South of the Hohenzollern bridge, in front of the river, lies the oldest section of Cologne City. The old town of Cologne is characterized by its striking buildings which reflect 70s and 80s German architectural stylings, bringing a retro feeling to the old town. In the 19th century, this was the city’s most important commerce center, owing to its proximity to Cologne port. This region was radically transformed in the 1980s when the main roads were moved underground to build a garden area in front of the river and the old city. Today, the Rhine Garden is a meeting point for tourists and locals alike.