科隆位于德国西部的来因河畔,它以其天然的地理优势,早在中世纪时,就云集了一批世界各地的朝圣者。早期到这座城市里来的人中大多为商人,据载也有罗马军团长途跋涉来到这里,甚至还有拿破仑的士兵。这里曾被称作伟大的欧洲通道,也有人说它是西方的钥匙。如今,这里已经发展成欧洲最重要的通衢。 Cologne is located on the banks of the River Inin in western Germany. As a result of its natural geographical advantage, Cologne gathered a group of pilgrims from all over the world as early as the Middle Ages. Most of the early arrivals in the city were merchants, and it was reported that Roman legions also traveled here, and even Napoleon’s soldiers. It was once called the Great European Channel, and some say it is the key to the West. Today it has developed into the most important thoroughfare in Europe.