Cologne Cathedral Interior | Artworks & Facts | A Must-See German’s Site
Cologne, Germany must be immediately associated with this magnificent Kölner Dom, also known as the Cologne Cathedral. Cologne Cathedral Interior | Artworks & Facts | German’s Site gives skyline wonders with a height of 157 meters does not only represent the city, but it’s also the most visited place in the world by Christians and non-Christians standing as a UNESCO world heritage site. The building, its history, the exterior, and the interior look all contribute to the reason why this symbol of architectural marvel is among the most popular sites in Europe. Here are Cologne Cathedral Interior | Artworks & Facts |German’s Site.
In this guide, you will get to discover some of the interior beauty that is interesting and historical in Cologne Cathedral. If you are an architect lover, a history lover, or one who simply searching for an architectural marvel and a wonderful tourist experience, Kölner Dom is a place to visit.
Conclusion: Cologne Cathedral Interior – A Journey Through History and Art
The interiors of Cologne Cathedral are a must-see if you’re in Cologne for anyone into architecture, history or art or has a particular interest with the magnificent cathedral environment in Europe. With the height of its Gothic nave and an impressive array of stained glass windows and sculptures, relics and the beautiful cathedra the brilliance of architecture and religious art is revealed.
Again, if you’re new to the city or a frequent visitor to Cologne then Kölner Dom will surely leave you breathless. Visit the cathedral today and view the beautiful artwork that is still amazing a large number of visitors to this Gothic structure.
Here are 7 Cologne Cathedral Interior | Artworks & Facts | German’s Site
1. The Awe-Inspiring Nave: A Gothic Wonder
The first thing you are likely to notice when you find yourself in the Cologne Cathedral is the expansive NAVAL. In interior details it’s a beautiful structure in Gothic style with high pointed east and west ends of the cathedral. The nave is over 120 meters in length and 40 meters high; this gives the cathedral one of the largest interiors in Europe.
As for the interior, it has to be said that the ceiling is very high and this gives you sort of a sacred twist. With the light getting in through the stained glass windows, the inside is painted in various rainbow colors. Beauty and the light together with the architecture give the cathedral a beautiful look, especially at night that makes it an ideal place for those taking Instagram-worthy pictures.
2. The Magnificent Stained Glass Windows
Among all the objects placed inside the building which is the Cologne Cathedral, the most impressive I suppose is the stained glass windows. These votive windows, originating from the early Gothic period (the second half of the 13th century), are rightfully considered some of the most beautiful in Europe; All the stuccoes and paints used are depicted in biblical themes and this gives one a theological and an art and architecture period of the middle ages.
The most well known though is Giovanni di stefano window which is one of the most significant medieval stained glass art. This is not the only window; there are also windows with a more symbolic function- purely to illuminate the building in such a manner that the entire cathedral is bathed in a colorful fairy light-like glow. This brings us to the last advice if you are visiting Cologne Cathedral take a closer look at the windows since they are among the best things which have been crafted in and around Cologne Cathedral.
3. The Shrine of the Three Kings: A Sacred Relic
With the Cologne cathedral, there is the Shrine of the Three Kings, which holds what is believed to be the bones of the three wise men who visited baby Jesus. This pulpit composed of pure gold is an important religious image dedicated in the 12th century.
People come to see the shrine which accommodated in the altar of the cathedral. This is still a holy hub due to its detailed craftsmanship in gold and silver plus the religious appearance it poses. But the Christmas event makes the Shrine of the Three Kings the focal point of the city of Cologne and a destination for pilgrims and tourists from around the globe.
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4. The Choir: A Space for Worship and Reflection
Another area which requires analysis is the choir of Cologne Cathedral. That part of the cathedral is for the celebration of liturgical services and is blessed with ornate carved wooden seats and good shining altars with gold morotones. Cathedral, and many of its religious ceremonies occur in this area It also sees the operational presence of the Cologne Cathedral boy’s choir that is famous.
Even if you are not going for service, the choir section is excellent for finding quiet time amid the soaring architecture of the cathedral. Its small scale and private, quiet character mean that it is perfect to visit for those who want to find some solitude in this gorgeous church that lies behind the noise of the main hall.
5. The Cathedral Organ: A Musical Treasure
Yet another feature worth noting for visiting Cologne, is its cathedral’s interior, which boasts one of Europe’s largest and most magnificent organs. The renowned Cologne Cathedral Organ designed with over 70 stops and over 10,000 pipes is an organ of great strength and versatility. The nave is most times very large to accommodate so many people and playing the organ produces an inspiring aural view especially to the cathedrals.
