COLOGNE  (Köln)
Cathedral

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Even from a distance the visitor can recognise the unmistakable landmark of Cologne : the Cathedral (Kölner Dom), one of the most impressive edifices in the Occident, 144 m long and 43,50 m high above the central nave. The most famous Gothic structure in Germany is also unusually complex whether in terms of its splendour, its size or even simply the date of its construction. the Cathedral (Kölner Dom), one of the most impressive edifices in the Occident, 144 m long and 43,50 m high above the central nave. The most famous Gothic structure in Germany is also unusually complex whether in terms of its splendour, its size or even simply the date of its construction.

The foundation stone was laid on 15th of August 1248, the presbytery consecrated in 1322. The cathedral was built gradually until c. 1520. It then remained unfinished until the 19th century, when Romanticists revived interest in it. The building was finally completed in 1842-1880, according to the rediscovered original Gothic designs. 15th of August 1248, the presbytery consecrated in 1322. The cathedral was built gradually until c. 1520. It then remained unfinished until the 19th century, when Romanticists revived interest in it. The building was finally completed in 1842-1880, according to the rediscovered original Gothic designs.

The St. Peter's bell, 24 tons in weight and with a clapper which alone weighs 16 metric hundredweight, is the largest swinging bell in the world. The magnificent stained glass is a further superlative - the Cathedral has 1350 square metres of medieval windows. The "Gerokreuz" (Gero Cross) stands out from the host of unique art treasures. This crucifix, donated to the Cathedral by Archbishop Gero in 976, is the oldest preserved large-scale sculpture north of the Alps. The "Dreiköningenschrein" (Shrine of the Magi) (1180-1220), is one of the world-famous treasures of the Cathedral. It contains the precious relics of the three saints and is considered to be an outstanding example of goldsmiths' work. It was made by Nicolas de Verdun. The relics were brought to Köln in 1164 for Emperor Friedrich I Barbarossa. St. Peter's bell, 24 tons in weight and with a clapper which alone weighs 16 metric hundredweight, is the largest swinging bell in the world. The magnificent stained glass is a further superlative - the Cathedral has 1350 square metres of medieval windows. The "Gerokreuz" (Gero Cross) stands out from the host of unique art treasures. This crucifix, donated to the Cathedral by Archbishop Gero in 976, is the oldest preserved large-scale sculpture north of the Alps. The "Dreiköningenschrein" (Shrine of the Magi) (1180-1220), is one of the world-famous treasures of the Cathedral. It contains the precious relics of the three saints and is considered to be an outstanding example of goldsmiths' work. It was made by Nicolas de Verdun. The relics were brought to Köln in 1164 for Emperor Friedrich I Barbarossa.

The most famous painting in the Cathedral , which today decorates the Marienkapelle (Chapel of St. Mary), is a masterpiece of the Cologne school of painters and Stefan Lochner, created around 1450. The largest choir-stalls in Germany, consisting of 104 seats, were carved from oak around 1310. The choir screen with its total of 42 pictures also dates back to about this time. The 144 Gothic figures on the high choir buttresses are especially graceful. Marienkapelle (Chapel of St. Mary), is a masterpiece of the Cologne school of painters and Stefan Lochner, created around 1450. The largest choir-stalls in Germany, consisting of 104 seats, were carved from oak around 1310. The choir screen with its total of 42 pictures also dates back to about this time. The 144 Gothic figures on the high choir buttresses are especially graceful.

As if one such edifice were not enough, 12 other Romanesque churches form a circle around the Cathedral, irrefutable proof of the wealth of the town in the Middle Ages. Together they established the reputation of Cologne as the "Rome of the North" or "holy Cologne". The oldest Romanesque church is the St. Pantheon, consecrated in 980. It has the oldest preserved cloister in Germany. 12 other Romanesque churches form a circle around the Cathedral, irrefutable proof of the wealth of the town in the Middle Ages. Together they established the reputation of Cologne as the "Rome of the North" or "holy Cologne". The oldest Romanesque church is the St. Pantheon, consecrated in 980. It has the oldest preserved cloister in Germany.