Meaning of 4711: Story from Cologne's Glockengasse

A journey into the history of a century brand: What is the significance of the number 4711 and what does it have to do with the Glockengasse in Cologne?
The number combination 4711 is known worldwide. It stands for the Dufthaus 4711 , which has symbolized the craftsmanship and creativity of perfumers for more than 225 years. A factory in which the expertise of the best perfumers has already produced a variety of unique Eaux de Cologne, and whose history fascinates the whole world. But how did the fragrance come to be known under this name? In search of an answer to this question, it is worth taking a look back, into the History of 4711 .

Eau de Cologne - the water from Cologne with history

At the end of the 18th century, Cologne was firmly in French hands. Anyone walking through the streets and alleys notices one thing first and foremost: the city is dirty and stinks in large parts. Before civilisational achievements such as extensive sewerage networks and public waste disposal were able to prevail, this was part of everyday life in the big cities of Europe. Diseases and epidemics such as typhus and the plague were commonplace and could spread in no time. In short, the hygienic conditions were unbearable from today's perspective.

Travel to distant worlds of fragrance

One of the few islands of fragrance were the markets, with the so-called "French stuff". Here you could buy luxury goods from near and far, such as fine silk, elegant lace and fine leather goods. And above all one thing: rare spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, valuable essential oils from oranges and limes and other exciting, exquisite scents such as bergamot and musk. Anyone who closed their eyes here and let the overwhelming mixture of different olfactory impressions take effect could easily travel to distant worlds in their minds. This is probably what happened to the merchant Wilhelm Mülhens, who must have visited the markets often. He set up his shop in Cologne's Glockengasse and created the fragrance "Aqua Mirabilis" here in 1792. The miracle water, which was initially mainly drunk, would later achieve world fame under the name " 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser ".

How 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser got its name

But how did the fragrance get its name and what does it mean? It's quite simple: French revolutionary troops had all the houses in the city numbered for better orientation. And the house in Glockengasse was given the pleasant-sounding number 4711 by chance. The inscription unwittingly laid the foundation for the rise of a global brand. In order to distinguish his fragrance from the products of the competition, the merchant Mülhens used the memorable house number for his "Eau de Cologne", as the French soon called the popular souvenir. And so the genuine Eau de Cologne from Glockengasse 4711, as a "number from the world", in the distinctive Molanus bottle, quickly began its triumphant march around the globe. Representatives in Vienna and New York followed, as did other branches around the globe.

Tradition and history meet modernity

To this day, the 4711 umbrella brand is continuously maintained and developed with innovative concepts. Fans of tradition will find what they are looking for in the classic fragrances. The original 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser in the original recipe is just as exciting as the new interpretations 4711 Floral Collection and 4711 Remix . They all have the same characteristics that are popular around the world: refreshing, light and uplifting in everyday life and when travelling. With the newly developed ACQUA COLONIA and ACQUA COLONIA INTENSE The brand goes one step further. They break through the traditional fragrance palette with the entire diversity and variety of nature. High-quality fragrances based on natural raw materials transport their wearers into a world of unique feel-good moments and places of longing.

The fragrance house 4711 in the heart of Cologne

The history of the brand of the century is still reflected in the 4711 fragrance house. The traditional house in Cologne's Glockengasse attracts over 100,000 guests from all over the world every year. In addition to highlights such as the fragrance fountain, the entire multifaceted diversity of the brand can be discovered there. Fragrance lovers have the opportunity to experience the history of the parent company and the iconic Echt Eau de Cologne. From the street, you can listen to the famous carillon every hour on the hour: the 20 bells of the 4711 fragrance house live up to the name of the street and play three melodies - including the "Marseillaise" and "The Loyal Hussar". Those who want to delve even deeper into the world of 4711 will find what they are looking for in unique experiences such as the four-course fragrance menu, a fragrance seminar or a historical tour.

Historical tours

From the secret recipe “Aqua Mirabilis” to a mere house number to the cult brand loved around the world: Experience the eventful history of 4711 up close on exciting guided tours.

fragrance seminars

How does the perfumer's craft work? The seminars at Dufthaus 4711 answer this question - and allow all participants to create their own Eau de Cologne and take it home with them.

fragrance menus

Gourmets embark on a unique sensory journey that combines the classic 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser with a first-class four-course menu that visitors can enjoy in the unique ambience of the fragrance house.