Cologne Dom Part 1

Stone for earth, glass and light for heaven, the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen, and is one the place I absolutely recommend everyone go. Cologne is a lovely little city and very east to visit. There are lots of historic churches and site (including a few Roman ones), but the Dom really overshadows them all.

A Church has been standing at this location since 870, but in 1164 Relics of the Magi (you may have heard of them as the three kings or three wise men) were brought to Cologne, and the archbishop decided that they needed to be housed in a grander, worthier cathedral. The old one had to be taken apart piece by piece, and it wasn't until 1248 that the new, current one was started. In 1530, work stopped as money was running out and interest waning. The Dom stood unfinished for centuries, and was even used as a warehouse during the French Revolution It wasn't until  1842 that work started on it again, when Gothic Revival architecture was in vogue, and it was finally finished in 1880. Although the builders all followed the origianl plans, they used modern building technology, which I sort of think is cheating.

I'm not religious, but I was almost moved to light a candle in honor of my catholic friends

I'll be updating with more posts on the Cologne Dom, one on the stained glass, and one on the gargoyles, and one on other things to see in Cologne!