Fionnuala Bourke is struck by the chic, yet surprisingly traditional, city of Cologne.

Über cool bars and restaurants, traditional beer taverns and chic shops surround a gorgeous gothic cathedral – one of the most stunning examples of architecture in Europe.

Cologne Cathedral took 600 years to construct and, at a whopping 156.5 metres high, it overtook the ancient pyramids of Egypt to be declared the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1880.

And the dark grey stone monument, which is decorated with detail outside and in, has another claim to fame.

It is home to the 2,000-year-old relics of the Three Wise Men, the Biblical Magi, who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus as he lay in a crib in Bethlehem.

The Catholic cathedral is Germany’s most visited attraction, and has the capacity to hold 20,000 people at any one time.

Outside its enigma emanates from its intricate stone work decorated with numerous saintly statues and towering spires which really do appear to touch the heavens.

Inside it is the elaborately colourful stained glass windows that catch your attention.

As you walk through the enormously cavernous space and make your way up the spacious aisle you soon come across its treasure – the golden tombs of the three kings Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar.

The elaborate shrine is kept behind iron gates, but guides are allowed to open them to let visitors have closer access.

And the tombs themselves are opened up once a year to allow people to peer in to see the relics.

Set next to the cathedral, right in the heart of the city, is another of its historic buildings, which also survived the bombings of the Second World War.

It is the five-star family-run Excelsior Hotel Ernst built in 1863.

The building housing the venue, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, is more than a century old, but appears as fresh and new as though it was constructed yesterday.

Original details have kept their character and gleam with splendour as you wander through the hotel which has 142 rooms and suites as well as meeting rooms, a bar and two splendid restaurants.

It is a prime location from which to explore the city and provides a friendly and warm reception and first-rate service.

I stayed in a double room on the first floor which was very comfortable and felt secure and homely.

Decorated in neutral colours with enormous windows, a walk-in wardrobe and a huge bathroom with a rain shower and bath, it was a great place to relax and unwind from the bustle outside.