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A brief history of the City of Cologne
Founded by the Romans, Cologne is the oldest city in Germany and still characterized by its 2000 years of history. Cologne has just over one million inhabitants and is the fourth-largest city in Germany. Its name relates back to the Romans, who gave their city the name of "Colonia" in the year 50 A.D. Rome's imperial governor resided here and the city quickly developed into one of the empire's most important trade and manufacturing centres north of the Alps.
The Romans also brought Christianity to Cologne and it quickly became a diocesan town. Following the confusion of the transitional period in which the city came under the rule of the Franks, Charlemagne founded the archbishopric of Cologne in 785. The Archbishop of Cologne, one of the most important feudal lords in the Holy Roman Empire, became Chancellor for Italy (11th. C.) and Elector (14th. C.).
In the Medieval Ages the city experienced a new heyday. Between the 12th. and the 15th. Century it was the most popular and one of the richest cities in the German-speaking world. Since 1288 and their military victory over the archbishop and ruler of the city, the citizens of Cologne took political and economic power into their own hands, even though Cologne's status as a free imperial city was only confirmed de jure in 1475.
In 1388 the citizens established the first municipal university. Cologne quickly played a leading role as a member of the Hanseatic League and a centre of commercial fairs. Cologne's unique churches, the remains of its city walls and numerous civic buildings (town hall, Gürzenich, Overstolzenhaus and many more) as well as countless works of art are living proof of the richness and the devoutness of "Hillije Köln" (Holy Cologne).
Following the discovery of the New World, the introduction of new forms of business and trade routes and the emergence of the nation states in Europe, Cologne experienced an economic decline lasting into the 19th Century. The city's political power also waned; in 1794 Cologne was occupied by French revolutionary troops and in 1815 became a part of the kingdom of Prussia.
With the industrial revolution, the opportunities of which were quickly recognized and taken by the city, with the gradual incorporation of large parts of the region around it; with prudent communal politics under Prussia and later the German Reich, favoured by the newly-awakened national enthusiasm for Cologne's mediaeval past, a powerful new revival of the city began, a revival which continues today – despite the terrible consequences of two World Wars.
It comes, therefore, as no surprise that the city regularly attracts more visitors: The Cathedral is the most-visited building in Germany. The old Roman saying is confirmed once more: "Anyone who has not seen Cologne has not seen Germany". Because there is an amazing amount to see in Cologne.
The  Gothic cathedral (World Heritage Site since 1998) with its characteristic spires is Cologne's landmark. It houses the golden Shrine of the Three Magi, as well as numerous other outstanding art treasures. Twelve Romanesque churches, truly excellent examples of medieval church architecture, encircle the cathedral.
Almost all the sights worth seeing can be reached on foot from the cathedral: museums of worldwide importance, such as the Museum Ludwig, the Roman-Germanic-Museum and others. The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, the "mother" of all Cologne museums has recently transferred to its new building neighbouring the medieval Gürzenich. The German Sports and Olympic Museum, with an attractive activity area on the roof can be found on the Rhine peninsula near the Imhoff-Stollwerck Chocolate Museum.
For more about the history and recent cultural events please visit the homepage of the City of Cologne, which is available in English.
The University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is the biggest university in Germany and also one of the oldest. In contrast to many other universities, it was the people of Cologne who founded the University in the late medieval period. Through its proximity to the city centre the University of Cologne is in the true sense a "university for and by the people". If you want to read more about the University of Cologne please visit the university homepage (in English). A survey from 2001 showed that scientists were engaged in over 260 seminars, institutes and hospitals and were working on about 2900 research projects. Students are registered in more than 100 different areas. With more than 63000 students and more than 7000 employees the University of Cologne is even ahead of Munich and hence, the biggest university in the country.
Housing and Accommodations
It is difficult to find accommodation in Cologne. Most of the student residences have waiting lists. Their monthly rents are between € 160 and € 350, some with full room and board. Private accommodations can range much higher. In some cases a declaration of surety or bank statements are required. Apply in due time for places in student residences at Kölner Studentenwerk, Universitätsstraße 16, 50937 Köln, Telefon: 0221 / 94265-218-222, Fax: 0221 / 94265-212. It is also possible to arrange for private accommodation through the Kölner Studentenwerk. The chances of obtaining accommodation near the university are small in this case as well. Each student automatically receives a semester pass for public transportation. Thus it is advisable to look for less expensive accommodation beyond the city centre.
Please ask your host for help and advice to find either provisional or permanent accommodation. We do have a list of "bed and breakfast" places close to the Institute. The price per night varies between 30-40 €. You may also ask to rent an Institute’s apartment (max. 3 months). Unfortunately, however, there are only six apartments on the campus, which are often booked.
Costs:
Single Room: 10 €/Day, 60 €/Week, 240 €/Month
Double Room: 15 €/Day, 90 €/Week, 300 €/Month.
If you prefer to look in the Internet by yourself you might check the "for rent" adverts that come out on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the local newspaper "Kölner Stadtanzeiger" or "Kölner Rundschau". Unfortunately, these pages are only available in German.
Please bear in mind that there is no shop or restaurant/bar near to the Institute, so please bring adequate provisions when arriving late or at the weekend. During the week, breakfast and lunch can be obtained at our on campus restaurant (open from 7am until 3pm).
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© 2010, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne |
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