I'm an A Level student, currently studying Economics, English, German and General Studies (I also h...
I'm an A Level student, currently studying Economics, English, German and General Studies (I also have AS History). I'm interested in a variety of sports and current affairs alongside these academic pursuits.
Member since:31.05.2007
Reviews:11
Background:
Cologne Cathedral is a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1248, but due to a lack of funds and various disagreements concerning the work, the cathedral was only completed in 1880. The cathedral is renowned as one of Germany's prinicpal landmarks and has long been Colognes number 1 tourist attraction, featuring heavily in the city's unofficial logo. The Cathedral is the second largest Gothic structure in the world and is beloved by architects and artists alike- the scale is so vast that standing beneath the towers is breathtaking, particularly considering the realitively backward technology utilised for the construction. The monument is even more impressive due to recent history- the city of Cologne was almost completely flattened by Allied air raids during the Second World War, but the cathedral escaped intact. Minor structural damage has been replaced with a painstaking reconstruction of the northwest tower's base in order to keep the style authentic.
External:
The cathedral is dramatically imposed on the city's skyline and visitors approaching the city by road, river or rail will immediately be struck by its beauty. It is possible to reach the cathedral using Cologne's excellent public transport network of trams and underground trains, or simply to walk from most parts of the city. It is also possible to walk around the exterior of the structure, a worthwhile experience that will allow full appreciation of the design, providing opportunities for wonderful photographs.
Internal:
Cologne is famous for housing the Sarcophhagus that contains the bones of the three Wise Men, along with the interred remains of many of its Archbishops. It also contains one of the earliest known wood carvings of Jesus on the cross, thought to have been created in the mid 9th century. Aside from these historical details, the inside of the cathedral is no less grand than the fascade. The high vaulted ceiling combined with many tableaued stained glass windows creates a fantastically impressive scene. Services are also held on a regular basis, although these are conducted in German and should not be attended by the casual visitor.
Towers:
The opportunity exists to climb one of the two characteristic spires to a viewing platform 98m up. Whilst this facilitates picturesque vies of the city and has adequate safety feature such as wire cages, this climb should not be undertaken by those who suffer from vertigo. It is also not recommended for those who have trouble with stairs, as a single spiral staircase that is narrow in places, not to mention steep, is the only point of ascent and descent. This climb also reveals another impressive feature- the bells. At the halfway point, visitors are able to look into the belfry, where the largest free hanging bell in the world, the bell of St Peter, is hung. The vibrations caused by this bell are considered so dangerous to the structural integrity of the cathedral that it rings only once per year, on Christmas Day.
Other:
Entry to the cathedral is free and is allowed between 10-5 on most days (except during mass). The tower climb costs around EU2 and entrance to the crypt is similarly priced. Guided tours, either in English or German are available from the Cologne Tourist office that is situated across the street from the Cathedral doors.
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That's my bad typing, not bad spelling by the way!
fizzytom 06.06.2007 15:39
We were in Germany and wanted to go to Koln but we didn't have enough time. We are planing to go back next year and will defintiely be heading for Koln - I had made anote of this review to re-read neared the time. Fiona
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