Imagine undertaking a perilous pact with the devil himself. That is the legend of Master Gerhard, the Cologne Cathedral’s first master builder in the 13th century.
Welcome to Cologne Cathedral. This is Germany’s most visited landmark. Each year, about six million people come to see it. Cologne Cathedral is a renowned monument. It stands as a testament to German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1996, its immense twin towers reach 515 feet high.
The story of Cologne Cathedral stretches back centuries. Christian churches occupied this site since the 4th century. A fire destroyed an older cathedral in 1248. Soon after, work began on the present Cologne Cathedral. It was designed in the Gothic style, like French churches. The choir was ready in 1322. Construction continued until 1560. Then, the project stopped for centuries. A large wooden crane stood 184 feet above the ground atop the south tower.
During the 1790s, French Revolution troops occupied Cologne. They used the Cologne Cathedral as a stable and hay barn. Restoration started in the 1820s. King Frederick William IV of Prussia laid a new cornerstone in 1842. Work resumed to complete the Cologne Cathedral. Architects followed drawings from about 1300. Construction ended in 1880.
At its completion, Cologne Cathedral was believed to be the world’s tallest structure. It held this title until 1884. Then, the Washington Monument was finished. Cologne Cathedral remained the world’s tallest building until 1890. That year, Ulm Cathedral in Germany surpassed it. Allied air raids badly damaged Cologne Cathedral in 1944. Medieval windows had been removed beforehand. By 1948, the choir had been restored. The rest of the interior was back in use by 1956.
Cologne Cathedral’s art treasures are many. The gold Shrine of the Three Kings is near the high altar. It contains relics of the Magi. Nicholas of Verdun began the shrine in 1182. It was finished around 1220. It was first placed in the earlier cathedral. The Lady Chapel holds an altarpiece. It is called The Adoration of the Magi. Stefan Lochner made it around 1445. He was a painter from Cologne. The Cologne Cathedral’s oldest stained-glass windows were made in the 13th century. Gerhard Richter created a modern stained-glass window. It replaced 19th-century glass destroyed in World War II. Richter’s window has over 11,000 square panes in 72 colors.
Cologne Cathedral has two pipe organs. Klais Orgelbau built them. The Transept Organ was built in 1948. The Nave Organ was built in 1998.
Cologne Cathedral has eleven church bells. Four bells are medieval. The 3.8-tonne Dreikönigsglocke was cast in 1418. It was recast in 1880. The Pretiosa and Speciosa bells remain in place today. The St. Petersglocke was cast in 1922.
In 1996, Cologne Cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts tourists and pilgrims. It is one of Northern Europe’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Visitors can climb 533 stone steps to a viewing platform. The platform is 330 feet above the ground. It gives a scenic view over the Rhine.
Ongoing renovation is vital. The stonework needs continuous care. Rain and pollution slowly erode the stones of Cologne Cathedral. The Dombauhütte employs skilled stonemasons for this purpose. Half the costs of repair are borne by the Dombauverein.
Cologne Cathedral stands not just as a building. It stands as a symbol of faith, art, and the enduring spirit of Cologne.