I have visited Cologne Cathedral at least three times and yet, I haven’t seen all it has to offer. As I write this post, I have come to realize that there is so much more to learn about this Gothic shrine that took more than six centuries to complete. But it isn’t really complete in every sense of the word. Scores of workers are hard at work every day maintaining, restoring and conserving this medieval structure. There’s always a section of the Cathedral with a scaffolding. (Note ongoing work next to Gerhard Richter’s window discussed in this post.) According to a local saying, “when the Cathedral is finished, it will be the end of the world”.
View from the main portal of the central nave leading to the high altar. Notice the vaulted ceiling and the arched columns.
Ceiling fresco on the northern choir entrance with the Lamb in the center. The Lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. In the Old Testament, the lamb is a sacrificial animal. Jesus was sacrificed to save the world from sin.
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Door knocker
Main Portal
Trivia: the Cathedral has 456 doors.
Floor mosaic of St. Kunibert holding a model of the old cathedral
St. Kunibert (or Cunibert) was the ninth bishop of Cologne and held the post from 623 to 663. He was also an advisor to King Dagobert I.
Floor mosaic of Konrad von Hochstaden, founder of Cologne Catheral
The Adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, 1848
These stained glass windows known as the Bayernfenster or Bavarian windows were donated by King Ludwig I for the 600th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Cathedral. The Bavarian coat of arms and the donor inscription of Ludwig I are found on either side of the central panel. The windows were taken down during World War II and escaped being damaged. There are five windows in this group. Here are three of them.
The top panel of the window above shows the annunciation to Mary, Mother of God. In the central panel is the adoration of the Christ Child by the Three Kings. The bottom panel depicts the four prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.
The Mourning of the Dead Christ, 1848
Above the mourning scene is the Last Supper. The figures on the bottom panel are of the four evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Pentecost Window, 1848
The top scene shows Jesus handing the keys to Peter. The figures on the bottom are the Latin fathers of the Church- Ambrose, Gregorius, Hieronymus and Augustine.
South transept window by Gerhard Richter, 2007
This window is composed of 11,263 squares of hand blown antique glass in 72 different colors. It replaced a window lost during World War II. Note ongoing restoration on the left.
Reliquary of the Three Kings (Magi)
Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, was a collector of relics. She found the bones of the Magi in the fourth century and later entrusted them to the Bishop of Milan, Eustorgius I. He brought the relics to Milan where it was kept until 1164 when the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I took the relics from Saint Eustorgio Church and gave them to the Archbishop of Cologne. With the shrine to the Magi in place in the Cathedral, pilgrims from around the world came to Cologne to pay homage and have continued to do so to this day.
Solomon side of the reliquary
The reliquary was built in the workshop of Nicholas of Verdun between 1190 and 1220. It is made of gilded figures in hammered gold and silver, precious and semi precious stones and enamel. The bottom row of the reliquary has carved figures of the prophets with Solomon seated in the center. Above the prophets are six apostles. The prophets are shown with books or scrolls in their hands while the apostles carry the model of the church they founded. (These pictures were taken through the gap between the iron bars.)David side of the reliquary
On this side of the reliquary, David is flanked by six prophets on the bottom row. On the top row are six apostles.
The back of the reliquary
This side of the reliquary shows Jesus Christ flanked by the martyrs Felix and Nabor or on the upper gable and the flagellation and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the bottom. It’s not possible to see the front of the reliquary up close as this is behind the main altar and is only open to the public on January 6, the feast of the Magi. The Madonna of the Jewels (Schmuckmadonna)
This statue of the Madonna and Child is on the altar on the northeast transept of the Cathedral. She is decked in votive offerings pinned on her silk dress by the faithful in gratitude for her special intercession.
Ceiling fresco on the northern choir entrance with the Lamb in the center. The Lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. In the Old Testament, the lamb is a sacrificial animal. Jesus was sacrificed to save the world from sin.
Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay:
Wyndham Cologne
Breslauer Platz 2
Hotel is across from the train station in a quiet area. Lots of restaurant choices. Short walk to Cologne Cathedral. View of the Cathedral from rooms facing Breslauer Platz.
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Images by TravelswithCharie