Romans' Northern Gate: Echoes of Colonia Agrippinensis

Discover Cologne's Roman past at the Northern Gate, a fragment of the ancient city's entrance, offering a glimpse into Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium's rich history and enduring legacy.

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Romans' Northern Gate

The Romans' Northern Gate, a modest stone archway nestled near the Cologne Cathedral, serves as a tangible link to the city's ancient past. Once a part of the imposing northern entrance to Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), as Cologne was known in Roman times, this remnant offers a glimpse into the city's origins as a vital Roman settlement. While only a fragment of the original gate remains, its presence evokes the grandeur of Roman engineering and the strategic importance of Cologne within the Roman Empire. Located on Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, the archway is easily accessible and provides a compelling photo opportunity against the backdrop of the magnificent Cathedral. It stands as a reminder of Cologne's rich history, inviting visitors to imagine life within the walls of the Roman colony and explore the numerous other Roman ruins scattered throughout the city. The gate is a testament to Cologne's enduring legacy as a city shaped by centuries of history, from its Roman roots to its modern-day vibrancy.

A brief summary to Romans' Northern Gate

Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, Cologne, Innenstadt, 50667, DE
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Local tips

Visit the Romano-Germanic Museum to see original artifacts from the Roman era, providing context to the Northern Gate's significance.
Explore the underground car park near the Cathedral to view a well-preserved section of the original Roman city wall.
Look for the plaque on the Domplatte (Cathedral Square) that shows the Roman city wall's location in today's cityscape.

Getting There

Walking

The Romans' Northern Gate is located on Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, directly in front of the western facade of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). From Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf), exit towards the Dom. The gate is a short, clearly signposted walk across the Domplatte. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The Romans' Northern Gate is easily accessible by public transport. Take any tram or bus that stops at 'Köln Dom/Hbf' or 'Köln Hbf'. From either stop, it's a short walk across Kardinal-Höffner-Platz to the gate. A single ticket for a short trip (4 stops) costs approximately €2.50-€3.00.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from anywhere in Cologne's city center to Kardinal-Höffner-Platz will typically cost between €8-€15, depending on the distance and traffic. The drop-off point is directly in front of the Cologne Cathedral, a few steps from the Northern Gate.

