COLOGNE, Germany — The first sweet whiff of 4711 Eau de Cologne wafts by us as we leave the Café Reichard terrace overlooking the city’s Gothic cathedral and stroll down Hohe Strasse. At the ...

Cologne is known for creating the world's most famous eau de Cologne: 4711. The Mail on Sunday's Tamara Hinson visited the city to learn more about its fascinating history.

Four blocks away, a showroom occupies the birthplace of 4711 Original Eau de Cologne, a prominent rival since the late 18th century. Visit both and you'll gain fascinating insight.

One To Try: Maurer & Wirtz 4711 Original Eau de Cologne Arguably the most famous cologne in the world, 4711 is widely recognised as one of the oldest fragrances still in production.

He named it Eau de Cologne, in honour of the city. And that freshness is what cologne is about. Farina’s fragrance was followed later in Cologne by the herbally 4711 Original .

Eau de cologne was, of course, invented in the city, and 4711, the most famous of the colognes (which I think smells a little like fly spray), is named for where it is made.

Centuries ago, eau d’Cologne was a combination of urine (chucked out of windows) and sweat (washing was once frowned upon). This stench led to the creation of the fragrance 4711 Eau de Cologne.

The scent was said to have similar notes as the 4711 Eau de Cologne, which is reduced to £18.08 on Superdrug.

He named it Eau de Cologne, in honour of the city. And that freshness is what cologne is about. Farina’s fragrance was followed later in Cologne by the herbally 4711 Original .