Construction of Cologne Cathedral Begins
The construction of Cologne Cathedral, a prominent Gothic architectural masterpiece, commenced on August 14, 1248, and extended over an astonishing 632 years, culminating in its completion on the same date in 1880. Located in the city of Cologne, Germany, which boasts a rich history dating back to its origins as a Roman garrison, the cathedral was built on the site of an earlier chapel from the sixth century. The city flourished as a commercial hub during the Middle Ages, significantly contributing to the cathedral's ambitious project, which aimed to symbolize the city's status.
Cologne Cathedral features two soaring towers reaching over 500 feet and is dedicated to the three Wise Men, or Magi, celebrated in Christian tradition. Inside, it houses a shrine believed to contain their relics. The cathedral's notable features also include the Kaiserglocke, a massive bell forged from a melted French cannon following the Franco-Prussian War. Although it faced severe damage during World War II, restoration efforts have preserved its grandeur. In 2004, UNESCO designated the cathedral as an endangered World Heritage site, expressing concern over proposed developments that could obstruct its visibility, highlighting its cultural and historical significance as a major tourist attraction in Cologne.
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Construction of Cologne Cathedral Begins
Construction of Cologne Cathedral Begins
The construction of the landmark gothic cathedral at Cologne began on August 14, 1248. This imposing structure would not be finished until August 14, 1880, exactly 632 years later.
Cologne is a large city in northern Germany, located on the west bank of the Rhine River not far from Belgium. Today it is a major commercial and industrial center with a population of approximately 1 million, but it began in the first century b.c. as a Roman garrison town on the site of an even older Germanic tribal settlement. Thanks to its strategic location on the Rhine and at the junction of many overland routes, the city prospered from trade during the Middle Ages. The city also became important enough to merit having its highest Christian church official raised from the rank of bishop to archbishop in 785. In 1248 work began on an ambitious new cathedral for the city, located on the site of an older stone chapel that had been built in the sixth century.
Little did the builders know that it would take more than 600 years to complete Cologne Cathedral, owing to a variety of recurring obstacles, including wars, plagues, and other crises. When it was finally finished in 1880, the structure was one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Two towers rise over 500 feet from the main body of the cathedral, which is dedicated to the three Wise Men, or Magi, who, according to Christian tradition, visited the infant Jesus. A shrine inside holds what may be the bodily remains of those three legendary visitors. Other features include the south tower's massive bell, known as the Kaiserglocke and forged from a French cannon that was melted down after Germany defeated France in the Franco-Prussian War. Cologne Cathedral was severely damaged during World War II but was restored afterward.
In 2004 UNESCO placed the cathedral on its list of endangered World Heritage sites when the city of Cologne announced its plans to build a high-rise complex around it. Although the 515-foot-tall cathedral would still surpass the five planned buildings, none of which is meant to be taller than 400 feet, UNESCO was concerned that the new complex would block views of the cathedral, which is an important cultural landmark and tourist attraction for the city.