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Germany is the foreign country that I know the best by far. I went on vacation there four times, in 1992, 1994, 2001, and 2011. I also studied there from 1995-1996, at the University of Bremen. I hope that my photos give you a good impression of the place!
Cologne
Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities, and has some of the most important architecture in the country. The city dates back to an ancient Roman settlement, and has been continuously inhabited ever since. The largest cathedral in Europe is here (the Cologne Cathedral is pictured above), and it dominates the city’s skyline to this day. Construction was started on it in the 13th Century, was stopped in the 16th Century and left unfinished. Then, the Prussians renovated it and finished it in the mid- and late 19th Century, in order to make it a symbol of German national unity.
The Cologne Cathedral has long been a cultural center of sorts. Artists and musicians perform on its steps, and political rallies and cultural gatherings are often held here (see the photos above), especially during the warmer months. You can also notice here how small the people are compared even with the cathedral’s entrance doors.
Stained-glass windows inside the Cologne Cathedral:
Cologne’s Old Town also has other buildings and structures which are of great interest…
Left to right: many of the old buildings in Cologne have statues and reliefs carved onto
them, like this one here; Cologne also has some interesting architecture of more recent vintage; modern restaurant front in the town center.