The Long Construction History Of Cologne's Dom Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Construction began in 1248 but was not completed until 632 years later, in 1880. The project was halted for almost 300 years between 1560 and the 1840s due to a lack of funding and interest in Gothic architecture. In the 1840s, there was a push from the public and the Protestant Prussian Court to finish the cathedral, and with funding from the city, citizens, and government organisations, construction finally resumed in 1842.

Construction began in 1248

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880—632 years later. The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, and its construction took place in several stages over seven centuries. The first foundation stone was laid in August 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden, and the eastern part of the cathedral was completed in 1322.

The cathedral was designed according to the northern French model and the most modern architectural style of the time: the Gothic style. The original plan was to build a grand structure to house the shrine of the Three Wise Men, which had been brought to Cologne in 1164 by Archbishop Rainald von Dassel. The shrine, a masterpiece of medieval goldwork, is made of bronze and silver, gilded and ornamented with architectonic details, figurative sculpture, enamels and gemstones.

The construction of the Cologne Cathedral was interrupted several times due to war, financial difficulties, and the Reformation. Work on the cathedral stopped completely around 1560 due to a lack of funding, and it remained unfinished for almost 300 years. During this time, Gothic architecture fell out of fashion, and the large wooden crane left standing at the top of the south tower became a landmark of the Cologne skyline for 400 years.

In the 1840s, there was a push from the public and the Protestant Prussian Court to finish the cathedral, and funding was raised with the support of the city, citizens, and government organisations. A new cornerstone was laid by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1842, and work to complete the cathedral resumed in earnest under the architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel. The cathedral was finally completed in 1880 and was believed to be the tallest tower in the world at 515 feet (157 meters).

Work stopped in the 1500s

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, unfinished. The project then stalled for centuries, with a large wooden crane left standing some 184 feet (56 metres) above the ground, at the top of the south tower.

The reasons for the cessation of work are not entirely clear. One source suggests that Gothic architecture had lost its place and value in society. Another cites the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War as the cause.

During the 1790s, troops of the French Revolution occupied Cologne and used the cathedral as a stable and a hay barn. Restoration work began in the 1820s, spurred on by Sulpiz Boisserée, a German proponent of the Gothic Revival movement. In 1842, a new cornerstone was laid by King Frederick William IV of Prussia, and work to complete the cathedral resumed in earnest.

Work restarted in the 1800s

Work on the Cologne Cathedral restarted in the 1800s, specifically in 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The cathedral was finally completed in 1880, 632 years after construction had begun.

In the 1800s, the Romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages, as well as the discovery of the original plan for the façade, spurred the Protestant Prussian Court to work with the Catholic Church to complete the cathedral. The Central-Dombauverein, founded in 1842, raised two-thirds of the enormous costs, while the Prussian state supplied the remaining third. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with its new Catholic subjects.

Work resumed in 1842 to the original design of the surviving medieval plans and drawings, but using more modern construction techniques, including iron roof girders. The architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel carried out the enterprise, guided by architectural drawings made in about 1300. The nave was completed, and the towers were added. The bells were installed in the 1870s, and the completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event on 15 October 1880, with Emperor Wilhelm I in attendance.

The cathedral is a testament to the enduring strength of European Christianity. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans.

Completed in 1880

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany, officially known as Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus (Cathedral Church of Saint Peter), was finally completed in 1880, a staggering 632 years after construction began. The 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 a year.

Construction History

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but was halted around 1560 due to a lack of funding. The eastern arm was completed and consecrated in 1322, but work on the rest of the structure was intermittent and eventually stopped altogether in the 16th century.

Attempts to Complete Construction

Attempts to complete the cathedral began around 1814, but the project did not receive proper funding until the 1840s. In 1842, a new cornerstone was laid by King Frederick William IV of Prussia, and work to complete the cathedral resumed in earnest. Architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel led the project, adhering closely to the original medieval plans and drawings.

Completion and Beyond

The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event on 15 October 1880, with Emperor Wilhelm I in attendance. At a height of 157.38 metres, it was the tallest building in the world for four years until the completion of the Washington Monument in 1884.

Even after its completion, the work on the cathedral has been continuous. Repairs and maintenance are constantly carried out, and skilled stonemasons are employed to ensure the preservation of this Gothic masterpiece.

Architectural Features

The cathedral boasts the largest façade of any church in the world, thanks to its two huge spires. It has the largest window area of any church, with more than 10,000 square metres of colourful glass windows that bring vibrant intensity and light into the interior. The interior also features some of the highest walls of a church in the world, showcasing the artistry and construction ingenuity of the builders.

Pilgrimage and Art

The cathedral is an important pilgrimage site for pious Catholics, housing the Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the relics of the Magi. It is also known for its valuable artworks, including the Gero Crucifix, the altarpiece in the Lady Chapel, and the Bible Window, one of the oldest stained-glass windows in the cathedral.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1996

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was not completed until 1880, some 632 years later. The building is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, with immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 metres) tall. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second-tallest church in Europe, and the third-tallest church of any kind globally. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year.

The long construction period of the cathedral can be attributed to several factors. One significant reason was a prolonged stoppage in construction between 1560 and the 1840s, lasting almost 300 years. During this time, there were attempts to restart the project, but they were largely unsuccessful until the 1840s when there was a concerted push by the public and the Protestant Prussian Court to finish the cathedral. With funding raised by the city, citizens, and government organisations, construction finally resumed in 1842, with the first new foundation stone laid by King Frederick William IV.

The completion of the cathedral in 1880 was a significant achievement, bringing to fruition a project that spanned generations. The building stands as a testament to the enduring strength of European Christianity and was recognised as such with its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The Cologne Cathedral is not just an impressive structure but also holds significant religious value. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and houses the shrine of The Three Wise Men, one of the most famous biblical stories. The shrine is a historical attraction, containing what are said to be the relics of the Magi who attended the infant Jesus.

The interior of the cathedral is equally stunning, featuring some of the highest walls of a church in the world. The artistry and construction ingenuity of the builders are evident in the intricate designs and high ceilings. The colourful glass windows are especially impressive, flooding the interior with vibrant, intense colours and light.

The cathedral has endured through the years, even through the challenges of World War II, and remains a symbol of unity and strength. Its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1996 underscores its cultural, historical, and architectural significance, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.

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