Tour Design is proud to once again play a role in World Youth Day as the Cross moves to Cologne (Köln), Germany in the summer of 2005. 

Cologne lies on the Rhine, between Düsseldorf and Bonn. ( See map ) With approximately one million inhabitants, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, and the largest in North Rhine-Westfphalia. Cologne is distinctive and original, a city with its own dialect, its own mentality and a merry twinkle in its eye - and not just during the famous carnival! 

The Cologne cathedral with its two spires 157 metres in height, has been the city's most famous landmark for centuries and the most well-known architectural monument in Germany.

It took 632 years until construction of the largest German cathedral was completed. After the laying of the foundations in the year 1248 and making rapid progress initially, construction work gradually came to a standstill. It was only with 19th century romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and the commitment of the Prussian Court that construction work resumed in 1842. In 1880, completion of the cathedral was celebrated as a national event.

The relics of the Holy Epiphany found their last resting place in the cathedral. The Sarcophagus of Epiphany (dating from the 13th century) surpasses all comparable golden sarcophagi in Western Christendom, in terms of scale and magnificence. Other outstanding works of art are to be found in the cathedral treasure chamber.

Cologne is the twin-spired cathedral, the Rhine and great art. It is 2,000-year-old Roman sites, mighty Romanesque churches, medieval houses, lively shopping streets, super-modern architecture, museums and art galleries. The subject of prose, songs, paintings and films, Cologne must be experienced. Experience it yourself as you join us as for World Youth Day 2005.

Tour Design is reserving accommodation in Cologne, Germany and planning tours for Pilgrims to World Youth Day 2005. Plans are well underway and we expect to publish full details in March 2003. Please complete our online form so that we may keep you informed of full details when they become available.