Getting to know Cologne Cathedral, the most visited sight in Germany

The proof of the lasting power of Christianity is the title that Cologne Cathedral attributed This church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and like most of the great churches in Europe, it took several centuries to build. The presence of the Archbishop of Cologne and the stunning architecture of the church has made it one of the most important tourist destinations in Germany. To learn more about this famous church, stay with us until the end of the article.

The German city of Cologne is about two thousand years old and has been among the most popular tourist destinations in the world Europe tour be placed Very beautiful architectures, each of which has a rich historical background, along with art galleries, have been able to attract the attention of tourists. In the meantime, Cologne Church, which is also the residence of the city’s archbishop, is a head and neck above other tourist attractions and every year hosts tourists who travel to Cologne from all over the world to see this beautiful church.

About Cologne Cathedral

The construction of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture began in 1248 and continued until 1880. Over the course of seven centuries, builders from different centuries and generations who completed the church building were inspired by the same faith and spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. Apart from its exceptional intrinsic value and artistic masterpieces, Cologne Cathedral is a testament to the enduring power of European Christianity. You don’t see any other cathedral in all of Europe that took centuries to complete, but the harmony and unification of its architecture is so harmonious.

Cologne Cathedral consists of a five-aisled basilica in the Gothic style (144.5 m long), with a nave (86.25 m wide) and a tower facade (157.22 m high). The height of the nave is 43.58 meters and the side aisles are 19.80 meters. The construction of the western part, Shabestan, and its width began in 1330 and continued for centuries. Surprisingly, this generation difference is not seen anywhere in the church building. This 19th century work remains faithful to the forms and techniques of the Middle Ages.

Interior attractions of Cologne Cathedral, Germany

High altar with a massive monolith of black limestone, believed to be the largest Christian church, oak choir stalls (1111-1308), painted choir panels (1332-40), fourteen statues on columns in the choir (ca. 1300), and the large cycle of stained windows, as the largest cycle of early 14th century windows in Europe, as well as an outstanding collection of the tombs of twelve archbishops between 976 and 1612 are among the attractions inside Cologne Cathedral, Germany.

Other works of art in the cathedral include the Gero cross of the late 10th century, in the Church of the Holy Cross, which was transferred from the pre-Romanesque period to the present cathedral, the Magi (1180-1225), in the choir, which is the largest shrine In Europe, the altarpiece of St. Clare (c. 1350-1400) in the north aisle, brought here in 1811 from the ruined Franciscan friary, the altarpiece of the patrons of the city by Stephen Lochner (c. 1445) in the chapel of Our Lady, and the Saint Agilulfus (c. 1520) pointed out in the southern latitude.

pointed out

Read more: Top 11 attractions in Hannover, Germany that you must see

History of Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, famous for its amazing architecture and large twin towers. The name of this church was included in the world heritage list in 1996. The construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it took several centuries to complete according to the tradition of the great churches of Europe. In 1534, the eastern columns were completed, but the construction process was stopped for 400 years. Fortunately, during this time, the main building was not damaged and remained waiting for completion. In 1842, the emperor of Prussia issued an order to continue building the church. So the architects got to work and continued the previous design using new tools. Finally, in 1880, the construction of the church was finished.

But the outbreak of World War II marked another tragedy for Cologne Cathedral. During this war, 5 rockets hit the church building and parts of it were destroyed. After the end of the war, restoration was done on the church building and parts such as large windows on the eastern side were added to it.

The main building of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is 1446 meters long and 86 meters wide. Therefore, its building looks very huge and magnificent. Two 157-meter towers placed on the sides surround the main building of the church. Beautiful and creative sculptures, paintings, carvings, arches and columns are all decorations of the interior and exterior of the church. When the Cologne Cathedral was built, it was the tallest structure in Germany. Of course, in the following years, the construction of new buildings took this title from the church. In general, the main building of the Cologne church, although it has been destroyed and renovated several times, is still considered one of the most beautiful historical buildings in the city of Cologne. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Cologne, you must visit this church.

Towers of Cologne Cathedral

Two huge towers surround Cologne Cathedral. These towers are 97 meters high and provide tourists with a unique view of the city. Visiting the interior of the church is free for all visitors, but if you want to climb the towers, you need to pay an entrance fee. You have 509 steps to reach the highest point of the tower, so make sure you have the ability to do it. Along the way, you will see 9 bells, one of which is known as St. Peter’s bell with a weight of about 24 tons. After reaching the top of the tower, you can have an extraordinary view of the city of Cologne in front of you.

The art of Gothic architecture in church construction

Gothic architecture is a style that arose as a result of the limitations of medieval architecture. In fact, this style affected all churches and buildings with a revolution in European architecture. Before the emergence of this architectural style, it was only functional and its beauty was not paid attention to, but Gothic gave a beautiful appearance to all of Europe. The pointed arch, sword candles, cruciform arch, narrow columns, spiral minarets and arched main columns, wide windows and full of carvings and wall decorations are all features of the Gothic style architecture that can also be seen in Cologne Cathedral, Germany. they become It is not without reason that this church was known as the most beautiful church in Europe during its peak.

Saint-Denis Church or Saint-Denis in Paris is the first European Gothic church whose building is still standing and can be visited during a trip to Paris.

Treasures of Cologne Cathedral

A very beautiful tomb made with all kinds of jewels and three golden crowns installed on it is one of the most unique attractions and one of the treasures of the church. According to some residents of Cologne, this tomb belongs to one of the followers of Jesus Christ who met him, it is the oldest symbol of Christianity in Northern Europe among other treasures of the church. This symbol is called Giro Cross, which was made around 900 years after Christ. The painting of the Archbishop of Cologne, painted in 1442, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and a golden statue depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ decorate the interior of the church and are admired by visitors as valuable treasures. Another important point is that the Archbishop of Cologne lives in the church of this city, and this has given the church a special value.

Time to visit Cologne Cathedral, Germany

Visitors can visit Cologne Cathedral on working days from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Of course, according to the ceremonies held in the church, it is possible that the visiting hours may change on some days. Tourists have the possibility to worship or light a candle while visiting the treasures of the church or statues and paintings in a special place.

Address of Cologne Cathedral: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany

Final word: Why visit Cologne Cathedral?

• Cologne Cathedral is an exceptional work of human ingenuity and creativity.
• The completion of the church building took more than 6 centuries, but its original structure has been completely preserved, and the peak of surprise is that the difference in the generation of architects is not noticeable anywhere in the building.
• Cologne Cathedral is a powerful testimony to the strength and continuity of the Christian faith in medieval and modern Europe.

Frequently asked questions