The Gürzenich is one of the most famous halls in Cologne, where organ concerts are held at regular intervals. The building was built in the 15th century and was named for its owners, the noble family of Gürzenich. This house became a popular public building in the Middle Ages.
The building itself cannot be called majestic, its appearance may not draw much attention. But what fills it, which is classical music concerts, attracts a large number of visitors and connoisseurs of musical art.
Gürzenich was built of rough stone of a dark colour, the framing of the roof is more like a fortress wall, complete with crenellations. At the corners of the house are small turrets.
Initially, this house became a place where a variety of entertainment events, as well as serious political and diplomatic meetings and gatherings were constantly held. Radical changes awaited the Gürzenich in 1857, and it was during this period that it was rebuilt. It was made into a large and beautiful concert hall, but the name remained the same. Now this house has become a place where all connoisseurs of classical music can come. From the middle of the 19th century an orchestra was formed here, which took over the name of the building.
While at the beginning of its existence the Gürzenich could admire the splendour of its decoration, after 1943 and the accompanying bombing there was no trace of it left. During the war years, the entire structure was completely destroyed and unfortunately it has never been fully restored. For this reason, it is difficult to recognise Gürzenich as a Gothic public building from the Middle Ages. Nowadays the building looks very unusual, thanks to a small additional extension made of glass and metal.
