The Completion Of Cologne Cathedral: A Historical Perspective

The construction of Cologne Cathedral, a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture, was completed in 1880 after a 632-year-long process. The cathedral, which is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year, is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church globally.

Construction began in 1248

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it wasn't the first building on that site. The location had been occupied by Christian buildings since the 4th century, and the latest building before the cathedral, the Old Cathedral or Hildebold Cathedral, was consecrated in 873.

The Old Cathedral was to be gradually demolished in 1248 to make way for the new Gothic cathedral. However, a fire destroyed almost the entire cathedral, leaving only the western parts, which were restored so that fairs could still be held there.

The foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid on 15 August 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. The cathedral was designed in the Gothic style, emulating the French church architecture of the time. The first master builder was Master Gerhard, who probably only worked on the planning and ground plan for a few years.

The eastern arm of the cathedral was completed in 1322, and construction of the western part began a few years later. However, the project would be halted for several centuries, with work stopping almost entirely by 1530. The last known cathedral architect was Johann Kuene van Franckenberg, who was last mentioned in 1491.

During the 1790s, French Revolutionary troops occupied Cologne and used the cathedral as a stable and hay barn. It wasn't until the 19th century that restoration work began in earnest, spurred on by the Gothic Revival movement and a growing national movement that saw the cathedral as a symbol of German unity. A new cornerstone was laid by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1842, and work to complete the cathedral resumed.

It took 632 years to complete

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, marking a 632-year journey that spanned generations. The cathedral, a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture, stands at 157 metres (515 feet) tall, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world.

The long construction process can be divided into several stages, with the first phase beginning in 1248 when the foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. The eastern arm was completed under Master Gerhard's direction and consecrated in 1322, but work on the cathedral would continue until around 1560, with some sources stating that construction halted as early as 1520.

During this initial period, the choir was completed in the 14th century, and the foundation for the south tower was laid in 1360. Two bells, Pretiosa and Speciosa, were cast in 1448-49 and are still part of the cathedral today. However, construction slowed towards the end of the 15th century, and by the 16th century, work had come to a standstill due to financial difficulties, the Reformation, and the Thirty Years' War.

For more than 300 years, the unfinished cathedral dominated the city's skyline, with a large wooden crane remaining atop the south tower until 1868. The crane, which rose with the increasing height of the building, became a signature element of Cologne and was often included in paintings of the cityscape.

In the 19th century, there was a renewed interest in medieval art and architecture, and the unfinished cathedral became a symbol of German unity in the growing national movement. The original plans for the cathedral were rediscovered, and it was decided that the building would be completed using newer and more stable construction techniques. The project was funded through private donations and governmental support, costing about one billion USD.

Finally, on August 14, 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 held the distinction of being the world's tallest structure until 1884 when it was surpassed by the Washington Monument.

Even after its completion, the work on the cathedral continued, as regular maintenance and renovations are required to preserve the structure. The Cologne Cathedral remains a testament to the enduring strength and persistence of European Christianity and is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting millions of people each year.

Work stopped for 300 years

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but work was halted in the years around 1560, and the project remained unfinished for around 300 years.

The last known cathedral architect was Johann Kuene van Franckenberg, who was last mentioned in 1491. Around 1500, the foundation stone of the North Tower was laid, but work on the cathedral had largely stopped by 1510. Research suggests that construction was mostly halted by 1530, despite money still being provided for equipment and repairs.

In the 1790s, French Revolutionary troops occupied Cologne and used the cathedral as a stable and a hay barn. From 1794, the building was severely damaged by the French occupation of the city. In November 1796, the French occupying forces ordered the cessation of services in the cathedral. For more than 300 years, the unfinished Cologne Cathedral dominated the city's silhouette, with a large wooden crane left standing some 184 feet (56 metres) above the ground, at the top of the south tower. This crane became a signature element of Cologne and was featured in every cityscape painted by artists during this period.

In the 19th century, architects and artists rediscovered their interest in medieval designs and constructions. Around 1800, the medieval Romantics drew public attention to the unfinished cathedral, which also became a symbol of German unity in the growing national movement. However, this was criticised by many Catholics, who feared a loss of sacred importance for the cathedral, and by Protestants, who believed that completing the cathedral was a waste of money.

It was the world's tallest building in 1880

Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cologne, Germany, was completed in 1880 after 632 years of construction. At the time, it was the tallest building in the world, reaching a height of 157 metres (516 feet). It held this title for four years until the completion of the Washington Monument in 1884.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but was halted in the years around 1560 due to financial difficulties. The project remained unfinished for over 300 years until the 19th century, when Prussia annexed the Rhineland and the city of Cologne became part of the Prussian state. The completion of the cathedral was seen as a symbol of German unity and identity. Work resumed in 1842, following the discovery of the original plan for the façade, and the building was finally finished in 1880.

The cathedral's immense height and twin spires make it the tallest twin-spired church in the world. The towers give the cathedral the largest façade of any church globally. The interior of the cathedral is the third-largest of any church, covering nearly 8,000 square metres of floor space. The inner height of the nave is 43.35 metres, making it one of the highest naves in the world.

The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was a cause for national celebration. The event was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I, and the cathedral attracted attention as the tallest structure in the world. The building's Gothic architecture, intricate details, and countless decorations stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and perseverance that spanned generations.

It was badly damaged in World War II

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral was completed in 1880, but the building suffered extensive damage during World War II. The cathedral was hit by 14 aerial bombs during the war and was badly damaged. However, it remained standing in an otherwise flattened city.

On 6 March 1945, the area west of the cathedral was the site of intense combat between American tanks of the 3rd Armored Division and a German tank. Film footage of the battle survives.

Repairs to the cathedral were completed in 1956. One section of the northwest tower, repaired in 1944 using poor-quality brick, remained visible as a reminder of the war until it was restored to its original appearance in 2005.

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