Cologne and its Oppenheim. A bank, a family, a city – a unity. This book explores the traces of the unusually diverse connection between the Oppenheim family and the city of Cologne. Precise, honest, and without a romanticized view, it covers all the highs and lows. In the 19th century, Sal. Oppenheim was a driving force behind the economic modernization of the city: shipping and railway lines, insurance, and commercial industry owe their inception to the bank, and some still owe their existence to it today. However, the influence of the founding family extended far beyond that. As patrons, they shaped the cultural landscape, engaged in beautifying the city, supported charitable initiatives, and advocated for civil liberties. The history of the bank and the biography of the family represent a contemporary historical experience in book form and serve as a vibrant testament to the tumultuous history of Germany.