Cologne Cathedral

Regarded as a World Heritage Site, the Cologne Cathedral is the seat of Archbishop of Cologne. It is also considered the monument of Christian belief, Gothic architecture and the intense faith of the people of Cologne. Aside from its intrinsic value and unique artistic designs, the Cologne cathedral is a testimony of the enduring perseverance of European Christianity.

UNESCO described the Cologne Cathedral “as an exceptional work of human creative genius”. The Cologne Cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.

This towering structure is 144.5 meters longs, 84.5 meters wide, not included it two towers which are 157 meters tall. The construction of Cologne Cathedral was a tedious and long process that took several stages and hundred years. The Foundation stone of the cathedral was laid by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden in August 15, 1248. Due to certain unfortunate events, the Cologne Cathedral was completed in 1880, around 632 years later.

The Cologne Cathedral remains to be one of the major tourist attractions in the whole Europe. It is open to the public everyday from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. The admission is free except for the tower ascend and the treasury.

Inside the cathedral visitors are likely to be awed by the place’s size and mystic design. The Cologne Cathedral possesses a Latin Cross shape. It features two aisles in either of its side, plus a French styled narrow triforium gallery immaculately lit by windows. The clerestory windows are also a sight to see. One can spend the whole day observing its unique glass details. The cathedral’s church bells are also considered the largest free-swing bells in the world. The largest bell which is called St. Petersglocke (“Bell of St. Peter”) weighs 24-tons.

Cologne Cathedral is a place that makes you feel like you have transcended across time and space. Maybe it’s because of its gothic-styled interior or stupendous size, but whatever it is Cologne Cathedral is definitely a site worth visiting.