The house of Johann Maria Farina

Creator of the famous Eau de Cologne and the founder of perfume factory Johann Maria Farina lived in the house, in front of which you are standing. After all, the word "Eau de Cologne" was named after its location, and translates as “Water of Cologne". Farina was born in Italy and lived all his life in Cologne. In the early 18th century, he creates original perfume fragrance and calls it "Eau de Cologne". A little later he starts mass production of the famous perfume. Gradually, "Eau de Cologne" becomes popular outside Germany as well. Europe's high aristocracy became the Farina customers, including the European monarchs. Another factory was founded during the occupation of Cologne by Napoleon's troops. Its spirit perfume was called "Cologne 4711", which eventually became a very popular brand. You can visit the museum independently. There are guided tours available in several languages. The museum exhibitions tell the history of the famous "Eau de Cologne". After visiting the museum, you will be taken to the basement of the building, where you can watch the process of production. You can see the Wallraf-Richartz Museum diagonally opposite the Farina House. This is one of the largest art galleries in Germany. It was named after a scientist, canon and rector of the University of Cologne Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, who donated his rich collection of "manuscripts, documents, stamps, prints and books, paintings and engravings, coins and vessels, antiquities and many others" to the city. In the middle of the 19th century, a Cologne merchant Johann Heinrich Richartz donated money to build a museum in Cologne. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum opened its doors in July 1861.