Isn’t it peculiar to find a lighthouse standing tall amidst the urban landscape of Cologne? This, my friends, is the Heliosturm, a silent sentinel with a story to tell. Erected between 1894 and 1895, the Heliosturm was never intended to guide ships at sea. It belonged to Helios AG, a pioneering electrical company in the late 19th century. They specialized in lighthouse technology, and this very tower served as their testing ground, a beacon of innovation rather than navigation. Standing 44 meters tall, the Heliosturm is a testament to the industrial prowess of a bygone era. Helios AG, named after the Greek god of the sun, illuminated not just this tower but also significant maritime landmarks like the Kiel Canal and lighthouses on the North Sea islands. The company thrived in Ehrenfeld, shaping the suburb with its advancements. Though Helios AG met its demise in 1930, the Heliosturm endured, even surviving the ravages of World War II. Today, it stands as a protected monument, a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of innovation. Its beacon, once extinguished, shines once more, reminding us of the brilliant minds who dared to illuminate the world.
Pfarrkirche Christi Geburt
“Look at that unusual shape,”” a passerby remarked, gesturing towards the Pfarrkirche Christi Geburt. “”It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen