New Deutz Historical Park: A journey through time through 17 centuries!

New Deutz Historical Park: A journey through time through 17 centuries!

History comes to life on the banks of the Rhine in Deutz, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of Cologne's old town. The historical park Deutz is not only a beautiful spot, but also a free open-air museum that takes visitors on a journey through 17 centuries.

Amidst excavations and relics, the park has surprises in store. The finds range from the Roman fort Divitia, which was built in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine I, to a train station turntable from the 19th century. The latter is part of the exciting railway history that is closely linked to Deutz. The UNESCO World Heritage Divitia Castle was a bridgehead fort and played a central role in the development of Cologne on the right bank of the Rhine and its transport infrastructure.

New information boards for more knowledge

In order to make the historically contaminated area even more accessible, new information boards have now been put up to replace the temporary signs. These boards provide information not only in German and English, but also in Braille and contain QR codes for access to further information and images. This means the park is not only visually appealing, but also educational. A total of 16 panels tell about the different eras and the wonderful relics that were found here.

Particularly noteworthy is the horseshoe-shaped tower from the 12th and 13th centuries, whose outline is traced in the pavement. The Prussian watchtower, which was demolished in 1909, is also discussed on the new panels. The entire renovation and the new information systems cost the city around 230,000 euros and now form a perfect end to the Rhine Boulevard.

Archaeological highlights in the park

In addition to being a historical site, the park is home to archaeological evidence from different eras, including Roman walls and medieval vaults. Excavations from 2010 to 2015 confirmed many earlier finds. The military character of the fort, which had space for 500 to 1,000 soldiers, comes to life in 3D through the stereoscope on the archaeological balcony, providing an impressive overview of history.

A particularly impressive feature is the bronze model of the Roman fort that can be found on the archaeological balcony. The remains of the gates on the Rhine side can also be viewed under a protective structure, another highlight for history buffs.

The history of Deutz goes back to its founding Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. With every excavation discovery - be it Roman bathing complexes or other finds that repeatedly come to light during construction work - the long-standing history of this city becomes visible.

The Deutz Historical Park Support Association not only takes care of cleanliness, but also offers guided tours and ensures that Deutz's historical heritage is optimally presented. The combination of natural beauty, exciting history and innovative information systems makes the park a must for tourists and Cologne residents alike.