Cologne Germany Historical Facts of the First of German C

Do you know of the first given name of the oldest German city? Do you know how long it took to build its Cathedral? Do you further know what its scariest natural disaster is? Read on

Cologne Germany (Kln) is the oldest so the first German city. When it became city in 50 A.D., it bore the name Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA) because of the Roman Empress Agrippina.

Cologne is catholic and had a bishop as early as 313. In 785, it became the seat of an archbishop. The Archbishop of Cologne was one of the seven Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. He ruled a large area as a secular lord in the Middle Ages, but in 1288, he was defeated by the Cologne citizens and forced to move to Bonn.

Cologne Germany was a member of the Hanseatic League. It became a free city officially by 1475, but lost its free status and regained its archbishopric during the French period. In 1815, at the Congress of Vienna, it became part of the Prussian kingdom.

The start of building of Cologne Cathedral was in 1248, abandoned in the mid-1500s, and finished in 1880. That took 632 years; think about that... Just visit http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/cologne-cathedral.html for a side step to the history of Cologne Cathedral.

During the 19th and 20th century, Cologne incorporated numerous surrounding towns, so that it had a population of 600,000 inhabitants by the time of World War 1.

In World War 2, Cologne Germany was repeatedly bombed. The Cologne Cathedral received 14 hits by aerial bombs, but luckily didn't collapse. When the city was in ruins -- see picture at http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/cologne.html -- it took some time to rebuild it, but afterwards its buildings and population grew again. So since 1975, the population of Cologne Germany always lays around 1 million inhabitants.

So much the Rhine of the city brought prosperity and quality of life, so feared is its flood. The worst flood ever registered occurred in February 1784. After an extremely long and cold winter the temperature jumped deep down. The Rhine river had frozen over and the thaw as well as the breaking open ice provided firmly for a record water level of 13,55 m. That was ten meters above the normal level!

The tides, on which heavy ice floes floated, devastated far parts of the development of the banks and all ships. 65 people died. The district Mlheim on the right Rhine side was completely destroyed.

In more recent time, a flood protection concept plans the establishment of sheet pile walls. That should protect old town up to a level of 10 meters against inundations. Still, old town consists of a magnet for floods.

Despite of this, Cologne is well-known as the Fun City of all German cities. You go into a tavern and do not know anybody, and you go out with a lot of friends. It's very easy to come in contact with Cologne people. In February, during Cologne Carnival, the whole Rhine land celebrates for at least six days -- with tons of sweets and kisses.

Kind regards,
Marcus Hochstadt
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About the Author

Marcus Hochstadt has a high interest in helping you gain the delightful form of a smart travel to and through Germany. Just recently, he has written a special report on How to Travel for Free! You can download it at http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/freetravel

A peek at the Other Orlando

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Most people think of Orlando and think of Disney World or Universal Studios. And a trip to these attractions makes a wonderful vacation experience. But what do you do after you get your fill of Mickey Mouse? Or in the wintertime when the parks close early, what do you do with all those hours between park closing and bedtime?



Believe it or not, Orlando has many more attractions. They are not as big or as glamorous as Disney World or Universal Studios but they make for every pleasant day trips and evening excursions.



For instance, if you find yourself with your evenings free, consider a Dinner Theater experience. There are several in Orlando and they are all an excellent and entertaining way to experience a dinner event. Lets look at some of the more famous and enjoyable ones.



Arabian Nights - Arabian Nights, voted the #1 dinner show in Orlando, Florida, features a magical tale of romance, adventure and excitement. More than 60 of the world's most beautiful horses and 30 dazzling performers combine with special effects, thrilling music and incredible stunts to create a unique and spectacular Broadway-style production. Savor a three-course prime rib, grilled chicken breast or vegetable lasagna dinner served with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.



Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show - One of Orlando's most exciting dining and entertainment experience. Dixie Stampede features: magnificent horses; American Buffalo; world-famous racing ostriches and racing pigs; music; singing and dancing; a spectacular patriotic finale written by Dolly; and audience participation. A fabulous four-course feast is served during the show. Beginning in November and continuing through December, Dixie Stampede is transformed into a holiday fantasy with twinkling lights, old-fashioned Christmas costumes and holiday music. Elves from the North and South Poles compete in a friendly rivalry while serving up a festive Christmas feast.



Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - Medieval Times is more than a dinner attraction - it's a window in time where the glory, chivalry, valor and honor of old burst to life in thrilling authentic tournament action. While guests enjoy a medieval banquet six brave knights compete in games of skill astride magnificent Andalusian stallions. Lances splinter against shields of steel, broad swords spark and a champion emerges, to the cheers of the enthusiastic crowd. Voted Best Dinner Show by the readers of Florida Living Magazine.



Pirate's Dinner Adventure - Pirate's Dinner Adventure is an energetic and adventurous, interactive dinner experience, captivating audiences of all ages. Set sail on the high seas on-board a pirate ship for swashbuckling thrills, combined with the perfect blend of comedy, romance, action and adventure. Enjoy breathtaking feats of aerial agility and spectacular musical talent as you dine on The Port of Call Feast. Pirate's Dinner Adventure is a bounty of hidden treasure waiting to be explored, truly making it World's Most Interactive Dinner Show.



Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows - Enjoy a delicious dinner with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks while watching a hilarious whodunit with improvisation and audience participation. Mingle with outrageous characters! Observe anything suspicious! Interrogate the suspects! Solve the crime!



Each show provides hours of good food and excellent entertainment for all ages. So next time you book your Orlando Vacation, be sure to leave some time in your schedule to check out one or more of these excellent shows.

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Steven Chabotte is a writer for www.MyCityTravelGuide.com - a complete resource for planning your next vacation. With the ability to get instant pricing and booking on over 50,000 hotels at rock bottom pricing as well as being able to book a complete trip or a great last minute vacation deal at up to 70% off list price, planning your next vacation is a breeze at MyCityTravelGuide.com