The most prominent example of Cologne's Rhine bank fortifications from the Prussian era is located at the entrance to the Rheinau harbour. The Malakoff Tower, built between 1848 and 1859, is part of a series of towers that were constructed from solid brickwork from the middle of the 19th century until they were replaced by steel structures at the end of the century. The massive brick towers were named after Fort Malakow, which had resisted attacks for a long time during the Crimean War, achieving legendary status and thus becoming a symbol of stability as such.
The Malakoff Tower in Cologne was never involved in any combat operations. The tower had already lost its significance for military purposes by the end of the 19th century. When the harbour was redesigned between 1892 and 1898, the tower was moved to the mainland, where it was assigned a new function. A hydraulic pressure water pump was installed, from where the 420-tonne swing bridge could be operated, which still connects the mainland with the harbour area today.
Although the pump no longer has to operate the swing bridge as often since the Rheinauhafen was converted into a marina, it continues to function. In addition to the pumping station, there is also a café in the tower, and the outdoor terrace is a popular destination when visiting the Rheinauhafen harbour or the Chocolate Museum opposite.
The Malakoff Tower in Cologne was never involved in any combat operations. The tower had already lost its significance for military purposes by the end of the 19th century. When the harbour was redesigned between 1892 and 1898, the tower was moved to the mainland, where it was assigned a new function. A hydraulic pressure water pump was installed, from where the 420-tonne swing bridge could be operated, which still connects the mainland with the harbour area today.
Although the pump no longer has to operate the swing bridge as often since the Rheinauhafen was converted into a marina, it continues to function. In addition to the pumping station, there is also a café in the tower, and the outdoor terrace is a popular destination when visiting the Rheinauhafen harbour or the Chocolate Museum opposite.
Good to know
Eligibility
for Groups
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for families
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
Directions & Parking facilities
The Malakoff Tower is located at the entrance to the Rheinauhafen harbour. The distance to the main railway station is approx. 1 km and can be combined with a pleasant walk along the Rhine.
Alternatively, you can get there by public transport. The Heumarkt stop, which can be reached by tram lines 1, 5, 7, 9, is very close. Bus lines 106, 132 and 133 also stop at Heumarkt, with the 133 even stopping directly in front of the tower at the Schokoladenmuseum stop.
Alternatively, you can get there by public transport. The Heumarkt stop, which can be reached by tram lines 1, 5, 7, 9, is very close. Bus lines 106, 132 and 133 also stop at Heumarkt, with the 133 even stopping directly in front of the tower at the Schokoladenmuseum stop.
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