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The Cologne Cathedral nests in the North Rhine—Westphalia region in Germany. It is a stupendous structure with captivating architecture and a splendid interior gracing the Christian faith. I was recently there. We came in from Amsterdam. Cologne Cathedral is the chair of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is a wondrous monument—a Roman Catholic Church with scintillating Gothic architecture. It was pronounced a World Heritage Site in 1996. And is easily Germany’s most appreciated landmark, attracting, an average of 20,000 people per day. At 157 m (515 ft), the cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Besides it is the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster—which happens to be the tallest church in the world located in Baden Wurttemberg Germany and the third tallest church of any kind in the world. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Its two towering spires give the cathedral the most prominent façade when compared to any other church in the world. Its choir has the largest height-to-width ratio, 3.6:1, compared to any medieval church. The cathedral stands tall in the middle of the city. It has a huge sprawling market area around it. Many individual artists including solo musicians perform in front of the church. Even though the construction of the church began in 1248 it took around 632 years for it to complete. At the first glance, the architecture seems entirely homogenous. This was achievable only because every generation of builders adhered to the original master plan without any deviation. They were aware that they would never see the completion of the project, so they never deviated from the original plan. The construction of this Gothic masterpiece started in 1248 and took place in several stages but wasn’t completed until 1880. If you are not familiar with the Christian religion, you can find general rules of conduct displayed here. A visitor in the church can immerse himself in the solemn atmosphere, or he can relish the soothing silence, or even take time out to think about one’s life or even get into a personal prayer.
STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION
The construction of the Cathedral commenced in 1248 with the laying of the foundation stone but was halted in 1560. There is archaeological evidence of the first church on this site in the 6th century. The decision to build a new cathedral on this site was preceded by the transfer of the relics of the Magi to Cologne in 1164. The veneration of the Magi goes back to those “wise men from the East”. Probably around 1190 the work on the shrine began, which to a great extent involved goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun and his workshop. Around 1225 planning began for a new church that was to be used both as bishop’s and pilgrims’ church alike. On Saturday 15 August 1248, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the foundation stone of the Gothic cathedral.
Shortly after 1260, the ground floor of the choir was completed, and the first altars were consecrated. At the beginning of the 14th century, the cathedral’s choir was architecturally completed and equipped further in the years to follow. On 27 September 1322, the choir was solemnly consecrated. On this occasion, the Shrine of the Magi was temporarily set up in the new cathedral’s Axis Chappel. During this time, the ambulatory was used as a pilgrim’s path. According to a source from the 15th century, it was planned, to establish the Shrine of Magi at the intersection (crossing) of the church after the cathedral was completed, in order to create a focal point for it. But sadly, the cathedral could not be completed within the required time frame.
After the consecration of the choir, the building work slowed down. According to a source, in 1331 the work was carried out on the foundations of the southern aisles. Around 1360 work began on the south steeple’s walls after the completion of the corresponding foundations. At the beginning of the 15th century, the south steeple was completed up to a height of 58 metres.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Cathedral carried on. Around 1520 the building work came to a standstill. At that time apart from the cathedral’s completed choir, the ground floor of the nave and parts of the transept were usable, and the two lower storeys of the south steeple were completed.
But, sadly with the invasion of troops during the French Revolution in 1794, the Archdiocese of Cologne was abolished, and the cathedral was temporarily used as a fodder storage room and prisoner-of-war camp. From 1801 it was again used as an ordinary parish church. Only in 1821, the Archdiocese of Cologne was re-established and the cathedral was again elevated to the status of a bishop’s church.
In 1842, after years of waiting, the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV laid the foundation stone to resume construction. In 1880, after 38 years, the final stone was inserted on the south steeple in the presence of Emperor Wilhelm I. In the 19th century, the cathedral was completed in its present form.
But during the Second World War Cologne was reduced to rubble. The cathedral was also severely damaged by numerous bombs. Entire bays of the vault had collapsed and various windows were reduced to smithereens. At the northwestern buttress of the west facade, a bomb tore an enormous hole which was repaired with a makeshift filling containing over 20,000 bricks. Because of its indestructible construction, the cathedral withstood the shock waves and the vibrations. At the end of the war, there was massive destruction, though apparently it appeared undamaged. Fortunately, during the war, many artefacts were evacuated or protected inside the cathedral. The windows particularly those of the Middle Ages, were taken out, whereas those of the 19th century were largely destroyed.
IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS:
Visitors are welcome to attend the divine services in the cathedral but they must respect its dignity. Individual tours are not allowed during divine services. Speaking loudly is not permitted as it disturbs the people praying. This applies particularly to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. During religious ceremonies or services, you are asked not to walk about or take pictures. Supervisory staff/Domschweizer- wearing red gowns ensures that silence and order are maintained in the cathedral and you’re requested to follow their instructions. Photography is permitted but without a tripod and flash and only for private and not commercial use. You are required to take pictures with care and consideration. The so-called “selfie sticks” are not permitted. Group pictures in front of altars and other such places of devotion are considered disturbing and therefore disrespectful. Guided tours always have to be registered and may only be given by authorised or licensed cathedral guides. Headgear is to be removed by men … In Christianity, this is a symbol of respecting a sacred place. Women, however, may keep their headgear on. Exempted from the obligation of removing one’s headgear are male members of various religious communities (e.g. Hindus with turban, Jews with a kipa, and dignitaries of Christian Churches). Clothes should be appropriate for the place. Inappropriate are sleeveless and belly tops as well as shorts or short skirts. Using Mobile phones, smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited. Animals like dogs are not allowed in the cathedral. The only exceptions are guide dogs for the blind. The DOMFORUM is the cathedral’s visitor centre, where you’ll find a whole lot of information about the Cathedral and the Churches in Cologne. It is situated diagonally opposite the west facade of the cathedral. It offers a wide range of information about faith, the Church itself, culture and the city. They offer daily public tours of the cathedral in German and English. They also offer public tours of the excavations below the cathedral. They provide information about guided tours, divine services and other offers of the cathedral, which include the Romanesque churches and many other churches of interest in Cologne. Their multi-vision show “Fascination Cologne Cathedral” is in German and English; and on demand also in French. Every year over six million people from all over the world visit Cologne Cathedral. Many of them regard it as an outstanding sight. Every year over 2,700 divine services are held in the cathedral.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Near the entrance and exit, there are basins containing Holy blessed Water where Catholic Christians dip their fingertips and cross themselves.
Altars: The altar is a table-like object in commemoration of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus shared with his apostles before his death. There are two lecterns from where the Bible is read to the congregation during a divine service.
There is also the chair of the archbishop that oversees the Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is called a cathedra; the word “cathedral” is derived from it. An important place is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a place of silent devotion. In the cathedral, there are tabernacles at two locations. They contain vessels in which the Blessed Sacrament (consecrated bread) is kept in a Catholic church. The presence of the Blessed Sacrament is indicated by a red “perpetual light”.
Images of the Crucifixion: In memory of Christ’s death and resurrection there are many simple crosses as well as images of the crucified Christ. For Christians, this image of a torture instrument is linked with the firm faith in redemption and the overcoming of death through the resurrection of Christ. In various places in the cathedral, there are stands with candles where the Christians say a prayer and offer a candle as a personal request.
The church bells in the south steeple and the crossing’s spirelet are rung before a divine service to summon the congregation. Today in the Cologne Cathedral there are eleven bells in all, which are used according to a set schedule. With 24 tons the St Peter’s bell of 1923 (in the local parlance nicknamed “Fat Peter”) is the heaviest swinging bell in the world. In addition, there are two medieval bells, the Pretiosa, cast in 1448 with a weight of 11 tons, and the Speciosa, cast in 1447 with a weight of 6 tons.
Religious services were held by Christians at the site of present-day Cologne Cathedral during the Roman era. However, after Archbishop Rainald von Dassel brought the relics of the Three Wise Men to Cologne in 1164, the cathedral became a significant pilgrimage destination in Europe, necessitating a new architectural design.
THE CATHEDRAL TOUR
On the cathedral tour, there is the prominent twin-steepled facade with its tapering spires visible from miles away—the largest church facade ever built. Windows in the steeple vestibule show biblical scenes from the creation of the world to doomsday. They were created in 1884. Six of the eight windows were destroyed in the Second World War and reconstructed later between 1994 and 2010. The window above the central portal depicts 18 scenes from the Old and the New Testament. It was inserted in 1877, dismantled during the Second World War, and again inserted in 1993. From the central nave, the tour leads into the two northern side aisles. Five holy windows on the northern side relay the story of Jesus. Then you have the so-called “Altarpiece of St. Clare” for keeping the Blessed Sacrament. Three gilded staves indicate the Cologne Archbishop’s years in office. There is also a blood relic of Pope John Paul II who was canonized (sainted) in 2014. There is also the Statue of Grace decorated with jewellery on the Baroque. There is the great organ since 1948 in the corner of the north transept and the choir The nave and the transept of the cathedral intersect at the crossing. Present there are The crossing’s altar, the cathedra (bishop’s chair) and the pulpit. These three objects underline the three duties of a bishop. He is a priest, a shepherd and a teacher. The apsidal ambulatory with its seven radiating chapels is the oldest part of the cathedral. There is mosaic flooring in the cathedral.
