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Cologne
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Historisches Rathaus

Historic Town Hall/Cologne City Hall

The Cologne City Hall is Germany’s oldest functioning municipal building, with origins dating back to the 12th century. The complex is defined by the 15th-century Gothic tower, which served as a symbol of the city's guilds, and the 16th-century Renaissance "Laube," a loggia representing the civic pride of Cologne's citizens. Notable features include the "Platz-Jabbeck," a carved wooden figure on the tower that sticks out its tongue when the clock strikes, and the restored Hansa Hall, once the meeting place of the Hanseatic League. The central Piazzetta connects the historic wings with modern architectural elements, reflecting both the city’s medieval heritage and its post-war reconstruction.

Address
Rathausplatz 2
Getting there
subway station "Rathaus"
Hours
Mon Wed Thu 08:00-16:00, Tue 08:00-18:00, Fri 08:00-12:00

Listing from Wikivoyage: Cologne, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.