Koblentz and Cologne

 We arrived in Koblentz in time for an independent walk around the city.  When we got off the boat the first thing we noticed was the huge fort above the city overlooking the river.  We walked a few blocks and went into the Basilica o St. Castor.  The present church was built in the 12th century.   A little further into our walk there are three panels of the Berlin Wall on display.   A short walk later brought us to a beer garden.   We also came upon the huge monument dedicated to the unification of Germany.  We got back on to the boat in time for happy hour, a wonderful dinner and dancing in the lounge.   

This morning we woke up in Cologne.  We had a one and a half hour walking tour of the city which of course was highlighted by the Cologne Cathedral. One of the things that make this Cathedral special is that it houses the relics of the Three wisemen.  Sadly when we reached the church, Mass was going on.  We went and had a coffee.  That Mass lasted one hour and 25 minutes.  There was a half hour before the next Mass and we could only get in if we were going to Mass.  So…. We lied.  An interesting thing about that Mass was that it was said by the Bishop.  One of the ushers referred to it as a high Mass.  Before Mass began the Cathedral bells rang for 20 minutes.   

We also learned today that 90% of the city was bombed during WWII but the Cathedral was spared.  She said the Allied planes spared it because the pilots used it as a navigational tool.  The City of Cologne is home to 1.1 Million people.

Koblentz

Berlin Wall

Fort is above us

Cathedral in Cologne

 

The Gero Cross

Blaneys, Moores and Winklers

Zoom in.  I think he looks like the Pope