Glorious past and exciting present: Roman Empire and it's traces in Cologne

When I first travelled to Cologne many years ago, I was as new to the city as you are now. Many friends though told me, that the best city to dwell in in Germany is Cologne. I wondered WHY? Now I know!!! AND I can SHARE it with YOU!!! My name is Olga. I am an art historian. I defended my Ph. D on decorative glass at the Academy of Fine Arts in year 2000. Since then I have been living in Germany and in Thailand. Ten years ago I settled in Germany for good: here in Cologne. Since then I work as a freelance guide, as a museum guide and a lecturer in the whole province of the North-Rhein-Westfalia. There is a saying: if you make a profession of your passion- you don't have to work anymore: thus guiding is my hobby, my leisure and my pleasure, but apart from that, I am a painter and I dance tango argentino. My way to tell the history -is to tell it through jokes and anecdotes. And Cologne has a lot of it!!! More than that: it is inhabited by humourous and easy-going crowd! And I appreciate it a lot. So will you, . Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, was founded by Romans more than 2000 years ago. During middle ages in belonged to the trade confederation of Hansa union and counted to the weathiest cities of Europe. As an indication of those noteworthy economical and political archivements, the cathdral of Cologne was built. Cathedral became a long-lasting project, that was completed only 632 years later. Thus, it is the masterpiece of both gothic and neogothic styles. Whether you are a history buff or an urban adventurer Cologne has a lot to offer: it is famous for it's life style, pubs and Kölsch beer, Carneval and, of course, fashion: it has many multi brand stores and designer boutiques. All those fascinating things I am happy to bring over to my guests: to show the city from it's most attractive side. M.A. in Art History, Ph.D in Art History, Guiding licences for Cologne Cathedral, Drachenburg Castle, Schloss Burg Castle 1.For a tour inside the Cathedral it is required to make a reservation ahead. I shall be happy to check it for you. 2. I don´t have a permit to drive tourists. I shall be happy to accompany you either on foot or by public transport.