The Neumarkt in Cologne can tell of a very eventful history:
As the name suggests, from 1076 onwards it was used to “relieve” the “Alter Markt” and mainly as a market for livestock.
From 1197 onwards, its use as a tournament ground is first mentioned. Later in the 15th century, it was the shooters of the gaffs who were trained and subjected to competitions here for the purpose of defending the city.
From 1740 onwards, the Neumarkt served mainly military and “demonstrative” purposes, and the traditional market activity had to be moved back to the Alter Markt and Heumarkt. It was often the site of large parades and honours, be it for Napoleon, Wilhelm II or Adolf Hitler.
An officers’ casino is also said to have been located on the Neumarkt.
This served as a central office for coordinating the deployment of up to 500,000 soldiers in Cologne, particularly during the First World War.
But over the centuries there were other additional uses: for example as the location for a windmill, which was later used as a prison tower, and as an execution site.
And one of the greats of world history stayed here in the “Blankenheimer Hof” at Neumarkt No. 4 for a few days in September 1804: Napoleon Bonaparte.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Neumarkt developed into a transport hub for Cologne’s trams. Since 1969, some of the trams have also run underground here.
The “Schildergasse”, which is known throughout Germany and has been a pedestrian zone since 1966, begins on the east side of Neumarkt.
And it is impossible to imagine life without Neumarkt as a place through which the Cologne Rose Monday procession has passed for more than 200 years.
Unfortunately, the square has lost much of its former appeal. When there are no major events taking place, such as the annual “Market of Angels”, it leads a rather dingy existence.
Several approaches to revitalizing the square and thus banishing drugs, crime and dirt are discussed again and again between many interest groups.
We are about to stop in Schildergasse, the second most frequented shopping street in Germany. But Schildergasse has always been popular for more than just shopping… You’ll be surprised to find out what else there is to report from the past when you arrive.
Image sources in order:
1st image: Horsch, Willy, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
2nd image: © Raimond Spekking
3rd image: Richmodishaus, © Raimond Spekking
