- Tourist Information
- Map
- Why is Cologne Cathedral famous?
- 600 years of construction
- The tallest building in the world
- Impressive dimensions and complex architecture
- Influences on art
- UNESCO heritage
- The treasures in the cathedral
- The golden sarcophagus of the Shrine of the Three Kings
- Origin and Search
- Journey of the Relics
- Holy Powers
- The Exact Date of Jesus’ Birth
- Influence of Culture and Traditions
- Gero’s Crucifix or Gero Cross
- Madonna from Cologne Cathedral (Milanesi-Madonna)
- Myths and Legends about Cologne Cathedral
- The end of the world and the Cologne Cathedral
- The Legend of the Pact with the Devil and the Construction
- The Hidden Golden Cross
Tourist Information
| Type | Cathedral |
| Year | 1880 |
| Opening Hours | May and October – 06:00 AM – 9:00 PM November to April – 06:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Getting there | Car Plane – Cologne/Bonn International Airport (IATA code – CGN) Train / Bus (Dom Station / Hbf) |
| Official site | https://www.koelner-dom.de/home.html?&L=1 |
| Location | Cologne, Germany, Europe |
Map
Why is Cologne Cathedral famous?
600 years of construction
Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was not completed until 1880.
The tallest building in the world
From its completion in 1880, it held the title of the tallest building in the world until 1884.
Impressive dimensions and complex architecture
Koln Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic places of worship in the world. Its impressive towers rise to a height of about 157 meters, which made this cathedral the tallest building in the world for some time.
The cathedral was built over several centuries, from the 13th century to the 19th century. Its Gothic architecture is notable for details such as its magnificent stained glass windows, elaborate ogives, and elaborate carvings.
Influences on art
Cologne Cathedral has influenced many works of art and literature. For example, the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote a famous poem entitled “Cologne Cathedral” (Cologne) inspired by the beauty and grandeur of this building.
UNESCO heritage
Cologne Cathedral is included in the UNESCO World Heritage.
The treasures in the cathedral
The golden sarcophagus of the Shrine of the Three Kings
The Cologne Cathedral houses an oak sarcophagus clad in gold, silver, and bejeweled containing what are said to be the relics of the three wise men who came to Jesus’ birth.
The Shrine of the Three Kings, Tomb of the Three Kings, or Tomb of the Three Magi is one of the most valuable religious and historical objects in the world, kept in Cologne Cathedral. In legends and traditions, the sarcophagus is associated with the Three Magi or the Three Kings, who according to the Gospels came to see the Baby Jesus at his birth and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The sarcophagus was brought here in 1164.
Origin and Search
A legend says that in the 4th century, Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, would have discovered the relics of the Three Magi during a trip to the Middle East. These relics would have included the bones of the Three Kings and the gifts they brought to the Baby Jesus. This legend describes a long and difficult search to find the relics, thus making them a treasure of great value.
Journey of the Relics
The relics of the Three Kings are said to have been brought to Constantinople and then transferred to the Italian city of Milan in the 4th century.
Holy Powers
The Golden Sarcophagus is believed to have holy and miraculous powers, being associated with many healings and miracles. People believe that touching or venerating the sarcophagus can bring blessing and healing.
The Exact Date of Jesus’ Birth
According to legend, at the end of these journeys, the relics of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral were inscribed with the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ. This date is supposed to be January 6, which corresponds to the Christian feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Influence of Culture and Traditions
The relics of the Three Kings and their golden sarcophagus have been a source of inspiration for many works of art, traditions, and religious ceremonies. In some areas, the Feast of the Three Kings, also known as Epiphany, is an important time in the Christian calendar.
Cologne Cathedral was hit by 14 bombings during World War II, but the building did not fall. The Sarcophagus is said to have brought protection to this Cathedral.
Gero’s Crucifix or Gero Cross
Gero’s Cross (Gero-Kreuz) is one of the oldest and most valuable Christian art objects in Germany, part of the heritage of Cologne Cathedral.
Gero’s Cross was commissioned by Archbishop Gero of Cologne (969-976) in 965 as an expression of the power and influence of the Church of Cologne at that time.
Gero’s cross is made of wood and is covered with gold leaf, silver, and precious stones.
Gero’s cross is currently on display in the Schatzkammer (Treasure Chamber) of Cologne Cathedral.
Madonna from Cologne Cathedral (Milanesi-Madonna)
This is a statue of the Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus that dates back to 1290. The sculpture is one of the finest examples of late Gothic art and is known as the “Milanesi-Madonna” because one of its original donors was a merchant from Milan. The statue shows a solemn and tender Virgin Mary holding the Baby Jesus on her knees. The work is appreciated for the expressiveness of the faces and the fine details of the sculpture.
Myths and Legends about Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral (Cologne), also known as St. Peter’s Cathedral, is one of the most impressive and famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. Fascinating myths and legends have been created around this cathedral, and its rich history holds many interesting facts.
The end of the world and the Cologne Cathedral
There is an old legend related to the Cologne Cathedral, which states that when the construction of the cathedral is finished, the end of the world will come. Perhaps that is why the Cathedral is in continuous renovation.
The Legend of the Pact with the Devil and the Construction
There are several legends related to the construction of the cathedral. One of them says that the devil was advising the architect of the cathedral in exchange for people’s souls, but the architect, with the help of his wife, tricked the devil and the devil could no longer claim people’s souls.
The Hidden Golden Cross
One of the most famous legends is that of the golden cross hidden in the cathedral. It is said that during the Napoleonic invasions, this gold cross worth millions of euros was hidden in a secret place in the cathedral to protect it from the invaders. However, the cross was never found and remains a mystery to this day.
The Terrifying Secret behind the Cathedral: The Devil’s Pact for Kolner Dom
The legend tells of a daring pact between the architect of the Cologne Cathedral and the Devil. Thanks to the cleverness of a woman, the Devil lost the pact, along with the souls of the people, and cursed the construction…
