Cologne
ko-lon, the largest city on the Rhine. It is situated on the west bank of the river in the province of Prussia. The site is about 130 feet above the sea level. Ancient walls in the form of a crescent, with the two ends resting on the river, have been leveled and turned into a series of fine boulevards. A series of fortifications has been constructed in a similar semicircle a little farther out, making Cologne one of the most strongly fortified places in the German Empire. Its principal suburb lies on the east bank of the river, with which it is connected by a long iron bridge, forty-seven feet above the surface of the river, carrying both railroad trains and ordinary traffic. The river is also crossed by means of an interesting bridge of boats. This bridge rests on boats anchored in the stream. The boats in a central section of the bridge are provided with engines and paddle wheels. When a raft of timber from the Black Forest, or a steamer, desires to pass, this section of the bridge is detached and steams out of the way. When the river is clear, it returns and is locked in place, permitting the resumption of traffic.
The city is of ancient origin. When first known it was a town of the Ubii, a German tribe. About 51 A.D. it became a colony or colonia of the Romans, whence its name. During the Middle Ages it was one of the most influential and wealthy cities of the Hanseatic League, carrying on an immense trade with England in wheat, wine, and beer. It was celebrated at an early date for manufactures, still maintained on an extensive scale. Sugar, confectionery, tobacco, malt liquors, mineral waters, vinegar, candles, starch, soap, woolen goods, and the celebrated perfume known as eau de cologne, or Cologne water, are specialties.
The archbishop of Cologne was one of the seven electors who were privileged to select the head of the Holy Roman Empire, the theoretical successors of Charlemagne. A museum of antiquities contains a vast number of drawings, gems, carvings, remains of sculpture, coins, specimens of pottery, and stained glass, dating from the Middle Ages. The town hall in which the merchants of the Hanseatic League used to meet is one of the most interesting in Europe.
Several churches would attract attention, were it not for the Cologne Cathedral, the pride of the city, the greatest Gothic edifice in Europe. The general plan is an imitation of that of Amiens, France. It is built in the form of a cross. The top or front end, called the choir, lies toward the river. The nave or long part extends to the west. This cathedral takes the place of older edifices. The cornerstone was laid in August, 1248. The last capstone was set in place August, 1880, 632 years later. For centuries, 1447 to 1823, no progress was made. The entire edifice is built of light colored stone brought down the Rhine from a quarry on the Drachenfels. The choir was built first. The greater part of the building was erected during the nineteenth century, at an expense of $4,500,000. The total length is 444 feet; breadth of nave, 201 feet; length of transept-the cross portion-282 feet. The main walls are 150 feet high; the height of the roof is 201 feet ; the central tower is 357 feet high. The towers that flank the west entrance are 512 feet high, the loftiest in Europe. Seen from a distance this enormous mass of masonry looms up against the sky in a clear cut outline. Seen nearer, it is enlivened by a wealth of flying buttresses, turrets, gargoyles, galleries, cornices, and foliage that give the edifice an air of grace and beauty almost incredible. It is difficult to believe that stone work capable of withstanding the storms of centuries can be made to seem so airy and delicate. The principal portal or doorway is 98 feet high, and 31 feet in width. It is surrounded by statuary. Though of enormous size, the portal seems no more than appropriate for so magnificent a building. The interior is supported by 56 pillars, the largest of which are ten feet in diameter. The choir is surrounded by seven chapels. The windows are glazed with stained glass, representing Biblical subjects. The cathedral bell, weighing twenty-six tons, was cast from cannon captured from the French.
The city is growing rapidly, with a present population of 430,000.