The massive cathedral in Cologne is the largest one in Germany. In medieval times a town's
status was determined in part by its churches, particularly their size and any special attributes
(like holy relics) that they possessed. Cologne began a cathedral in 1248 to top all
competitors. Unfortunately it was too large to ever complete. Finally in the mid 19th century
construction was restarted and the building was completed in 1880, at which point it was the
world's tallest structure (at 157 meters or about 515 feet). It features relics of the three Magi
(below) and some really neat tombs of early bishops, etc.
status was determined in part by its churches, particularly their size and any special attributes
(like holy relics) that they possessed. Cologne began a cathedral in 1248 to top all
competitors. Unfortunately it was too large to ever complete. Finally in the mid 19th century
construction was restarted and the building was completed in 1880, at which point it was the
world's tallest structure (at 157 meters or about 515 feet). It features relics of the three Magi
(below) and some really neat tombs of early bishops, etc.
