Why is the ugliest square in Cologne named after an emperor from the 12th century? Emperor Frederick I, also known as Barbarossa, was not always the best friend of Cologne. Nonetheless he was very important for Cologne’s development in the Middle Ages. Learn more about it in this episode.

Barbarossaplatz

Barbarossaplatz around 1900

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Barbarossaplatz today

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Seven (!) main streets cross the square with cars and streetcars.

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Death of Barbarossa

Did the emperor drown? Or got a heart attack? Was he swimming or drinking out of the river Saleph (today a river in Turkey), we will never know for sure!

Kyffhäuser

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Barbarossa is still sleeping. Up until the day Germany needs to be saved. According to legend…

Tomb of Philipp of Heinsberg in Cologne Cathedral

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