Bastei is definitely amongst my favourite buildings in Cologne but unfortunately I've not yet managed to see the inside. Opened in 1927 as a Aussichtsrestaurant (restaurant with a view), it is built right on the edge of the Rhine. It was designed by one of Cologne's most prolific architects Wilhelm Riphahn and Bastei was sort of his breakthrough. Later in his career he was commissioned to build iconic post-war buildings such as the Kölner Oper (Cologne Opera House) as well as 'Die Brücke' which used to house the British Council offices and is now the Kölnische Kunstverein art gallery.
Bastei isn't usually open but can be hired for events and parties so would one of my Cologne friends please throw a party in there so I can have a good nose around. Thank you please!! Oh and sorry for the gloomy picture.....it was a gloomy day in Cologne.