Discover more about Romans' Northern Gate

The Romans' Northern Gate, situated on Kardinal-Höffner-Platz in the heart of Cologne, is a poignant reminder of the city's deep-rooted Roman heritage. What stands today is a fragment, a mere echo of the once-imposing northern gateway that marked the entrance to Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), the Roman name for Cologne. Founded in 50 AD, CCAA rose to prominence as the capital of the Roman province of Lower Germania, a strategically vital hub within the vast Roman Empire. The original Northern Gate was a monumental structure, stretching over 30 meters in width and flanked by two formidable towers. It served not only as a defensive fortification but also as a symbol of Roman power and authority. Through this gate passed soldiers, merchants, and dignitaries, all contributing to the bustling life of the Roman colony. The central passage, a wide 5.6 meters, was secured by a portcullis, traces of which can still be seen in the archway's grooves. The gate was more than just an entrance; it was a statement, proclaiming the might and sophistication of Roman civilization. Over the centuries, the Northern Gate underwent numerous transformations. It served as a portal to the cathedral surroundings long after antiquity, even being referred to as the Pfaffenpforte. However, as Cologne evolved and expanded, the gate eventually became an obstacle to progress. In 1826, it was demolished to widen the streets in the area. Fortunately, a lateral archway was preserved, finding its current location with the construction of the Domplatte, almost on the site of the original gate. Today, the Romans' Northern Gate offers visitors a tangible connection to Cologne's Roman past. Standing before the archway, one can almost hear the echoes of Roman soldiers marching through the gate, the clamor of merchants hawking their wares, and the vibrant sounds of daily life in a bustling Roman colony. The archway provides a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Romans, their mastery of engineering, and their ability to create enduring structures that have withstood the test of time. While the original gate is long gone, its legacy lives on in the numerous Roman ruins scattered throughout Cologne. Visitors can explore the remains of the Roman city wall, discover intricate mosaics at the Romano-Germanic Museum, and delve into the underground excavations beneath the Cologne Cathedral. These remnants offer a comprehensive picture of life in Roman Cologne, from its grand public buildings to its bustling marketplaces and private homes. The Romans' Northern Gate is more than just a historical artifact; it is a symbol of Cologne's enduring spirit. The city has weathered countless storms, from barbarian invasions to devastating wars, yet it has always emerged stronger, its rich history woven into the fabric of its modern identity. The gate stands as a testament to Cologne's resilience, its ability to adapt and evolve while preserving its unique cultural heritage. Located on Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, the Romans' Northern Gate is easily accessible to visitors. It is situated in front of the west facade of the Cologne Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The square itself is a vibrant hub of activity, with tourists and locals alike mingling amidst the stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. The gate provides a perfect photo opportunity, with the imposing Cathedral serving as a dramatic backdrop. Visiting the Romans' Northern Gate is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or the cultural heritage of Cologne. It is a chance to step back in time, to imagine life in a Roman colony, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire. The gate is a reminder that Cologne is a city with a rich and complex past, a city that has been shaped by centuries of history and culture. To fully appreciate the significance of the Romans' Northern Gate, it is recommended to explore the other Roman ruins in Cologne. The Romano-Germanic Museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artifacts, including mosaics, pottery, and sculptures. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of life in Roman Cologne, from its founding to its decline. The remains of the Roman city wall can be found in various locations throughout Cologne. A particularly well-preserved section can be seen in the underground car park beneath the open area beside the cathedral. This section provides a glimpse into the scale and strength of the Roman fortifications that once protected the city. The excavations beneath the Cologne Cathedral have revealed the foundations of earlier buildings and graves, reaching back to Roman times. These excavations offer a fascinating insight into the religious and cultural life of Roman Cologne. Exploring these Roman ruins allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Cologne's history and its significance within the Roman Empire. It is a chance to connect with the past, to appreciate the achievements of Roman civilization, and to understand how Cologne has evolved over the centuries. The Romans' Northern Gate is a symbol of Cologne's enduring legacy, a reminder of its rich history and its vibrant cultural heritage. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city, a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Roman Cologne.

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Romans' Northern Gate: Echoes of Colonia Agrippinensis

A brief summary to Romans' Northern Gate

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Romans' Northern Gate

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Romans' Northern Gate

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kardinal-Höffner-Platz

Кёльн в 15:15. Городские экскурсии

Kardinal-Höffner-Platz 1

Roncallipl.

Am Hof 1

Guided Tours at the Cathedral

Ancient Roman Harbor Street

Der goldene Kupferstern

Heinrich-Böll-Platz

Historisches Rathaus der Stadt Köln

Appellhofpl.

Paolozzibrunnen – Eduardo Paolozzi (1986)

Schmitz Column

Great St. Martin Church

Church of St. Ursula

Unmissable attractions to see

KölnTourismus GmbH | VisitKöln

Kreuzblume

Turmbesteigung

Petrusbrunnen

Domfontäne (1973)

Bahnhofsvorplatz

Cologne Cathedral

Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral

Dom Treasury

Roncalliplatz

Shrine of the Three Kings

Mariä Himmelfahrt

St. Mariä Himmelfahrt

Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, Köln - Edmund Renard

Römisch-Germanisches-Museum

Essential places to dine

taku

Hanse Stube

Lederer

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant

Great Wall

Kuchi Mami

konrad Restaurant

Brauhaus FRÜH am Dom

Oma's Küche

Ludwig im Museum Restaurant & Café

Peters Brauhaus

Restaurant maiBeck

Em Krützche

RheinZeit

The Small Steakhouse

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

German Souvenirs

Domkloster 4 GmbH

LOUIS VUITTON Cologne Store

4711 Shop am Dom

Montblanc Boutique

Victorinox Store Köln

BVLGARI

Früh Shoppen

Pylones

Close Up GmbH

MUJI Cologne Store

Elbenwald

BOGNER Köln

Manufactum Warenhaus

Casado Store

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

die kunstbar

Bierbaum

Barney Vallely's