Markmannsgasse 2a
Cologne commercial building 'Zu den Vier Jahreszeiten', demolished in 1912 for the Deutz Bridge ramp, blending three Renaissance traditions.
On this building, elements of different stylistic traditions could be read on a single façade — a case that prompted art historians to reconsider how architectural styles are classified.
Source: Wikipedia
At a Glance
- Type
- Residential and commercial building (no longer standing)
- Name
- 'Zu den Vier Jahreszeiten'
- Location
- Cologne, Altstadt-Nord district, Innenstadt borough
- Built
- 1880
- Demolished
- 1912, for the ramp of the Deutz Bridge
- Floors
- four
- Style
- Eclecticism combining elements of Italian, French, and Dutch/German Renaissance
The building, constructed in 1880, was demolished just 32 years later in 1912 to make way for the ramp of the Deutz Bridge, despite being considered one of the most interesting examples of mixed architectural style of its time.
Architecture
The two lower floors were designed as a double storey with large shop windows. A cornice bearing the inscription ZU DEN VIER JAHRESZEITEN separated this zone from the two upper floors above. At the top, an exceptionally bold crowning cornice capped the building, lending it a cubic, block-like solidity.
A Mix of Styles
The building was regarded as a typical example of the mixed styles of its era, since forms from several Renaissance traditions converged in it. The block-like effect of the crowning cornice followed the Italian Renaissance. The triple windows grouped into a central projection, along with the fluted colossal pilasters, derived from the French Renaissance. The lavish strapwork ornament in the Floris style on the window parapets pointed to the Dutch or German Renaissance.
Art-Historical Significance
Hiltrud Kier used this building as an occasion to focus less on the differences between these stylistic currents than on their commonalities. She questioned the very method of assigning buildings to a single style, emphasizing instead what united the various styles of the 19th century.
Timeline
- 1880The building at Markmannsgasse 2a is constructed.
- 1912The building is demolished for the Deutz Bridge ramp.
Map
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Sources & links
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-09-13
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