In 1942, during excavations to construct a bomb shelter next to the Cologne Cathedral, the ruins of a Roman villa with a huge mosaic was discovered. The theme of the mosaic is the life of the god Dionysus, and at seven by ten meters contains more than a million pieces. It is considered one of the largest and best-preserved Roman mosaics north of the Alps. As a result the mosaic was not disturbed, and the modern 1974 Romano Germanic Museum building was constructed over it and on top of the original walls of the Roman villa.
The Romano Germanic Museum is generally considered to be Germany’s best Roman museum. The Dionysus mosaic from the period 230 – 240 AD is the main exhibit, and can be seen from the outside for people not interested or prepared to pay to see the rest of the museum. Other exhibits include stoneware, pottery, glass, and jewelry.
Cologne became a city on order of Emperor Claudius in 50 AD. He called it Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium in honor (same say on insistence) of his wife Agrippina who was born there while her father Germanicus was stationed at this outpost of the Empire. In the museum is an arch featuring the abbreviation of the city name: CCAA. In some Latin derived languages the city is still called Colonia, while the German name Köln and English Cologne are clear derivates from the original.
The museum consists of three floors, with the main permanent exhibition on the first floor. The Roman stonework exhibits, including milestones, graves, and other decorations are interesting, but cannot compare to what is available elsewhere in Europe. The jewelry and glassware on the other hand are astonishing. Many of the finest works on display were created by the "barbarian" Franks who lived outside the borders and protection of the civilized Roman world.
The basement houses the mosaic as well as objects in daily use in a Roman household. These include kitchen utensils, toys, and personal paraphernalia. Gravestones and other objects associated with death and burial are also housed here.
On the ground floor is a bookshop, an unimaginative gift shop, and temporary exhibitions. During our visit the exhibition was of modern objects such as cola cans arranged to give the impression of a modern Roman style.
The museum’s prime location right next to the Cologne Cathedral, as well as the quality of the exhibitions, make it one of Germany’s most visited museums. Even if you are not interested in Cologne’s Roman connection, it is still worth peeking through the window for a free, if upside down, view of the marvelous mosaic.
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 17:00
Euro 3.60