Alter Markt

Altermarkt Platz is one of the most beautiful and lively places in Cologne. During Carnival medieval tournaments are held at Christmas, the market is one of the least touristy and most authentic. In summer its lively terraces invite you to have an ice cream in the sun and are always lively. As a curiosity it may seem like construction works are going on, but it is rather an important archaeological excavation, as this city has in its subsoil many Roman remains. Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium was one of the most important Roman cities of Central Europe.

Alter Markt (Old Market) is a square that's next to Haymarket Square, another important place in Cologne. The square houses important city buildings and the old city of Cologne and in the center the monument to Jan von Werth (a peasant boy of Kümpchenshof). Currently the Alter Markt is used for festivities such as Carnival in Cologne (November 11), Weiberfastnacht (Festival of Women) and the big Christmas Market in December.