Founded by the Romans, Cologne is the oldest of the major German cities and still characterized by its 2000 years of history. Cologne has just over one million inhabitants and is the fourth-largest city in Germany.

Since the 12th century, Cologne has been the fourth metropolis in addition to Jerusalem, Byzantium and Rome to bear the designation "Sancta" (holy) in the city name: "Holy Cologne, faithful daughter of the Roman church by the grace of God". In 1164, Rainald von Dassel, Imperial Chancellor and Archbishop ... (more)