History

Roman foundation

Around 50 AD Cologne was elevated to a Roman city as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium and became the capital of the province of Germania inferior. Remains such as the Praetorium and the city wall still testify to this.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages Cologne grew into the largest city north of the Alps, became an archbishopric and a free imperial city. Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248. As a Hanseatic city, Cologne was an important trading hub.

20th century

Much of the city centre was destroyed in the Second World War. Reconstruction shapes today's cityscape; the cathedral largely survived the war.