Cologne Cathedral is a world masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Officially, it is called the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Virgin Mary, although almost no one calls it that. In 1996, Cologne Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cologne Cathedral is the third tallest cathedral in the world, and the tallest cathedral with two identical towers. The height of Cologne Cathedral reaches 157 meters. The tallest in the world is Ulm Cathedral (161.5 м), but it has only one tower. The second tallest cathedral is Notre-Dame de la Paix in Yamasukro (capital of Ivory Coast), but this cathedral was built at the end of the 20th century, using the latest construction technologies.
History of the Cologne Cathedral construction
Since the 3rd century, Cologne has been home to a large Christian community. After the Edict of Milan, when Emperor Constantine allowed Christians to practice their religion, a small chapel was erected here. Later, the first bishop of Cologne Maternus built a church on this site. The old Romanesque cathedral on the same site was built in 818. Ruins and fragments of these churches can be seen at the site of excavations near the cathedral, as well as in its cellars.
In the 13th century, it was decided to build the largest of all existing cathedrals in Europe. Two factors contributed to this decision. Cologne became one of the richest cities in the Holy Roman Empire. At the same time, Cologne was governed by an archbishop (elector) who held spiritual and temporal power. Such large expenses for the construction of the cathedral were justified for him.
Archbishop Rainald von Dassel, who ruled in Cologne in the 12th century, was a chancellor and military commander of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. He took an active part in his campaign against Italy. After this war Italy became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In gratitude for his participation in the campaign, Frederick I Barbarossa gave Rainald von Dassel from one of the monasteries of Milan the relics of the Three Magi. In Western tradition, they are called the Three Kings.
In the New Testament, it is written that on the night of the Savior`s birth, a new star should appear in the sky. The Magi were expecting the coming of the Messiah, and when they saw a Star in the East, they decided to go to Bethlehem and worship him. The relics of the Three Magi are considered a Christian Shrine. Cologne Cathedral, as well as Aachen Cathedral and Trier Cathedral, became a center of pilgrimage in Germany.
In 1164, Archbishop Reinald von Dassel brought the relics of the Three Magi from Milan. A precious the reliquary was made for them. A century later, in 1248, Archbishop Conrad von Hochstaden began the construction of one of the largest cathedrals in the history of Gothic architecture for these relics.
Architecture of Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral
In the 13th century, the Gothic style of architecture, which originated in the north of France, became widespread in Europe. The first architect of the cathedral was Gerhard von Riehle, but the construction took several centuries. During this time, there have been many architects. However, in general, the appearance of the cathedral in the style of flaming Gothic was preserved.
Cologne Cathedral is shaped like a Latin cross. It is 114 meters long and 86 meters wide. The altar of the cathedral is made of a single piece of marble with a length of 4.6 meters. A shrine with the relics of the Three Magi is placed next to the altar.
The first stage of construction of Cologne Cathedral lasted from 1248 to 1473, but the scale of the work was so significant that only part of Cologne Cathedral was built, without towers. In 1322, the cathedral`s choirs were consecrated. Services began there. The design of any Gothic church allows conducting services in one part of the church, and in the other to continue construction works.
In 1842, the Prussian King ordered the completion of Cologne Cathedral. The original design was revised, considering new technical capabilities, and by 1880 most of the work was completed. The height of the cathedral towers reached 157.38 meters. Cologne Cathedral is the only one with both towers completed. On one of the towers there is an observation deck at an altitude of 98 meters.
