A Landmark in Cologne's Citizens' Fight for Independence
Memorial in Worringen commemorating the 1288 Battle of Worringen — a landmark moment in Cologne's citizens' struggle for independence.
In the Worringen district, a memorial stone recalls the Battle of Worringen of 1288, one of the defining moments in medieval Cologne's history. It stands on what is now St.-Tönnis-Platz, the former schoolyard, and speaks directly to the Cologne citizens' long struggle for independence.
At a Glance
- Type
- Memorial / commemorative stone
- Occasion
- Battle of Worringen, 1288
- Material
- Red Main sandstone
- Creator
- Master stonemason and sculptor Hilarius Schwarz of Worringen
- Dedication
- 5 June 1988
- Location
- St.-Tönnis-Platz, Worringen district, Chorweiler borough
The memorial was unveiled exactly 700 years after the Battle of Worringen – on 5 June 1988, the precise anniversary of the battle fought on 5 June 1288.
Things to do here
- Take a quiet look at the red sandstone memorial
- Read the inscription about the 1288 Battle of Worringen
- Spot the carving of the "lion fighter" Hermann Grin and Cologne's city key
- Reflect on Cologne's history and its struggle for independence
- Take a memento photo at St.-Tönnis-Platz
The Occasion and Inscription
The stone marks the Battle of Worringen, fought on 5 June 1288. Its inscription describes the event as a historic turning point for continental northwestern Europe and as a landmark in the Cologne citizens' fight for independence.
The Imagery
The reliefs depict Hermann Grin, the so-called "lion fighter" who, according to legend, served as mayor of Cologne in 1262, as well as the key of the city of Cologne.
Timeline
- 1262Hermann Grin becomes mayor of Cologne
- 12885 June: Battle of Worringen – historic decision for Cologne's independence
- 19885 June: Inauguration of the memorial at St.-Tönnis-Platz in Worringen
Map
Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.
Address
Sankt-Tönnis-Straße 37
50769 Köln
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Sources & links
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-06-26
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