The place chosen for the construction of the cathedral is no coincidence. It has long been a religious center for local Christians. Cologne Cathedral in Germany, built in the Gothic style, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was erected on the site of several generations of churches.
The construction of the cathedral lasted almost two hundred years. Of course, today such a huge construction period will surprise many, but if you imagine when it was also that in those days, there was no construction equipment at all, it becomes clear why the 157-meter building was built for such a long time.
Cologne Cathedral. Architecture and history
The idea of building a cathedral arose long before the start of its construction. In 1164, in honor of the conquest of the Italian city of Milan, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa presented to the archbishop of Cologne Rainald von Dassel the remains of the Three Kings and the Holy Magi, hitherto stored in Milan. First, for these holy relics for ten years sarcophagi were created from precious metals and semiprecious stones. However, this was not enough to store them. It was necessary to build a cathedral church.
But Cologne Cathedral in Germany was in no hurry to build. Only 84 years after the acquisition of the relics, the first stone was laid in the foundation of the temple. This happened in 1248, and the founder was Archbishop of Cologne Konrad von Hochstaden. From that moment, a huge team of builders from all over Europe began to build the Cologne Cathedral. In Germany, this city, among other things, was of crucial political importance and was considered one of the most powerful. Therefore, the presence of its own cathedral for the city was not a simple whim, but a necessity.
The goal of architect Gerhard von Riehl was the desire to become famous throughout the world and remain in the memory of generations by building a truly grandiose cathedral, which, with its size and originality of design, would eclipse all existing Christian churches. Nevertheless, the architect took some French cathedrals as an example. The peculiarity of these temples were high arches, pilasters, arches, pointed in the middle and tending upward. This ensured the penetration of light into the interior and created some special atmosphere inside the church. When the construction of the church was nearing completion, the architect Rile was no longer in the world, but he would certainly be proud of his brainchild.
Cologne Cathedral in Germany has a truly magnificent view. The interior is especially beautiful. Outside, the church is a two-headed giant, with its sharp spiers directed toward the sky, closer to God. The majestic Rhine flows nearby.
Even after the opening of the temple’s doors, construction on it continued for several centuries. Cologne wanted to perfect their pride - Cologne Cathedral. The photos in the article show the grandeur of the temple building and the most important relics, which, after completion of construction, were placed inside the cathedral. They also glorified this glorious German city throughout the Christian world.