Exploring Cologne Cathedral's Earliest Days

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany is a Roman Catholic cathedral church that was first opened in 1322, when its choir was consecrated. However, construction on the cathedral began in 1248 and was not fully completed until 1880, with a 300-year stoppage between 1560 and the 1840s. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and features immense twin towers that stand at 157 metres (515 feet) tall. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting around six million people per year.

Construction began in 1248

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880. The site chosen to build the cathedral had been occupied by Christian churches since the 4th century. An older cathedral was destroyed by fire in the same year construction began on the present cathedral, which was designed in the Gothic style, emulating French church architecture.

The foundation stone was laid in August 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. The eastern arm was completed under the direction of Master Gerhard, a stonemason who took inspiration from other cathedrals across Europe. Designed according to the northern French model and the most modern architectural style of the time, the cathedral was designed to be in the shape of a Latin Cross when viewed from above, a standard feature of most Gothic cathedrals. By 1265, the choir and its aisles were sufficiently advanced to be used for services. The cathedral was consecrated in 1322, but construction continued until 1560 when work ceased due to a lack of funding.

One of the reasons historians believe construction stopped was that Gothic architecture had lost its place and value in society. Attempts to restart construction took place over the next 300 years, but with little success. However, in the 1840s, 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 was restarted in 1842. The first new foundation stone was laid by King Frederick William IV.

Work stopped in the 16th century

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, and work did not resume until the 19th century. The stoppage in construction lasted more than 300 years.

There were several reasons for the cessation of work on the cathedral in the 16th century. One key factor was a loss of funding. The cathedral was an ambitious project that required significant financial resources, and at some point in the 16th century, funds ran out. This was despite the fact that, by 1560, at least 90% of the planned building area had been roofed.

Another reason for the work stoppage was a decline in interest in Gothic architecture. The Cologne Cathedral is designed in the Gothic style, which fell out of fashion in the 16th century. This shift in architectural taste meant that there was less enthusiasm and support for completing the cathedral.

Additionally, historical events such as the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War, which took place during the 16th century, likely contributed to the interruption in construction. These events may have diverted resources and attention away from the cathedral project.

During the period when work on the cathedral had stopped, a large wooden crane remained standing about 184 feet (56 meters) above the ground, at the top of the south tower. This crane stood as a landmark on the Cologne skyline for 400 years.

It wasn't until Prussia annexed the Rhineland and the city of Cologne became part of the Prussian state in the 19th century that efforts to resume construction gained momentum. The completion of the cathedral was eventually achieved through a combination of civic effort and state funding. The Central-Dombauverein, founded in 1842, raised two-thirds of the enormous costs, while the Prussian state supplied the remaining third.

The long-awaited resumption of construction began in 1842, with the laying of a new cornerstone by King Frederick William IV of Prussia. The architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel led the project, faithfully adhering to the original medieval plans and drawings while incorporating more modern construction techniques.

Finally, after more than 600 years of construction, the Cologne Cathedral was completed in 1880, standing at a height of 157 meters (515 feet) and becoming the tallest tower in the world at the time.

It was finally completed in 1880

The completion of the Cologne Cathedral in 1880 was a momentous occasion, marking the end of a 632-year construction process that began in 1248. The final stages of construction were led by architects Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Richard Voigtel, who remained faithful to the original medieval design by stonemason Gerhard of Reil.

The completion of the cathedral was a complex and challenging endeavour. The project was delayed for almost 300 years due to various obstacles, including financial difficulties, wars, and a loss of interest in Gothic architecture. However, in the 19th century, there was a renewed enthusiasm for completing the cathedral, driven by civic effort and supported by the Protestant Prussian Court and the Central-Dombauverein, a citizens' organisation that contributed significantly to funding.

The final stages of construction involved utilising more modern techniques, such as iron roof girders, while adhering to the original design. The bells were installed in the 1870s, and the last stone was laid in 1880, completing the 157-metre-tall structure.

