Did that inscription say 1388? Incredible! You’re standing before the University of Cologne, one of Europe’s oldest universities. Founded way back in 1388, it’s older than even some countries! Imagine the minds that have graced these halls. The University of Cologne has seen it all, from its grand beginnings to a brief closure during the French invasion in 1798. But like a phoenix, it rose again in 1919, thanks to the then-mayor, a certain Konrad Adenauer, who would later become the first chancellor of West Germany. Today, it’s a bustling hub of knowledge with a student body larger than many small towns. Walking these grounds, you’re tracing the footsteps of Nobel laureates, presidents, and thinkers who’ve shaped our world. Take Kurt Alder, for example, a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. Or perhaps you’ve heard of Karl Carstens, a former president of Germany? They were both shaped by the University of Cologne. That’s the thing about historical places, they hold stories within stories, waiting to be discovered. And the University of Cologne? Let’s just say it’s a treasure chest of captivating tales.
Skulpturenpark Stammheim
A golden winged pug surveys the Rhine. That’s how many remember the Skulpturenpark Stammheim. This isn’t just any park. It’s