Cologne Cathedral

Published on by rphbaker

This cathedral is actually the fifth building at this site. Construction was started in 1248 and took nearly seven centuries to build. At the time of construction it was to be the tallest building in the world and it was for several years.

The Cathedral is made of 8 different kinds of stones which would make it look patchy if it were cleaned. This along with the time and money it would take to clean the cathedral is why they prefer to keep the “patina” look. The roof is made of lead.

The arrival of the bones of the three Magi’s, the three kings who visited Baby Jesus, were a money maker for the Cathedral during construction. Donations poured in from all over as Cologne was considered a Holy City. The bones are kept in a solid gold sarcophagus and is the largest reliquary in the Western world at 60 inches high, 87 inches long and 43 inches wide. The shrine stands behind the altar.

The Cathedral was mostly unaffected by the war because it was used as a landmark for the bombers. They didn’t want to destroy it because then they wouldn’t know for sure what city they were in.

It’s hard to describe how amazing it was to see in person.

Many of the stain glass windows are original although some were broken during the war because the leader at that time assured them they were safe from the war. Once the bombings started they removed the windows and hid them like many other cities did.
Original mosaic floors that were so detailed and varied throughout the Cathedral.
The Three Magi relics

The Cologne Cathedral is near the top of my favorite Cathedrals.

Leave a comment