"Der Sicherheitshafen" aus der Reihe "Kölner Bilder und welche Geschichten sie erzählen"

Today, the residents of Cologne's northern district, from the Bastei to Ebertplatz, enjoy the green space with a pond on Theodor Heuss Ring. This wasn't always the case. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city wall ran along Thürmchenswall, and in front of it was a moat. Due to a devastating ice flood in 1784, which ravaged large parts of Cologne, destroyed the entire shipping fleet, and claimed over 60 lives, the decision was made at the beginning of the 19th century to enlarge and deepen the moat in front of the city wall at Thürmchenswall and to build a safe harbor there, providing secure refuge for the fleet during the winter months. Because years passed between planning, implementation, and sometimes sluggish financing, the harbor was already completely outdated by the time it opened and, for many reasons, could not fulfill its function until it was filled in in 1896. Either you couldn't get through the harbor entrance, which was only eight meters wide, or you ran aground due to the lack of depth. This project was one of the most expensive planning blunders in Cologne's history, and its story is reminiscent of Cologne's current costly planning blunders and prestige projects. The film entertainingly recounts and illustrates this story of Cologne's history, which is unknown to most Cologne residents, using a previously largely unseen photograph of the safety harbor. A film by and with Klaus Hausmann Production: WEGEN de LEUT media, Klaus Hausmann © 2024 Further information about this film and many other documentaries about Cologne's history: https://www.wegen-de-leut.de/dashisto... Daily stories from Cologne's history:   / koelnhistorisch