The “Alter Markt” was mentioned in the Cologne chronicles around 150 years before the Neumarkt.
In the old days, the area here was very swampy, and in the Middle Ages the arm of the Rhine was drained to create a market place. As early as the 10th century, there were reports of a lively market on the “mercatus coloniae”. Almost everything was on offer, from spices and fruit and vegetables to animal innards and household appliances. In addition to stalls, the mint and a bread hall were later added. In the late Middle Ages, residential and commercial buildings were gradually built for the wealthy merchants and citizens of Cologne.
Because of its central location, the Alter Markt was very popular as a pillory and execution site.
The Alter Markt also served as a venue for knights’ tournaments.
In the 13th century, the southern part was separated from the market and was henceforth called the “Heumarkt”.
It was then called “Le grand marché à Cologne” during the French occupation.
From 1820 to 1885, the Cologne Christmas market was held on the Alter Markt, but was not allowed to take place again until 1977.
The Jan-von-Werth-Apotheke, originally the oldest pharmacy in Cologne, is impressive. Unfortunately, the original building (“Roden-Haus”) is no longer standing at Alter Markt 48, and almost nothing remained on this square after the bombing raids during the Second World War.
Unfortunately, the owners gave up in 2012, and today you can find a chocolate shop there.
You will soon find out more about the glorious cavalry general Jan von Werth. From here you should already be able to see the fountain that was built in his honor.
Image source 2nd image: Roden-Haus, former “Jan-von-Werth-Apotheke”, Nikolas M. Schlage, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
