At the medieval Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), in the city of Cologne, Germany

 One of the key inland ports of Europe, Cologne (German: Köln) is the historic, cultural, and economic capital of the Rhineland.

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(at the point where the huge traffic artery of the Rhine River intersects one of the major land routes for trade between western and eastern Europe) Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, lies 210 feet (65 meters) above sea level, just below where the Rhine enters the fertile North German Plain. (The river at this point is navigable to seagoing vessels.) The immediate surroundings of Cologne are varied. The hills of the Bergisches Land lie to the east, while on the west is another group of hills forming a chain called the Ville. The North German Plain stretches away to the north and northwest, and the Rhine Valley winds to the southeast toward Bonn. Cologne is also part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second biggest metro region by GDP in the European Union. Centered on the left (west) bank of the Rhine, Cologne is located on the River Rhine (Lower Rhine), about 35 km (22 mi) southeast of the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital Düsseldorf and 25 km (16 mi.) northwest of Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.

+The city's medieval Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was the world's tallest building and is today the third-tallest church and tallest cathedral in the world. It was constructed to house the Shrine of the Three Kings and is a globally recognized landmark and one of the most visited sights and pilgrimage destinations in Europe. The cityscape is further shaped by the Twelve Romanesque churches of Cologne.

+ Today, Cologne still offers a mother lode of attractions, led by its famous cathedral whose filigree twin spires dominate the skyline. The city’s museum landscape is especially strong when it comes to art but also has something in store for fans of chocolate, sports and even Roman history. Cologne's people are known for their liberalism and joie de vivre; it’s easy to have a good time with them in the beer halls of the Altstadt or during Carnival. This is a city that combines history, culture, and art in a captivating way. The majestic Kölner Dom, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline, is a must-see for any visitor. You can admire its stunning architecture, climb its towers, or explore its treasury and museum. Cologne is also a hotspot for street art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of many buildings.

+ In the 1980s and 1990s Cologne's economy prospered for two main reasons. The first was the growth in the number of media companies, both in the private and public sectors; they are especially catered for in the newly developed Media Park, which creates a strong visual focal point in Cologne's city center and includes the KölnTurm, one of Cologne's most prominent high-rise buildings. The second was the permanent improvement of the diverse traffic infrastructure, which made Cologne one of the most easily accessible metropolitan areas in Central Europe.