Cologne Cathedral: A 600-Year Construction Odyssey

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, remaining unfinished for almost 300 years. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814 but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed in 1880, a staggering 632 years after construction had begun.

Construction began in 1248

Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, with the foundation stone laid on 15 August by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. The eastern arm was completed under the direction of Master Gerhard and consecrated in 1322. This was then sealed off by a temporary wall so that the cathedral could be used while work continued.

The construction of the cathedral was halted around 1560, and attempts to complete the building did not begin until around 1814. However, the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. In the intervening years, there were several attempts to restart construction, but with little success. Finally, in the 1840s, there was a push by the public and the Protestant Prussian Court to finish the cathedral, and funding was raised to restart construction in 1842.

The cathedral was completed to its original medieval plan in 1880, 632 years after construction had begun. The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event, with Emperor Wilhelm I in attendance. Standing at 157 metres tall, it was the tallest building in the world for four years until the completion of the Washington Monument.

Cologne Cathedral 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 per year.

Work stopped in 1560

Work on the Cologne Cathedral stopped in 1560, leaving the building unfinished. The eastern arm of the cathedral had been completed in 1322, but construction on the rest of the building continued until around 1560, when funding ran out. Historians believe that one of the reasons for the stoppage was that Gothic architecture had lost its place and value in society.

During the almost 300-year hiatus in construction, attempts were made to restart the project, but these proved unsuccessful until the 1840s. In the intervening centuries, the crane used in the construction was left in place, becoming a signature element of the Cologne skyline. It was eventually removed in 1868.

In the 1840s, there was a push from the public and the Protestant Prussian Court to finish the cathedral. With the support of the city, its citizens, and government organisations, funding was raised, and construction restarted in 1842.

Work restarted in the 1840s

The new work was overseen by architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel, who stuck closely to the original plans and blueprints. More modern construction techniques were employed, including the use of iron roof girders. The first new foundation stone was laid by King Frederick William IV.

The nave was completed, and the towers were added. The bells were installed in the 1870s, with the largest, St Petersglocke, cast in 1922. The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event on 15 October 1880.

Completed in 1880

The Cologne Cathedral was finally completed in 1880, 632 years after construction began. The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event, with Emperor Wilhelm I in attendance. The cathedral was the tallest building in the world for four years, until the completion of the Washington Monument.

The completion of the cathedral in the 19th century was due to a Romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages, and the discovery of the original plan for the façade. The Protestant Prussian Court, working with the church, committed to completing the project. It was achieved through civic effort, with the Central-Dombauverein raising two-thirds of the enormous costs, and the Prussian state supplying the remaining third.

The 19th-century work followed the medieval forms and techniques faithfully, using the original medieval plan. However, more modern construction techniques were also employed, including iron roof girders. The bells were installed in the 1870s, with the largest bell, St Petersglocke, cast in 1922.

The cathedral was built in the Gothic style, with two huge spires giving it the largest façade of any church in the world. 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.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1996

Cologne Cathedral, officially known as Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus, is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. Located in central Cologne, Germany, it is the most popular tourist attraction in the city, attracting around 6 million visitors per year. The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, standing at 157 metres (515 feet) high.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, remaining unfinished for almost 300 years. The original medieval plan was eventually realised in the 19th century, with work resuming in 1842. The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event in 1880.

The cathedral's long history is a testament to perseverance and dedication. It has served as the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is also home to the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is considered one of the most sophisticated goldsmith's works of the Middle Ages.

Cologne Cathedral was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 due to its influence in Germany and as a monument to Gothic Architecture and Catholicism. The site was recognised for its "exceptional intrinsic value" and the artistic masterpieces it contains, as well as its testimony to the enduring strength of European Christianity. The cathedral's completion in the 19th century, following its long hiatus, symbolised German nationhood and unity.

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