In the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the northern side chapel of the choir, there is the Crucifix of Gero. It is over a thousand years old. It was donated by Archbishop Gero. It represents neither Christ suffering nor Christ triumphant, but Christ in the very moment of his death. The crucifix was considered to be miraculous, and therefore especially venerated throughout the centuries. The sanctuary (inner choir) enclosed by screens and grilles forms the architectural and the original liturgical centre of the Gothic cathedral. This is where the main divine services were held. The High Altar, which is covered with a one-piece stone slab, is the biggest stone in the cathedral. The statues under the arches represent prophets, apostles and saints. On the four sides of the altar, they form a frame for scenes from the life of Our Lady.
Since 1948 the Shrine of the Magi has been displayed behind the High Altar. The shrine was created to hold the relics of the Magi. It consists of a case made of oakwood which is richly embellished with precious stones, filigree and enamel fittings; but the essential decoration is the statues beaten in gold and silver plate. The Choir stalls with its 104 seats it is the largest set of choir stalls in Germany. Behind it, the painted screens shield the area of the sanctuary. The paintings of the first half of the 14th-century show scenes from the life of those saints with a special significance for the cathedral – including a depiction of the transfer of the Magi’s relics to Cologne on the central southern screen.
Statues of the choir pillars are the statues of Christ and Our Lady behind the altar and are surrounded by the twelve apostles, and above them angels playing music. Further above in the clerestory are windows featuring kings, the axis window depicts the Adoration of the Magi before Our Lady with the Infant Jesus on her lap. The ambulatory leads past the seven radiating chapels of the choir. They all are equipped with an altar and a tomb aligned with it. The colourful windows show all Cologne saints whose relics are kept in the cathedral or the city. They are The Chapel of St. Engelbert, Chapel of St. Maternus, Chapel of St. John, Chapel of the Magi (axis chapel), Chapel of St. Agnes, Chapel of St. Michael, Chapel of St. Stephen and the tomb of Archbishop Friedrich Von Saarwerden.
In the Lady Chapel, there is the so-called “Altarpiece of the City’s Patron Saints”, which was created for the former city hall’s chapel of Our Lady in Jerusalem and has been in the cathedral since 1810. In the place of this altarpiece used to be the Milan Madonna which today is on a wall pillar on the right. In the summer months, the weekday services are held in the Lady Chapel.
There is a window representing four popes from Pius IX to Pius XII by Wilhelm Geyer, in 1956. There is a larger-than-life-size statue of St. Christopher.
An Altarpiece of St Agilolph, and a carved altarpiece from Antwerp, from the former collegiate church of Our Lady at the Steps (St Maria and Gradus). This church, originally located to the east of the cathedral, was demolished in 1821. On the left, there is the Shrine of St Agilolph by Josef Kleefisch, 1914.
The Window of St. Paul, inserted in 1868 and destroyed in the Second World War, was completely reconstructed from 1992 to 1994.
The window of the south transept facade, inserted in 2007, is based on a design by Gerhard Richter. It consists of 72 square mouthblown glass panes measuring 9.6 cm2 with colours deduced from the shades of the other cathedral windows. The Bavarian windows in the southern aisles were donated in 1842 by the Bavarian King Ludwig I., created by Max Emmanuel Ainmiller and Heinrich Maria von Heb, and inserted in 1848 to mark the 600th anniversary of the laying of the cathedral’s foundation stone.
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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi
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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com
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Kamlesh Tripathi’s Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity which happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3. Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4. Indica, 15.8.20; 5. The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6. Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9. The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10. Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11. Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12. Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13. Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14. A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15. Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16. Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17. Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18. Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19. Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20. Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25. Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26. The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29. Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34. Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35. When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23;
SHILLONG TIMES—SUNDAY EDITION
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM: MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM: YOU COME ALONE YOU GO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10. POEM: GURU TEACHER 10.8.23;
BANDRA TIMES, MUMBAI
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: SPRING, 1.4.23; 2. POEM: MOTHER, 1.6.23; 3. POEM: RAIN RAIN, 1.8.23;
(ALL THE ABOVE BOOK TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)
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