Programme Wednesday 30th July 2008



  Local Social Programme
12:15 - 15:45 Control Centre of the Cologne Municipal Transport Services (KVB)
13:15 - 15:30 Guided city tour: Roman Cologne
15:45 - 17:45 Archeological excavation beneath the Cologne Cathedral
16:00 - 18:00 Cologne from above
18:45 - 24:00 Icebreaker
   




Visit to the Control Centre of the Cologne Municipal Transport Services (KVB)

In 1980 the KVB had as one of the first companies in Germany a control centre to process all functions of the supervision and steering of its transport operations. Modern technology allows it to monitor and steer the complete public transport below and above ground. With its radio installation it is in constant contact with all trains, trams, buses and operational vehicles. At the same time the power supplies and the equipments at the tram and bus stops are monitored. During this visit you will have an insight view into the technique of the control centre, and the work of the 50 operators, who work in three shifts around the clock, to guarantee a smooth running of the operation.


Photo: KVB AG
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Guided city tour: Roman Cologne

Being a Roman province's capital and a military base neighboring the Barbarians' territory, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium was a vital post on the Roman Empire's border. The tour will characterize great personages of the ancient world, point out their traces in the present days' city, offers insight into the military and economical importance in the Roman Empire, and describes everyday life in a Roman province town. The tour includes a visit to the (subterranean) Preator's palace and a genuine Roman sewer.


Photo: Birgit Schmitz
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Archeological excavation beneath the Cologne Cathedral

Since 1946 archaeologists are digging beneath the cathedral for relicts of the Roman Empire. Here was the nucleus of the earliest Christian community in the northern part of the Roman Empire. On this tour you will visit the exciting digging area right under the cathedral and get a good impression of part of Colognes history. On the basis of foundation walls, ashlars and various finds, like a pillar capital from the 9th century, you can imagine the layout of the ?old cathedral? and how it developed over the centuries to become the cathedral as you see it today. Take a trip 16m below ground on a unique time travel.


Photo: Foto Dombauarchiv Köln, Matz und Schenk
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Cologne from above

The cathedral (DOM) of Cologne, built between 1248 and 1880, is regarded as a masterpiece of the medieval gothic architecture. At its completion in the 19th century it was the tallest building in the world. Even today, it is the second highest church in Germany and the third highest in the world. The symbol of the Dom is the mighty twin towers, each 157 meters high. Over 509 steps you will reach the top of the Dom of Cologne. On the way up, you will pass “am decken Pitter”, St. Peters bell, weighing 24 tons and cast in 1923. It is the biggest, free swinging church bell of the world. Having made it to the top you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over Cologne.


Photo: Frank Spakowski
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Icebreaker

Starting your time at the EMAG, the Icebreaker is a great opportunity to make new friends and – of course – to meet old friends again. To get to know each other we will meet on Wednesday evening in the traditional brewery ‘Gaffel’ right next to the cathedral. There are lots of things to see and to experience. High class painted ceilings, original architecture and an old tile stove give this brewery a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Here you’ll have the opportunity to sample Cologne specialities together with one of the bestselling Kölsch brands in a relaxing atmosphere. The chef in this unique brewery cellar recommends the very ample brewery-plate (500 grams of meat) for the price of 14 EUR (without side orders) in addition to drought beer from the “Pittermännchen” (10l wooden cask). Besides, you will have the choice between plenty meat and vegetarian dishes. Something for every taste!
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