The completion of Germany's largest cathedral was a significant national event, celebrated on 15 October 1880, with Emperor Wilhelm I in attendance. The structure's height made it the tallest building in the world until 1884, when the Washington Monument surpassed it.

Even after its completion, the Cologne Cathedral has required continuous maintenance and restoration due to the effects of weather, pollution, and sporadic earthquake damage. Despite these challenges, the cathedral stands as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who worked on it over the centuries.

The cathedral was damaged in World War II

The construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and lasted for several centuries. The impressive Gothic structure, located in Cologne, Germany, has a long and fascinating history, including suffering damage during World War II.

The Impact of World War II

Cologne Cathedral suffered extensive damage during World War II. The city of Cologne was a target of Allied bombing campaigns due to its strategic importance as a transportation hub and industrial centre. The cathedral was caught in the crossfire and sustained significant damage. On the night of May 31, 1942, a particularly devastating air raid occurred, with incendiary bombs causing severe damage to the cathedral's structure. The wooden roof truss burned, causing the vaults of the north aisle to collapse. The heat of the fire also caused the medieval glass windows to shatter, and the falling debris damaged the intricate stone carvings and sculptures.

During the war, the cathedral's treasures and relics were hidden in various locations to protect them from destruction or looting. The remains of the Three Kings, traditionally believed to have been brought to Cologne by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1164, were among the most important relics safeguarded. They were initially hidden in a vault in the cathedral's south tower before being moved to a mine shaft near Siegen for safekeeping until the end of the war.

Despite the extensive damage, the cathedral remained standing, and efforts were made to protect it from further destruction. In 1944, the cathedral's chief architect, Karl Band, successfully lobbied to have the building removed from a list of potential military targets. This action likely saved the cathedral from further damage or destruction, as it prevented its use as a watchtower or military stronghold.

Post-War Reconstruction

After the war ended in 1945, the long process of rebuilding and restoring the cathedral began. The first phase of reconstruction focused on stabilizing the structure and making it safe for visitors. This included repairing the roof and clearing away debris. The reconstruction process was meticulous, with craftsmen and artisans working to restore the cathedral to its former glory using traditional techniques and materials.

The reconstruction of Cologne Cathedral became a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Germany in the post-war era. The project united the community and provided a sense of purpose during a time of immense hardship and rebuilding. Today, the cathedral stands as a testament to the resilience of the city and its people, having survived the war and continuing to inspire and awe visitors from around the world.

It's a Gothic masterpiece

The Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. Construction began in 1248, but it wasn't completed until 1880—632 years later. The building is a testament to the Gothic architectural style and is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe. It features immense twin towers that stand at 157 metres (approximately 515 feet) tall, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world.

The cathedral was designed by Gerhard of Reil, a stonemason who drew inspiration from other cathedrals in Paris, Strasbourg, and neighbouring countries. The cornerstone was laid by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden on 15 August 1248, during the Catholic holiday, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The eastern arm was completed under the direction of Master Gerhard and was consecrated 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 Cologne Cathedral is characterised by its emphasis on high ceilings and light-filled spaces. This was achieved through architectural innovations such as large vaulted ceilings, large stained-glass windows, pointed arches, and flying buttresses. The interior of the cathedral is just as stunning as the exterior, with some of the highest walls of a church in the world. The features across the ceiling showcase the artistry of the builders and their construction ingenuity.

The cathedral is also renowned for its art treasures, including the massive gold Shrine of the Three Kings, containing what are said to be relics of the Magi who attended the infant Jesus. The altarpiece in the Lady Chapel, entitled "The Adoration of the Magi", is another masterpiece created by Stefan Lochner, a celebrated painter of the Cologne school. The oldest stained-glass windows in the cathedral date back to the 13th century, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the time.

The Cologne Cathedral is a true Gothic masterpiece, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of the Gothic architectural style. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who worked on it over centuries, and it continues to be a respected monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture.

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