Our Niche: Cologne: House of 4711

"How a generous gift led to the birth of a global brand name" (from www.4711.com)

In 1792, a Carthusian monk presented a young couple called Mr. and Mrs. Muelhens with a valuable wedding gift. It was a secret recipe for how to make "aqua mirabilis"- which later became known as "Eau de Cologne" (French for Water of Cologne, Kölnisch Wasser in German).
Wilhelm Muelhens quickly realized the value of this recipe and founded a company to produce the Eau de Cologne in Glockengasse. The Eau de Cologne, or just "cologne" then became a generic term for citrus-based light perfumes. Trivia for us!

The House in Glockengasse still stands!
Glockengasse is situated in the city centre between the cathedral and Neumarket, right next to the Opera House

The number 4711

In 1796, during the French occupation of Cologne, the French commander General Daurier ordered that all buildings should be conscutively numbered. The building was given the number 4711. That number was later registered as the company's trademark in 1875. French soldiers later on, sent bottles of "Eau de Cologne" to their loved ones back home. (So that's why most of us associate "cologne" as a French concoction...). It is said that Napoleon bathes in the diluted version of this scent and consumes gallons and gallons every month.

This tapestry showing a French soldier writing the number 4711 on the building measures 4.5x3.5 metres. It took 12 ladies eighteen months to embroider this tapestry. It was created in 1964 to mark the reopening of the building.

The secret recipe

Traditionally, the 4711 eau de cologne was produced and aged in large oak barrels. The production process has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 200 years. It is still shrouded in secrecy and subjected to strict quality control.

The Fountain of Fragrance
Enjoy a well-earned break during your visit to Cologne and refresh yourself at the 4711 ORIGINAL EAU DE COLOGNE fountain... (I should have brought empty spray bottles!)