Cologne

The RheinEnergieStadion in the district of Müngersdorf – home arena of 1. FC Köln – and the German Sport University characterise the large sports complex on both sides of the road “Aachener Straße”. This complex was built in the 1920s under Mayor Konrad Adenauer as part of the Outer Green Belt. Fort V of the Prussian fortification belt (1870/90), located here, was used as a collection camp for Jews from Cologne and Aachen during the Nazi era. Fort V was demolished in 1962.

In 1926, during the expansion of the sports facilities in the Jahnwiese area, a Roman estate (villa rustica) was discovered. The prestigious manor house, luxuriously decorated with murals and marble, included numerous farm buildings. Founded in the 1st century AD, the estate was located 750 metres south of the Via Belgica, about five kilometres outside the city walls. For over 300 years, the agricultural business ensured the prosperity of its owners.

Only the mighty, costly sandstone sarcophagus from the 4th century AD, which stands at the “Adenauerweiher” pond on the Jahnwiese park green, still reminds us today of the Roman past of this place.