Hohe Strasse - Schildergasse
The two classical shopping streets known by all Cologne visitors are the "Hohe Strasse" and the "Schildergasse". The Hohe Strasse be- gins at Wallrafplatz next to the cathedral/dom. In 1967, it was Ger- many's first shopping street only for pedestrians and completely without traffic. The Hohe Strasse really is a historical path, because

it has already been existing during the times of the romans when it was part of the connections from Rome to Xanten. To- day, many shops with clothings, shoes and jewelery stand along this open sky shop- ping mall of more than one kilometre. The Schildergasse, continuing the shopping mile Hohe Strasse in the direction to Neumarkt

Neumarkt, the offerings of the Hohe Strasse are added by playware for kids and household goods. This street is a shopping zone, too, but remarkably wider than the Hohe Strasse. The Schildergasse ends at Neumarkt where on the right hand the "Zeppelinstrasse" further shops are awaiting you with offerings on a even higher level, espa- cially in fashion for women. Along this street the huge and modern building of the Neumarkt Galerie shopping centre could be the next visiting point for those who love to go shopping in Cologne.

Neumarkt Galerie
The Neumarkt Galerie is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful shopping center in the centre of Cologne. A hallmark of the building is the over 10 meter tall artwork: an upside down ice cream cone (titled "Dropped Cone") produced by the American artists Oldenburg and van Brugge, which is the building's crown (photo). In the interior is the a pleasant and friendly shopping environment. The well-lit

granite floor, which is lit indirectly by ceiling lighting and in contrast with the dark wood hand- rails produces a magnificent effect with the extensive glass and stainless steel struc- ture. 65 shops are in the shopping center on three floors. The middle point of the Neumarkt Galerie is the forum, a round lighting unit under a large glass copula. All around the ground level and in the upper

floor are diverse shops with fashionable clothing, jewelry and shoes from well known names. Karstadt Sport, the Mayersche book store and Sinn Leffers have their largest branches there. All toll, the buil- ding has a selection of several restaurants, bistros and cafes, above all, in the bottom level where one can sit under the glass cupola and enjoy a meal. Practical and comfortable is the subway connection not far from the Neumarkt Galerie at the Neumarkt stop, next to the department store Karstadt and the neighboring Olivandenhof.