The gate itself
A massive thirteenth-century stone structure — one of only four gates left from Cologne's entire wall.
The Eigelsteintorburg is one of the few surviving gates of Cologne's medieval wall. Built in the thirteenth century, it was the city's northern entrance; when the wall was pulled down in the nineteenth century only four gates were kept, and this is one of them. Today it stands alone in the middle of a busy street in a working-class quarter north of the centre. On its face is a small ship monument, a memorial to the crew of a German vessel sunk in 1914. The surrounding quarter is multicultural and full of small restaurants — a different face of Cologne from the touristy old town.
A massive thirteenth-century stone structure — one of only four gates left from Cologne's entire wall.
A small ship on the façade, a memorial to sailors lost in 1914.
A lively working-class street of restaurants from many cultures — the Cologne its residents actually live in.
Eigelstein, 50668 Köln
It is not a headline sight on its own. But it is worth it if medieval city walls interest you, or if you want to see a real Cologne neighbourhood away from the tourist streets. Combine it with lunch in the quarter.
Not on ordinary days — it is seen from outside only. It opens occasionally for cultural events or announced heritage days, but do not count on it.
Walk north from the cathedral for about fifteen minutes along Eigelstein, or take the metro to nearby Ebertplatz. The walk itself passes neighbourhoods worth seeing.
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