To experience Cologne is to become acquainted with the centre of Europe. Marked by 2,000 years of history from the Romans to the present. An important Hanseatic city far back in the Middle Ages, it was a destination of millions of traders, pilgrims and tourists; nothing has changed since then. The city's landmark is the Gothic cathedral which, in 1998, will be the focal point of the "Gothic Year of Cologne". The cause for celebration is the 750th anniverary of the laying of the cathedral's foundation stone in 1248.