The Cologne Cathedral's 750Th Anniversary: A Celebration Of History

The Cologne Cathedral celebrated its 750th anniversary in 1998. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880. The cathedral is renowned as a monument of Christianity and Gothic architecture, and it is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is one of the world's largest churches and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The cathedral's long construction history

The construction of the Cologne Cathedral, a monument of Christianity and Gothic architecture, began in 1248. The foundation stone was laid on 15 August 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. The eastern arm was completed under Master Gerhard's direction in 1322 and was temporarily walled off for use during construction. Work on the west front commenced under Master Michael in the mid-14th century but halted in 1473, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level. A huge crane was installed, which remained a landmark of Cologne for the next 400 years.

In the 16th century, work on the structure of the nave between the west front and the eastern arm also stopped. The project was then abandoned around 1560, and the cathedral remained unfinished for almost 300 years. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but proper funding was not available until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed in 1880, 632 years after construction began.

The long construction period can be attributed to various factors, including changes in architectural styles, financial constraints, and political and social upheaval. The completion of the cathedral in the 19th century was made possible by civic efforts and the commitment of the Prussian Court. The Central-Dombauverein, founded in 1842, raised two-thirds of the enormous costs, while the Prussian state supplied the remaining third. The construction restarted in 1842, adhering to the original medieval plans and drawings but employing more modern techniques, including iron roof girders.

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's long construction history is a testament to the enduring strength of European Christianity and the persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe.

Its Gothic architecture

Cologne Cathedral is a monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and one of the world's largest churches. Scholars describe it as a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248, and it was built in several stages, finally completing in 1880. The design of the cathedral was inspired by the French Cathedral of Amiens, and it was constructed in the Gothic style in emulation of French church architecture. The choir was consecrated in 1322, but construction continued until 1560. 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 crane remained in place for 400 years.

The Gothic cathedral is a five-aisled basilica with a projecting transept and a tower façade. The nave is 43.58 metres high, and the side aisles are 19.80 metres high. The cathedral features immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 metres) tall. The towers give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world. The western façade is the largest church façade in the world, with a surface area of 7,000 square metres.

The cathedral's Gothic architecture is characterised by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. These structural features are distinctive elements of Gothic architecture and allow for greater height and larger windows. The buttresses provide external support, enabling the high, thin walls to bear the weight of the roof. The pointed arches help to distribute the weight of the structure, while also creating a sense of verticality and height within the interior space.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a vast expanse of stained glass windows. The clerestory windows are tall and retain some old figurative glass in their lower sections. The choir retains many of its original fittings, including carved stalls and a large stone statue of Saint Christopher. The nave features many 19th-century stained-glass windows, including the "Bayernfenster," a set of five windows gifted by Ludwig I of Bavaria.

The cathedral's Gothic architecture also incorporates intricate carvings and sculptures. The choir benches, or choir stalls, are considered works of art in themselves. Carved from 1308 to 1311, they are regarded as the most beautiful in Germany. Above the choir benches are large screens covered with paintings, which are the oldest examples of the Cologne School of painting, dating from 1332 to 1340.

The cathedral's Gothic design extends to its treasures and artworks, such as the Shrine of the Three Kings, a large gilded sarcophagus dating from the 13th century. It is considered the largest reliquary in the Western world and is believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. Another notable artwork is the Gero Crucifix, a large oak crucifix with traces of paint and gilding, commissioned around 960 CE for Archbishop Gero. It is the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps.

The Shrine of the Three Kings

The shrine is considered the high point of Mosan art and is ranked among the largest reliquaries in the Western world. It is approximately 110 cm (43 in) wide, 153 cm (60 in) high, and 220 cm (87 in) long. It is shaped like a basilica, with two sarcophagi standing next to each other and a third sarcophagus resting on their roof ridges. The basic structure is made of wood, with gold and silver overlay decorated with filigree, enamel, and over 1,000 jewels and beads.

The shrine was built between 1180 and 1225, with parts designed by the famous medieval goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun, who began working on it in 1180. The relics of the Three Kings were transferred from Milan to Cologne by Archbishop Rainald of Dassel in 1164, after they were gifted to him by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The shrine was placed in the centre of the Old Cathedral, which was later demolished to make way for the Gothic cathedral.

The relics are said to have attracted a constant stream of pilgrims to Cologne. In 1199, King Otto IV donated three golden crowns to the cathedral, which are purported to have been made for the Three Kings. These crowns are featured on the coat of arms of Cologne, symbolising the Three Kings. King Otto IV is also depicted on the shrine, offering gifts to the Magi.

In 1864, the shrine was opened, revealing human remains and coins from the time of Archbishop Philip I. The bones were returned to the shrine, which continues to be a significant attraction within the cathedral.

The cathedral's art and treasures

The Cologne Cathedral is a treasure trove of art and historical artefacts, attracting around 6 million visitors annually. The Shrine of the Three Kings is the most celebrated work of art in the cathedral. This large gilded sarcophagus, the largest reliquary in the Western world, is believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. It was crafted by Nicholas of Verdun, a renowned goldsmith, between 1182 and 1220. It is adorned with intricate details, figurative sculptures, enamels, and gemstones.

The high altar, another treasure of the cathedral, was installed in 1322. It is made of black marble, with a 15-foot-long solid slab on top. The front and sides feature white marble niches containing figures, with the Coronation of the Virgin as the central motif.

The Gero Crucifix, a large oak crucifix with traces of paint and gilding, is believed to have been commissioned for Archbishop Gero around 960. It is the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps and the earliest known large free-standing Northern sculpture from the Middle Ages.

The Mailänder Madonna ("Milan Madonna"), a wooden sculpture from the late 13th century, depicts the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. It is housed in the Sacrament Chapel.

The Cathedral Treasury, a display area of approximately 500 square metres, houses precious relics, liturgical items, garments, and insignia of archbishops and cathedral clergy from the 4th to the 20th century.

The Cathedral also boasts an impressive collection of medieval stained glass windows. The oldest windows date back to the 13th century, while a more modern stained glass window by Gerhard Richter was installed in 2007. This window is composed of 11,500 pieces of coloured glass, arranged randomly to create a colourful mosaic.

The choir stalls, carved between 1308 and 1311, are considered among the most beautiful in Germany. Above them are large screens adorned with a series of paintings, the oldest examples of the Cologne School of painting, dating from 1332 to 1340.

The cathedral is also known for its impressive clerestory windows, which contain the largest series of 14th-century stained glass in Europe, with 95% of the glass being original.

The "Bayernfenster" is a set of five 19th-century stained glass windows on the south side of the nave, gifted by Ludwig I of Bavaria. They exemplify the painterly German style of that era.

Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cologne Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites in 1996. It is one of the world's largest churches and the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. The Cathedral is renowned as a monument of Christianity, Gothic architecture, and the faith and perseverance of the people of Cologne.

The Cathedral was selected based on cultural criteria and the fact that the monument has outstanding universal value as an exceptional work of human creative genius. It was also chosen because the more than six centuries it took to complete it serves as a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe.

The Cathedral's main treasure is a golden reliquary, the Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the remains of the Three Magi of the Christmas story. These relics and other treasures have made Cologne Cathedral a major pilgrimage site for centuries.

The Cathedral was built in several stages and took more than six centuries to complete. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. The Cathedral contains exceptional intrinsic value and artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix of the late 10th century and the Shrine of the Magi (1180-1225), the largest reliquary shrine in Europe.

The western façade of the Cathedral is the largest church façade in the world, flanked by two towers that stand 157 metres (515 feet) tall. The Cathedral also has the largest window area of any church in the world: more than 10,000 square metres.

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