In 13 century the citizens of Cologne faced with task of new cathedral construction. These were times of flowering for the city and Cologne’s authorities decided to build largest Cathedral in Germany.
But were other circumstances which had instigated the Cologne’s authorities to start this construction. Archbishop of Cologne and the commander of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa - Reynald von Dassel – got a precious gift, the remains of the Three Magi or Three Kings, from the hands of Emperor. By that Barbarossa thanked Dassel for his help in the Italian Campaign.
Before these remains were kept in the Milan. In 1164 they were solemnly delivered to Cologne.
For storage these relics Cologne’s masters created special sarcophagus from the gold, silver and ivory which is now treated as one of the most beautiful medieval masterpiece.
Thanks to these relics Cologne became very important center of Christianity and this status required to have a new more outstanding Cathedral.
15 August 1248 Archbishop of Cologne Konrad von Hohshtaden laid first stone of Cathedral and thereby started the longest construction in European history – final works were finished only in 1880.
Cathedral’s choir has been consecrated in 1322. Its length – 41 meters, width – 45 and height 43. The height of stained-glass windows in Cathedral – 17 meters.
Works under the south tower lasted until 1450 and after that all works were stopped. After that Cologne Cathedral stood unfinished until the middle of 19 century. It even seemed that Cathedral will never be completed.
New impulse of construction has been given by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm who ordered finish Cathedral according to initial design. King themselves laid first stone in 1842 to commemorate resuming of the construction.
All works were finished in 1863. And 15 October in the presence of Emperor William First were conducted celebrations and solemn opening of Cathedral.
Thanks to its enormous stain-glass windows Cologne Cathedral sometimes called as “Glass Cathedral”. The total square of windows in Cathedral – 10 000 square meters. Most of them are dating 13-15 centuries.
Foremost, let me point to the windows from the so-called “king cycle” which portray 48 Holy Kings. This masterpiece has been created in 1300 thanks to the support of the rich families of the Cologne.
In 1848, to commemorate 600 years anniversary of Cathedral, Bavarian King Ludwig First presented to the Cathedral so-called Bavarian Stained Glass which you can see in south part of the temple.
