Cologne Germany 2013

Cologne is a lovely German City along the Rhine.  Lots of vineyards and fruit orchards in the area.  The Rhine is wide and swift here.  Cologne was founded by the Romans in 38 B.C.  It is believed that the relics of the three Magi who brought gifts to the baby Jesus were brought to Cologne in 1164.  The Cathedral was begun in 1248 and not fully completed until 1880.  At the time the 550 foot spires of the church were the highest in Europe.  There is a small but delightful impressionist museum with some great works of Impressionist Masters and no crowds.  We also took an interesting tour through a mustard plant and museum.