Cologne cathedral secrets: Unbelievable discoveries revealed!

Cologne cathedral secrets: Unbelievable discoveries revealed!

Kölner Dom, 50667 Köln, Deutschland - The Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of the Gothic architecture, with its over 150 meters high towers rises to the sky and not only captivates tourists, but also locals. The most impressive features include the renowned Epiphany shrine , which houses valuable relics, and the bell "Ceiling Pitter", which is known through her sound. But in addition to these highlights, the cathedral harbors many hidden treasures that even Cologne often surprise.

One of the most fascinating detail is the grave of the only cathedral builder, Konrad Kuene van der Hallen, which dates from the 15th century. The grave of Count Gottfried von Arnsberg can also be found in the cathedral, whose feet rest on two dogs, a symbol of his loyalty. In the former treasury, a baroque sculpture represents a remarkable mistake: the man depicted has two left hands.

hidden treasures and historical anecdotes

In the 19th century, a lottery called "Premium Stocks" was launched to finance the further construction of the cathedral. After the destruction in World War II, restorers were busy renewing numerous figures and facade parts. Interestingly, some of them cheated their own faces and those from football players to the cathedral, which leads to their own stories on the facade.

A special highlight is the artistically decorated choir stalls from the 13th century, on which demon reliefs and grotesque figures can be found. In the children's window of the cathedral, even a guardian angel is depicted that saves a child from a car driving - a window that dates from the 1960s. Cardinal Joseph Frings, who was in office from 1942 to 1969 Hidden behind a green curtain in the choir of the cathedral, there is a large -format facade tear from the late 13th century, the importance of which is not to be underestimated for the further construction of the cathedral in the 19th century. In addition, there is a stone star from 1320 in the roof structure and a 1.50 meter long wrench that tells its own story.

The Epiphany shrine - a masterpiece of goldsmithing

The Epiphany itself is an outstanding example of medieval goldsmithing. It was made by Nikolaus von Verdun between 1190 and 1225 and is considered the greatest and most artistically demanding reliquary of its kind. The shrine contains the bones of the three kings, which was brought to Cologne in 1164 by Archbishop Rainald von Dassel The shrine was originally in the Hildebold Cathedral, but was set up behind the high altar in the Gothic Cathedral since 1948. This magnificent shrine has a size of 110 cm wide, 153 cm high and 220 cm in length, and its weight is 500 kg. His back shows scenes from the life of Christ and the figure of the Rainald von Dassel, which increases its historical value enormously.

The shrine has been restored several times over the years, with loose parts being replaced or supplemented. The work carried out in 1668-1690, in which the shrine was inserted into a marble rust, testify to its important role in Cologne history. The shrine still attracts numerous pilgrims and remains a central element of the Cologne Cathedral.

The eventful history of the cathedral and its important buildings, such as the Epiphany shrine, always attracts people. It becomes clear that Cologne Cathedral is not only an architectural miracle, but also a place of memory and religious association for many generations.