The Long Construction Of Cologne's Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Construction began in 1248, but the building was not completed until 1880, 632 years later. This was due to a near-300-year hiatus between 1560 and the 1840s when Gothic architecture fell out of favour. The cathedral is the second-largest building in Cologne and Germany's most popular landmark, attracting 20,000 visitors daily and about 6 million people a year.

Construction began in 1248 and ended in 1880

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 332 years later, in 1880.

The original cathedral on the site was destroyed by fire in 1248, and work on the new building commenced immediately. The new cathedral was designed in the Gothic style, emulating French church architecture. The foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden in August 1248.

The eastern part of the cathedral was completed in 1322, and construction continued until around 1560 when funding ran out. Attempts to restart the construction were made over the next 300 years, but with little success. It wasn't until the 1840s that there was a push from 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. A new cornerstone was laid by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.

The architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel were responsible for the final stages of the project, and they remained faithful to the original plans and blueprints. When the cathedral was finally completed in 1880, it was believed to be the tallest tower in the world, standing at 515 feet (157 meters).

The Cologne Cathedral is a testament to perseverance and dedication. It has become a symbol of Gothic architecture and German Catholicism, attracting around 20,000 visitors per day and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

It took 632 years to build

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, a span of 632 years. The long duration of the construction is attributed to various factors, including financial difficulties, wars, and changes in architectural styles.

The first phase of construction lasted until around 1560, when work halted due to a lack of funding. During this initial period, the eastern arm of the cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1322. This section features eighty-four misericords in the choir. Work on the south tower progressed until it reached the belfry level, and a large wooden crane was left standing at the top.

For almost 300 years, the construction of the cathedral came to a standstill. Attempts to restart the project during this period were largely unsuccessful. It wasn't until the 1840s that there was a renewed push to finish the cathedral, driven by public interest and support from the Protestant Prussian Court.

In 1842, King Frederick William IV of Prussia laid a new cornerstone, marking the resumption of construction. Architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel led the project, adhering closely to the original medieval plans and drawings. They respected the original designs and completed the work initiated by stonemason Gerhard of Reil, who had envisioned a cathedral in the shape of a Latin Cross when viewed from above.

The completion of the cathedral in 1880 was celebrated as a national event, attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. Standing at 157 meters (515 feet) tall, it was considered the tallest building in the world for four years until the completion of the Washington Monument.

The Cologne Cathedral is a testament to perseverance and dedication. It has endured through the centuries, surviving wars and changes in architectural trends. The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was a significant milestone, symbolizing German nationhood and the enduring strength of European Christianity.

The cathedral is 157 metres tall

The Cologne Cathedral is a towering structure, standing at an impressive 157 metres tall. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church overall. With such a height, it is no surprise that the cathedral offers breathtaking views from the top of its southern tower, which is about 97 metres high. However, reaching the top requires climbing 533 steps, as there is no elevator or lift.

The cathedral's immense height is due to its two large spires, which are an iconic feature of its design. The spires were built in the Gothic style, emulating French church architecture, and were intended to be in the shape of a Latin Cross when viewed from above, a common feature of Gothic cathedrals. This design was conceived by the original designer, Gerhard of Reil, a stonemason who drew inspiration from other cathedrals across Europe.

The height of the cathedral is not only impressive but also served a practical purpose during World War II. The twin spires were an easily recognisable landmark for Allied aircraft, and the cathedral suffered 14 hits by aerial bombs during the war. Despite the extensive damage, the cathedral remained standing, a testament to its solid construction.

The Cologne Cathedral's towering presence in the city of Cologne has made it Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people annually. Its height, combined with its intricate design and Gothic architecture, make it a true masterpiece and a symbol of perseverance and dedication.

It is Germany's most visited landmark

Germany's Most Visited Landmark

Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million visitors per year. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The cathedral's construction began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 due to a lack of funding. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. Finally, in 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the edifice was completed according to its original medieval plan.

The cathedral's long journey to completion can be attributed to various factors, including funding issues, changes in architectural styles, and societal shifts in Germany. During the 300-year hiatus in construction, Gothic architecture fell out of favour, and society's focus turned away from constructing grand monuments.

However, in the 19th century, there was a resurgence of interest in completing the cathedral. This was fuelled by a Romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and the discovery of the original plan for the façade. The Protestant Prussian Court, working in collaboration with the Catholic Church, committed to finishing the project. Civic efforts played a significant role, with the Central-Dombauverein raising two-thirds of the enormous costs. The Prussian state supplied the remaining third, viewing this as an opportunity to improve relations with its Catholic subjects.

The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was a significant national event, attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. Standing at 157 metres tall, it was briefly the tallest building in the world until the completion of the Washington Monument four years later.

Today, the Cologne Cathedral continues to be a major attraction for tourists and pilgrims alike, offering scenic views of the Rhine from its towering spires. Its status as Germany's most visited landmark is a testament to its architectural grandeur, historical significance, and enduring appeal.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880. This Gothic masterpiece was built in several stages over seven centuries. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The Cologne Cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, standing at 157 metres (515 feet). It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The cathedral was originally built to house the shrine of the Three Wise Men, whose relics were brought to the town in 1164. It was constructed to be a grand structure, fit for its role as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. The original design was made by stonemason Gerhard of Reil, who took inspiration from other cathedrals designed and built across Europe. The idea behind his design was to build a cathedral that, from above, looked like a Latin Cross, which is standard for most Gothic cathedrals.

The Cologne Cathedral contains many artistic masterpieces, including the high altar, which is constructed of black marble with a solid slab forming the top. Other notable works include the Shrine of the Three Kings, considered one of the most sophisticated goldsmith's works of the Middle Ages; the Gero Crucifix, the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps; and the Mailänder Madonna, a High Gothic carving depicting the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus.

The cathedral was extensively damaged during World War II, suffering 14 hits by aerial bombs. Restoration work began immediately after the war and was completed by 1956. The Cologne Cathedral remains a major attraction for tourists and pilgrims, offering scenic views of the Rhine from the top of the southern tower.

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