4711 Cologne Sign at Kõln Hauptbahnhof

While 4711 is not the oldest cologne in the German city of Cologne (that distinction belongs to Jean Marie Farina), it is definitely the most popular.

The story of cologne in the city of Cologne dates back to 1708, when Italian-born Giovanni (Johann) Maria Farina, whom many credit with creating eau-de-cologne, created a scent which would be the fragrance around which he built his company the following year.

One of many competitors who not only entered the fray but also adopted the “Farina” name for his product was a local merchant named Wilhelm Mulhens. After a court case granted rights to exclusive use of the Farina name to the original Farina company in 1881 , Mulhens changed the name of his brand to 4711, derived from the company’s street address, 4711 Glockengasse. The flagship store still stands at that address and features an exhibit that covers the history of the company and a perfume fountain at the entrance that wafts the fragrance into the surrounding air.

“Architecture of the Night” is an artistic style of architecture designed to maximize the effect of night lighting, which includes illuminated advertising. The massive neon “4711” sign that adorns the Köln Hauptbahnhof is a striking example of this style.