Starting point: Great St Martin Church
The Great Saint Martin Church (German: Groß Sankt Martin) is a Romanesque Catholic church. Its foundations (circa 960 AD) rest on remnants of a Roman chapel, built on what was then an island in the Rhine. The church was later transformed into a Benedictine monastery. The current buildings, including a soaring crossing tower that is a landmark of Cologne’s Old Town, were erected between 1150-1250.
Alter Markt
Directions: From Great St Martin, walk straight ahead and then walk through Brigittengasschen.
Roman Praetorium
The Praetorium was the official residence of the Imperial Governor of Cologne, the capital city of the Roman province of Lower Germania. It is the city’s most significant official monument and the most important Roman palace on the banks of the Rhine.
Directions: From Alter Markt, take a left on Muhlengasse.
Cologne City Hall
The Cologne City Hall (German: Kölner Rathaus) is Germany’s oldest city hall with a documented history spanning some 900 years. The history of its council during the 11th century is a prominent example for self-gained municipal autonomy of Medieval cities. Today’s building complex consists of several structures, added successively in varying architectural styles: they include the 14th century historic town hall, the 15th century Gothic style tower, the 16th century Renaissance style loggia and cloister (the Löwenhof), and the 20th century Modern Movement atrium (the Piazzetta).
Directions: Walk east (back towards Alter Markt) on Kleine Budengasse. Turn right on Burgerstrasse.
Old St Alban’s
Old St Alban’s (German: Alt Sankt Alban) was heavily damaged by bombs during World War II. After the war it was secured, but not rebuilt. Inside is a copy of the sculpture “Grieving Parents.”
Directions: Walk south on Judengasse. Take a right on Obenmarspforten and a left on Gulichplatz.
St Maria im Kapital
St. Maria im Kapitol (English: St. Mary’s in the Capitol) is an 11th-century Romanesque church built between 1040 and 1065. The design is based on the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. St. Maria is the largest of the Romanesque churches in Cologne. It is considered the most important work of German church architecture of the Salian dynasty.
Directions: Walk past Old St Alban’s and continue south on Quatermarkt.
Eternal Horizon 