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History of 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser: Rise of a century-old brand
The story of 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser is closely linked to the city of Cologne. Together we will discover the history of a world-famous brand.
The Mülhens family began conquering the fragrance market 230 years ago with the "Echt Kölnisch Wasser". And to this day, the four numbers stand for tradition and innovation in the world of fragrances. But what exactly is the story of 4711 and what is the story behind the most famous water in the world, which is so beneficial for the body, mind and soul?
A precious wedding gift
According to legend, a Carthusian monk friend gave the then 30-year-old Wilhelm Mülhens the recipe, which is still secret today, as a wedding present - not knowing that he would thereby provide the impetus for a centuries-long success story. The merchant Mülhens uses it to make a perfumed water, which he initially markets under the name "Aqua Mirabilis". Initially as Drink : It is drunk neat or mixed with wine. The ingredients of this "miracle water" are said to have healing powers. It was not until 1810 that the disclosure of all medical recipes was required that Mülhens relabeled his product: To protect the secret recipe, Echt Kölnisch Wasser was from then on marketed as a fragrance that could be applied externally and had an invigorating and refreshing effect. This also changed its appearance: the medicine bottle was replaced by the iconic Molanus bottle. The newly developed bottle shape allowed the fragrance to "breathe" and ensured it remained stable.
Probably the most famous number in the world of fragrances
The recipe and marketing hit the nerve of the times: In addition to great personalities of contemporary history, emperors, kings and tsars soon enjoyed the refreshing scent of Aqua Mirabilis, which is both harmonizing and stimulating. To distinguish it from the products of the competition, the creation is called "4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser". The striking number goes back to the house number of the building in Cologne's Glockengasse, where Mülhen's distillery and fragrance factory was located. Since then, 4711 has stood worldwide for expertise in the perfumery trade and high-quality products. Made in Germany . To this day, the number adorns the bottle label and ensures high recognition value. Over the centuries, the brand becomes world famous and the Mülhens develop into a well-known entrepreneurial family.
Influential Personalities of Contemporary History
The family has left its mark not only in the field of fragrances and perfumes. The construction of the Hotel Petersberg in Königswinter, which later became the guest house of the federal government, can be traced back to Ferdinand Mülhens (1844–1928). As the grandson of the company founder, he was the heir to the "Cologne Water and Perfume Factory" in Glockengasse. He also had the oldest cog railway in Germany still in operation built: the first passenger journey to the Drachenfels took place in 1883. And internationally successful racehorses are still bred at the Röttgen stud farm in Cologne-Heumar. Peter Paul Mülhens (1875–1945) had created a country estate with thoroughbred breeding in 1909 when he purchased the manor. His first successes in racing led to him founding the "Prize of 4711" at the Cologne racecourse in 1933.
From the heart of Cologne to the world
The centre of the traditional brand is still located in the heart of the city. Dufthaus 4711 in Glockengasse is a witness and expression of the long history and represents the union of tradition and modernity. Visitors can refresh themselves at the fragrance fountain, create their own perfumes at fragrance seminars and experience the history of 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser up close on historical tours. The house with the iconic inscription attracts around 100,000 guests from all over the world every year, making it one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city of Cologne. Here, visitors can enjoy the variety of Eaux de Cologne: The house is both a museum and an event space for seminars, concerts, culinary and cultural events, and allows the whole world of 4711 to come to life.