Assembling the music lovers, it is impossible not to visit one of the numerous organ performances at Cologne Cathedral. The physics phenomena of the organ is complemented perfectly by the acoustics of the cathedral which makes the impression fantastic.
6. The Crypt: A Peek Into Cologne Cathedral’s History
To supplement this knowledge, lovers of history have an opportunity to take a tour of the crypt of the cathedral. The crypt lies towards the bottom of the high altar and contains graves of several archbishops of Cologne, and a historical museum of the cathedral.
The crypt is interesting and one of the oldest parts of a cathedral that dates back to its construction in the 13th century. If you want to read more about the architectural design and past reconstructions of the cathedral, you should know that in the Crypt you will be provided with information on how this marvelous construction developed.
7. Practical Tips for Visiting Cologne Cathedral
Best Time to Visit:
Crowding can be quite an issue at times – and this is true particularly when summer tourists descend on Cologne in their droves – and therefore the best times to visit the Cologne Cathedral are either early in the morning or in the evening after typical business hours.
Admission:
While getting into the main cathedral does not costs anything, there are fees for climbing the tower and getting into the Treasury. The tower climb presents breathtaking view over the city, so if one is ready to climb up those steps, it will be very rewarding!
Opening Hours:
Cologne Cathedral is opened throughout the year from 6:00 in the morning till 7:30 in the evening occasionally closing for certain religious activities.
Photography:
Taking of pictures and videos is permitted provided you do so without disrupting activities of worship within the cathedral. Some of the phases may however be restricted, it is good to look out for billboards.
Family-Friendly:
Children will also enjoy going round Cologne Cathedral as there are so many things to see on the interior of the beautiful structure, especially the stained glass. There are also free audio and verbal tour guides which are given in many languages, which are useful for learning a lot about the story behind the cathedral.
Some personal and friendly tips to make your visit to Cologne Cathedral even more satisfying:
1. Arrive Early for Peace and Quiet
The cathedral is a favourite spot for tourists and locals, thus for better views and to avoid a lot of interference go there either early in the morning or in the evening. It will only take about an hour to get the first chance to take photos and enjoy the calm and quiet before the tour buses shows up.
2. Take Time to Admire the Stained Glass Windows
There are a number of beautiful objects of art in the cathedral but the stained glass windows are especially outstanding. It’s better to come during the day when the sun rises and the interior is lit up in hot shades of colours. If possible, it will be good to just take a break and appreciate the light and patterns on the structure.
3. Climb the Tower for Amazing Views
What really get you are your heart pumping is scaling the tower, if that is not too much of a challenge for you. Panoramic views from the top are beautiful; 157 meters, encompasses the view of the city of Cologne, the Rhine river and the city skyline. It is an excellent opportunity to realize for sure how magnificent the cathedral is during its view from a bird’s eye view!
4. Visit the Crypt for a Historical Peek
It is especially important for history enthusiasts; if you prefer crypts you’ll find it quite intriguing. It is a quiet area, some tombs and a small museum where they tell the history of the Cathedral. It is one of the few places that are less renown for their noise levels so it is suitable for meditation.
5. Attend an Organ Concert
Should your visit coincide with an organ concert, my advice – sit down and enjoy the music. The cathedral contains the largest organ in Europe and to hear that beast of an instrument play in the area is something you will remember all your life.
6. Be Mindful During Mass
The cathedral is still functioning as a worship center up to the present. If you are there during a service, do not be unruly to other people and do not violate any rules within the place. That way one can still appreciate the environment that the service is being conducted in if one doesn’t want to be active in the proceedings.
7. Free Guided Tours
Due to the popularity of the city, be prepared to be surrounded by a crowd; however, free multilingual guided tours are available. It is a perfect opportunity to know the history, architectural peculiarities, as well as importance of the cathedral, so you won’t miss anything noticeable indoors.
8. Relax at the Nearby Square
Finally, after the visiting the cathedral spend a little time and rest at the nearby square in front of this cathedral. Its a perfect place for a coffee break as well as enjoy performances from street artists, and of course the view of the cathedral from the side is breathtaking.
9. Bring Comfortable Shoes
The cathedral is enormous, and exercise is anticipated when touring the site is to ascend to the tower or descend to the crypt. Free advice: wear comfortable shoes for a more comfortable visit.
Take these friendly advises and you will get the maximum out of your trip to the Cologne Cathedral, the visit will be absolutely rewarding!
