Churches, Cologne

St. Gereon has a spectacular interior that really should be seen by any serious church-crawlers who come to Colgone! Like so many other structures in the city, it was devastated by the intense bombing that flattened most of the city during World War II. But it has been painstakingly reconstructred, so that it's very difficult to tell what's original and what is "modern restoration." Wonderful tall dome in the center of the crossing, beautiful wall frescoes in the choir, impressive modern, austere sculptures decorating the nave.

1 more image

The Church of the Holy Apostles is just off a bit to the west of Neumarkt and easily dominates that square. Archbishop Pilgrim began its construction in the early 1000s. Apparently the church has its own beergarden, but unfortunately my guide Christolph didn't allow me a stop here.

Church of St. Mary is a Jesuit church built in early baroque style. Street (portal) site looks interesting and nice - two towers, entrance/portal....
Church was built with the purpose to increase Catholic Faith at the time of Reformation.
The building works of the church began in 1618. From 1629 church was first in use by Jesuits.

3 more images

One of the highlights is the Cathedral. (German: Kolner Dom) is the city's famous landmark and unofficial symbol. It is a Gothic church, started in 1248, and completed in 1880. In 1996, it was designated a World Heritage site; it claims to house the relics of the Three Magi. You can walk up some VERY narrow and VERY numerous stairs up to the top for some great views. I believe it is almost 100 meters above the ground. Only attempt if you are in shape and have good knees.

In World War II the cathedral suffered 14 hits by bombs but didn't collapse; reconstruction was completed in 1956.

This is Germany's finest gothic cathedral. It is massive beyond belief - toweing over the heart of the old city.

Located just steps from the central railway station, it easy to see if you are just passing through but you have a couple extra hours to spare.

Take your time and enjoy the dark, mysterious, and cavernous interior. Just remember that tours are not available during religious services. This is still an active Roman Catholic parish. Be respectful of the history and holiness of this place. It's best, if you take pictures or video, to avoid the use of flash.

The stained glass windows alone are worth your time. Add on the scultures, high altar, memorials, and side chapels and one could easily spend 1-2 hours. I, unfortunately, only had one hour.

Entrance is free, but they do ask for donations. The exterior is undergoing a thorough cleaning and restoration so scaffolding is everywhere. Grime from war and the industrial age has never been washed off the stone exterior. It will probably be unrecognizable when they are done. The building has been colored brown and black for such a long time.

Cologne has many beautiful churches. To see them all I recommend you do one of the walking tours. You can get brochures from the tourist information.

The oldest church in Cologne is Sankt Maria im Kapitol; it was consecrated in 1065. Other important churches in the city are those of Sankt Gereon (pictured - begun 11th century), Sankt Kunibert (13th century), and the Jesuits' Church (17th century). Also worth mentioning are Gross St. Martin, St. Pantaleon and of course the Cathedral!

After Charles the Great appointed Cologne to archbishopic town around year 800 Cologne became one of the most important towns in Central Europe. In addition to the flourishing trade at the important crossroads of European road and river routes Cologne also became the home to a number of cloisters and collegiate churches. Even in the Middle Ages tourism flourished in form of thousands of pilgrims that visited the "Rome of the North" every year.

Today, scattered all around the central Cologne, we find 12 romanesque churches that were built between 9th and 13th Centuries - from St. Kunibert on the North to St. Severin on the South and from St. Aposteln on the West to St. Maria Lyskirchen on the East.

One of the favourite churches for photographers is certainly Gross St. Martin whose strong and high tower nicely balances with the spires of the Gothic cathedral.

(And yes - there was once even the Klein St. Martin, but even many people from Cologne have difficulties finding its remains on the nearby Heumarkt square).

Cologne cathedral with its two spires 157 m. in height, has been the city's most famous landmark for centuries and the most well-known architectural monument in Germany.

It took 632 years until construction of the largest German cathedral was completed. After the laying of the foundations in the year 1248 and making rapid progress initially, construction work gradually came to a standstill. It was only with 19th century romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and the commitment of the Prussian Court that construction work resumed in 1842. In 1880, completion of the cathedral was celebrated as a national event.

The relics of the Holy Epiphany found their last resting place in the cathedral. The Sarcophagus of Epiphany (dating from the 13th century) surpasses all comparable golden sarcophagi in Western Christendom, in terms of scale and magnificence. Other outstanding works of art are to be found in the cathedral treasure chamber.