 Gold and precious stones. Unbelievable wealth. There were beggers at the entry!

                                        Gail at the Roman Arch just outside the Cathedral.

We checked out right around the city even visiting the Chocolate Museum. There are dozens of Museums so we did one in depth, The Wallraf das Museum with 13th to early 20th cenyury art. Not sure why we picked this Munsch.

This was a view of the Rathaus from the Museum. Most Rathaus's are in turmoil!!

Somewhere along the way we stopped for lunch. We selected the best known brewhouse The Fruh.
We lunched on Bratwurst and beer (and wine). We think that it was run by ex Councillors!