Exploring Cologne Cathedral's Pre-19Th Century Appearance

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880—632 years later. Before the 19th century, the cathedral had been through several phases of construction, with work often stopping and starting due to a lack of funds. The cathedral was consecrated in 1322, but building work continued until 1560. For the next 300 years, the cathedral remained unfinished, with a large wooden crane left standing about 184 feet (56 metres) above the ground. During the French Revolution, the building was used as a prison, with parts of it converted into storage rooms and stables. In the 19th century, the cathedral was finally completed, following the original medieval plans but using modern construction techniques.

The cathedral's construction began in 1248

The construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, with the laying of the foundation stone by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. This marked the start of a project that would span generations and take over 600 years to complete.

The cathedral was designed in the Gothic style, emulating the French church architecture of the time, and was intended to house the relics of the Three Wise Men, which had been brought to Cologne by Archbishop Reinald von Dassel in 1164. The shrine, a masterpiece of medieval goldwork, was constructed between 1190 and 1225 to hold these relics. However, it was decided that a more fitting home for these important remains was needed, and so plans were made for a new, grand cathedral.

The construction of the cathedral was a complex and challenging endeavour. Master Gerhard, the first master builder, likely only worked on the project for a few years, and while the choir was completed and consecrated in 1322, construction on the rest of the cathedral continued until around 1560, when it was halted. During this initial phase of construction, there were repeated interruptions due to war and financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, the cathedral's builders strived for excellence, and the final structure would stand as a testament to their ambition and skill.

The cathedral's construction was interrupted by the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War in the 16th century, and work would not resume until the 19th century. During this long hiatus, the unfinished cathedral became a signature element of Cologne's skyline, with a large wooden crane left standing at the top of the south tower. This crane became a well-known feature of the city, often included in paintings and artworks of the time.

It was not until Prussia annexed the Rhineland and Cologne became part of the Prussian state in the 19th century that efforts to complete the cathedral were renewed. Extensive restoration work was carried out, and construction on the north tower, which had collapsed in the 18th century, was restarted. The interior of the cathedral was consecrated in 1848, and the exterior was finally completed in 1880, 632 years after the first foundation stone was laid.

It was consecrated in 1322

The eastern arm of the Cologne Cathedral was consecrated in 1322, after being completed under the direction of Master Gerhard. The arm was then sealed off by a temporary wall so that work could continue on the rest of the cathedral. The high altar, made of black marble, was also installed in 1322. Eighty-four misericords in the choir date from this building phase.

The construction of the cathedral had begun in 1248, but it would not be completed until 1880, 632 years after construction started. The project was halted around 1560, and attempts to complete the construction did not begin until around 1814. The edifice was finished according to its original medieval plan, with the help of newly discovered drawings from around 1300. The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was celebrated as a national event.

The cathedral was damaged during WWII

The Cologne Cathedral was damaged during World War II. The German city of Cologne was bombed in 262 separate air raids by the Allies, all carried out by the Royal Air Force (RAF). The first bombing took place on 12 May 1940, and the attacks continued until the Allies captured the western part of the city on 6-7 March 1945.

The cathedral itself was hit by fourteen aerial bombs during the war. It suffered structural damage but remained standing, even as the city around it was flattened. The twin spires of the cathedral were used as a navigational landmark by the Allied aircraft, which likely contributed to the building remaining at least partially intact. The lower-level bombers were more accurate in hitting their targets, but high-level bombers were notoriously inaccurate, making it difficult to deliberately target the cathedral.

On the night of 30-31 May 1942, more than 1,000 bombers were dispatched against Cologne, causing heavy damage to one-third of the city's built-up area. In total, 34,711 long tons of bombs were dropped on the city, and 20,000 civilians died during the war in Cologne due to aerial bombardments.

The Cologne Cathedral was not the only historic site damaged during the war. The city's central station was also hit, and the cathedral's twin spires were used as a reference point for pilots flying deeper into Germany in the later years of the war.

Repairs to the cathedral were completed in 1956, and the building was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

It was completed in 1880

The Cologne Cathedral was finally completed in 1880, after a construction period of over 600 years. The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and the largest church in Northern Europe. It has the tallest twin spires in the world, standing at 515 feet (157 metres).

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248, with the first master builder, Master Gerhard, working on the planning and ground plan. The design was based on the northern French model and the latest architectural style of the time: the Gothic. The foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. However, construction was halted in the 16th century due to the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War, and work did not resume until the 19th century.

The completion of the cathedral in 1880 was a national event, celebrated by Germans with Emperor Wilhelm I in attendance. The project was funded by private donations and governmental support, with two-thirds of the enormous costs raised by the Central-Dombauverein and the remaining third provided by the Prussian state. The completion of the cathedral was a complex and challenging process, requiring the use of modern construction techniques while adhering to the original medieval plans and drawings.

The cathedral's immense twin spires, adorned with jamb sculptures, give it the largest façade of any church in the world. The southern section was built in the 19th century, while the western section, which serves as the entrance, was begun in 1330. The towers were added in the 19th century, following the original plans. The bells were installed in the 1870s, with the largest bell, St. Petersglocke, cast in 1922.

The completion of the Cologne Cathedral was a significant milestone, not just for the city but also for the nation. It stood as a symbol of German unity and national pride. The cathedral's long construction history, spanning generations, is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those who worked on it over the centuries.

It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe

Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. It stands at 157 metres (515 feet) tall, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world. The construction of this magnificent structure began in 1248, but it was halted around 1560 and remained unfinished for several centuries. During this period, a large wooden crane stood at the top of the south tower, becoming a signature element of Cologne's skyline in numerous paintings.

The cathedral's long and challenging journey to completion spanned over 600 years and finally culminated in its inauguration in 1880, celebrated as a national event. The project was driven by human ambition and a desire to create a spectacular cathedral befitting the biblical Magi, whose relics it houses. The basilica's construction began under the direction of Master Gerhard, the first master builder, who worked on the planning and ground plan. The cathedral was designed according to the northern French model, employing the most modern architectural style of the time—the Gothic style.

Cologne Cathedral boasts the largest façade of any church in the world. Its immense twin towers, adorned with jamb sculptures, were added in the 19th century following the original plans. The southern tower features a platform offering panoramic views of the city. The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, housing numerous exceptional altarpieces, including the oldest stained glass window in Germany, dating back to the 13th century.

The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was a testament to the skill and perseverance of its builders and a symbol of German unity and national identity. The project was funded by private contributions and governmental support, amounting to approximately one billion USD. The original plans were remarkably well preserved, allowing the builders to largely adhere to the medieval design while employing newer construction techniques.

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