Cologne Cathedral
Köln, Germany
12.05.2009
The exterior of Kölner Dom is adorned with intricate details, including over 700 stone sculptures and magnificent stained-glass windows. The most famous of these windows is the massive South Transept Window, also known as the "Window of the Three Kings," which depicts the biblical Three Wise Men.
Upon entering the cathedral, visitors are greeted by a grand interior with soaring ceilings and a stunning nave. The interior is filled with priceless artworks and relics, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.
Aside from its architectural and artistic significance, Kölner Dom also has a rich history. It has survived numerous wars and was heavily damaged during World War II. However, it has been meticulously restored and remains a symbol of resilience and strength for the people of Köln.
Visitors can also climb the 533 steps to the top of the south tower for a breathtaking view of the city and the Rhine River. The cathedral also offers guided tours and concerts, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religious art.
In conclusion, Kölner Dom is a must-see attraction in Köln, Germany. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural significance make it a must-visit for tourists from all over the world. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to Kölner Dom will not disappoint.p>Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was not completed until 1880. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. Apart from its exceptional intrinsic value and the artistic masterpieces it contains, Cologne Cathedral testifies to the enduring strength of European Christianity.
Cologne Cathedral (German: Kölner Dom, pronounced [ˌkœlnɐ ˈdoːm] , officially Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus, English: Cathedral Church of Saint Peter) is a cathedral in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia belonging to the Catholic Church. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. At 157 m (515 ft), the cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster, and the third tallest church of any kind in the world.Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814 but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was completed to its original medieval plan in 1880. The towers for its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.
Cologne's medieval builders had planned a grand structure to house the reliquary of the Three Kings and fit for its role as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. Despite having been left incomplete during the medieval period, Cologne Cathedral eventually became unified as "a masterpiece of exceptional intrinsic value" and "a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe". In Cologne, only the telecommunications tower is higher than the cathedral.
