Address of the famous "eau de Cologne"
I continued to wander around after seeing the Cathedral even though sadly, my feet were killing me. Actually my feet have been sore for about 2 or 3 months now. They just don’t get a break. I have been trying to wear my running shoes more as I think the sandals and other shoes were the ones that started the problem. But I am not going to let sore feet stop me, so I plough forward. I knew that one place I had to visit was the location of the famous 4711 cologne that has been being made since 1792.
The famous building - although restored since 1945 - still essentially the same
The story goes that in 1792, a Cathusian monk presented a young couple called Muelhens with a secret recipe for how to make “aqua mirabilis” as a wedding gift. This later came to be known as Eau de Cologne. Wilhelm Muelhens realized the value of this gift and started to produce it in the building on Glockengasse. Then in 1796, during the French occupation of Cologne, the French commander General Daurier ordered that all buildings should be consecutively numbered (hunh! I would have thought that sort of logic would have come from the Germans!). It was then that the Muelhens’ house was given the number 4711 which was later registered as the company’s trademark in 1875.
The fountain in the store which runs Eau de Cologne all day long
I had always wondered how the word cologne originated. I was curious to smell the miracle water and in the store there is a fountain that runs the water all day long and you can splash as much as you would like on yourself. It actually is a very nice smelling cologne. It seems strong at first but it quickly settles into a subtle aroma on you. There is a nouveau 4711 to that is slightly different but still with a nice aroma.
The busy sales counter in the store - shelves of bottles behind
Ironically the original Eau de Cologne was taken as a tonic as well as being applied to the skin. It was sold a “magical water” because of its reviving effects. I can’t say I would want to drink it though. But I guess if you are really thirsty and really desparate …?
Schildergasse - the apparently busiest pedestrian shopping street in the world - although I think it would have to be challenged by the one in Istanbul
I carried on and walked along the very popular and very busy pedestrial shopping area – Schildergasse and Hohe Strasse – and they are hopping with people. Lots of great shopping too. If you are a big shopper you would not be bored. As I am travelling for so long, I don’t really shop since I would have to carry it all, and besides I don’t actually have a house to put it in either. But I did get a scarf.
The entrance to the very old town hall - one of the structure that still remains from the medieval time
So as the day was getting later I did one more stop to the town hall and then started my trek back to the apartment. So some treasures have been uncovered and more to come.
The town hall tower - restored after 1945
Some of the famous people which adorn the outside of the tower - one original and one restored.
Wow! I cannot believe that you visited the famous 4711 Eau de Cologne building. I think it’s amazing that one can splash that famous water on oneself. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to hear that you treated yourself to a scarf. 🙂
Well the scarf was strategic too because it has been colder and I needed to keep warm with versatile simple clothing.
Really enjoying all your historical facts – hope I remember some of them. I did not know that Amy Whitehouse had died – when?
Amy Winehouse – was found dead in her apartment yesterday – Saturday – at about 4 pm – suspected alcohol and drug overdose. It is a little eerie because I had just been thinking earlier yesterday at the gym that she seemed to be unable to get a comeback going and growing old for her would be psychically destructive – so like all unusual human beings (i.e. princess Diana) a young death would be more suiting – and then I find out she has died. It is a real shame and loss of a talent who could not overcome her demons – but they are tough demons.