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Historic neighborhood · Colônia, Renânia do Norte-Vestfália
Alter Markt
Square in Colônia’s old town, between the cathedral and the Reno, with narrow colorful houses, the historic town hall and traditional Kölsch breweries around it.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Alter Markt
The Alter Markt is the central square of the Altstadt, Colônia’s old town, between the cathedral and the Reno. The narrow houses, with colorful façades and steep roofs, were largely rebuilt after the World War II bombings that destroyed nearly the entire center. In the middle stands the fountain of Jan von Werth, a general from the Thirty Years’ War.
Next to it is the Historisches Rathaus, the town hall, with a Gothic tower from the early 15th century covered in statues of figures from the city’s history and a Renaissance loggia. Just to the south, the Heumarkt is another large square of the old town, and the alleys between them descend to the Reno’s bank and to the church Groß St. Martin.
Around the Alter Markt are several Brauhäuser, traditional breweries where Kölsch is served — Colônia’s light beer poured into thin 0.2-litre glasses called Stange. The waiter, the Köbes, replaces an empty glass with a full one until the customer places the beer coaster on top. The cuisine features regional dishes like Himmel un Ääd, mashed potatoes with apple and blood sausage.
During Carnival, on Weiberfastnacht (the Thursday before Ash Wednesday), the street party opens right on the Alter Markt with costumes and music. In December the square usually hosts one of the city’s Christmas markets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours to wander the squares and alleys; longer if you plan to eat or drink in a brewery.
Best time
Late afternoon and evening, when the breweries fill up. In December during the Christmas market, which usually runs from late November until just before Christmas.
How to get there
About a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, walking down toward the river. The nearest U-Bahn station is Rathaus.
Tip
In the breweries, the Köbes brings Kölsch without asking: place the coaster on top of the glass when you don’t want any more. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, especially during Carnival and the Christmas market.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Alter Markt
What is Kölsch?
It's Cologne's typical beer: pale, light, top-fermented, which may only be produced in the city and surroundings. It is served in 0.2-litre glasses called Stange.
How do I stop getting beer in the brewery?
Place the beer coaster (Bierdeckel) on top of your glass. Without it, the waiter will replace an empty glass with a full one. Rounds are recorded on the coaster and paid for at the end.
Is the old town original?
Much of it was rebuilt after World War II, when bombing destroyed almost the entire centre. The street layout and several façades follow the old model.
Can I visit the city hall?
The Historisches Rathaus is the town hall and access to the interior is limited; check before you go. The tower and the loggia are clearly visible from the square.