Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Cathedral of Cologne

Built between 1248 and 1880, Cologne Cathedral is considered as a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. This is one of the best ecclesiastical buildings in the world and a symbol of the high Gothic cathedral architecture in the purest form possible.

When finally completed in the 19th century, Cologne Cathedral is the tallest building in the world. It has the largest exterior surface of any church in the world, said to be around 7,000 square meters, and is flanked by two large towers each rose to a height of 157 meters.

Cathedral houses a wealth of important art treasures, including the stained glass window colorful, the Ottonian Gero Cross (970 AD), the oldest large-scale sculpture in the western world, the temple housing the relics of the Three Kings (1180-1225), an outstanding example of goldwork RMG, patron saint of altar Cologne by Stephan Lochner (around 1450), a masterpiece painting Cologne school, and organ ensemble.

Cologne Cathedral art historians consider to be a unique orchestration of all elements of the architecture. Cologne most beloved landmarks rises high above the heart of the city like a giant tower. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.