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Cologne Cathedral (NRW - Germany)

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Cologne Cathedral is very special to us! Its Atyudarini's 25th UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany is her 10th country! However, she had other plans than to 'see' the cathedral. She chose to sleep in the cathedral! In her defense, it was a very very hot day and it was cool inside the Cathedral.
 So what if its my 25th UNESCO Site.... Mommy, I'm very sleepy!!!!! 
Over to the site..... Humongous!!!! That's the first word that came to mind.... The best way to walk around the Cathedral is with their app (link below). The construction of this cathedral began in 1248 CE. 


As soon as we enter are the fascinating stained glass windows on either sides. The ones of the left side as old while the ones of the right are new. The first window, Passion Window belongs to 1507-08, and is one of the oldest. Following 3 windows on the same side, including the ones depicting Nativity and the next depicting Adoration of Magi (3 wise men) belong to the same time period. The newest of this time is the last one depicting the Coronation of Virgin Mary, 1509. On the right, the windows belong to 1846-48. Also the west portal window (main facade), belongs to this era. 
The oldest and most-important stained glass window is the one behind the altar, made in 1260 CE. Its is Bible Window. On the right column talks about new testament while the left column talks about old testament. The newest window, on the other hand, is located in the South Transept, which was made in 2007.


On the left, the first chapel has the wooden altarpiece of Poor Clares. This is also one of the oldest article, belonging to 1350-60, in the cathedral. It was then at the Church of St.Clare. It was brought here when that church was demolished. On either sides are double wings, which provide 3 types of magnificent looks! The paintings were redone in 1400. However when restoration happened in 1907-09, this layer was removed to bring out the original painting. 
The choir also belongs to the early Gothic Era. The life-sized sculptures of the apostles  & Madonna has been in existence since 1280 CE. The windows of the choir also belong to around this time, 1300 CE. These windows are called the Cycle of Kings. The upper 2/3rd of the window is simple geometrical pattern, but the lower 1/3rd is life-sized stained glass images of 48 kings. The chairs of the choir belong to 1308-11 CE. 

The oldest ever article is the wooden crucifix located in the left side, closer to the altar. Its golden is color and huge! It was donated by Archbishop Gero in 976 CE! It was then in the altar of Chapel of St Stephen before this church was built, when it was brought here. The marble altar and the sun behind were added in 1683 CE. This is the earliest crucifix sculpture of this size to be in existence, till date! At the altar is the Shrine of Magi. This belongs to around 1190-1220 CE. The right side, parellel to Gero crucifix is the Altar of City Patrons, belonging to 1442 CE.

While the church is humongous and has so much to see, the outside of the church is just a perfect place to be! On, one side are huge staircases, followed by the square in front of the railway station. When we went, this place was so very lively with musicians & performers showcasing their skills and tons of college students chilling on this staircase! Its one of the most lively squares I've been to, reminding me much of Milan Cathedral's square! Another thing that reminded me of Milan Cathedral here was the architecture - the flying buttress feature was just like Milan's!!!

On the other side of the church is a fantastic fountain and the day we went was way too hot and the fountain with pool with its ducks was the perfect way to wrap up our evening. 

After seeing Cologne Cathedral, we hardly had any time before our train. So we didn't do much, but just walk around to see the Hohenzollern Bridge or Love Locks Bridge!!! The entire railing is just filled with padlocks declaring the love of some sweet couples! Guess what people have started doing now due to lack of space? Put on a bicycle lock on the bridge and fill 'that' with padlocks!!! I did see some huge antique locks too. I don't know since when this practice started in Köln! Just the locks are estimated to weigh about 2 tonnes!!! If you're planning to visit & add one, may be just read about what happened to Pont Des Arts, Paris before doing it!!!


To Get There:
Nearest Railway Station: Köln HBF

Entry tickets & timings:
Cathedral: Free; Treasury: €6
Daily 6:00AM to 7:30/9:00PM in winters & summers respectively
Sundays: 1:00PM to 4:30PM only for tourists

Guide app:Cologne Cathedral App (android)Cologne Cathedral App (iOS)


My complete Aachen & Cologne travelogue: Aachen Cathedral, Route Charlemagne, Brühl Augustusburg Palace, Cologne Cathedral

P.S: I was invited by NRW Tourism to experience the region for review purposes, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.

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