0 Cologne Cathedral

The Queen of Germany cathedrals

Queen of cathedrals throughout Germany is undoubtedly the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). So beautiful, majestic and solemn, Cologne Cathedral is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of Cologne - a city situated on both banks of the Rhine in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Cologne Cathedral is not the occasion for cordon and patriotism only residents of the city. The beautiful facade of Cologne Cathedral and interior have been declared tourist symbol № 1 and most important tourist attractions throughout Germany. Results are from a study of sectoral grouping of DTV tourism in the country.

 The official name of the Cologne Cathedral is the "Saint Peter and Saint Mary" (Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria). It is the largest Gothic building Christian throughout Western Europe. Since 1996, Cologne Cathedral is included in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. After that date, for this incredible and impressive church in Cologne a hard and dramatic moments.

 2004 cultural and architectural nenakarmimost of Cologne Cathedral in danger of modern construction in the area. On July 5, 2004 because of "danger of being impaired visual integrity of the Cathedral of the plans for construction of high-rise buildings along the river Rhine just opposite it," the World Committee of UNESCO entered Cologne Cathedral in the red list of endangered sites.

 Begin intensive negotiations and even the meetings of July 13, 2005 it was decided, the final removal of the great temple of the list to be postponed by one year. After the deadline, ultimately the World Committee of UNESCO back in Cologne Cathedral World Heritage list. After this time, construction is prohibited in the area of ​​the temple, only to finish already started projects.

 Cologne Cathedral is located about 250 meters from the River Rhine, near the Central Station and the Museum "Ludwig".

With its 157 m height Cologne Cathedral is the second largest church in Germany, is bettered only by the cathedral in Ulm. Furthermore, Cologne Cathedral is considered the third highest church in the world. It is the central temple of the Roman Catholic archbishop of Cologne Diocese. Competition on a grand scale and facade Cologne Cathedral opened only in the face of the Cathedral of Seville and Milan.

From 1880 to 1884 in Cologne Cathedral is considered the tallest building in the world. This automatically makes it the most popular landmark in Germany. The importance of this church in Cologne is highlighted by a visit of Benedict XVI, who came to Cologne Cathedral on the occasion of World Youth Day 2005

Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and continued until 1437 Second stage construction and renovation of the church originates from 1842 to 1880 in place of the old Carolingian cathedral of the city, consecrated in 873 years. This old Carolingian monastery was built in turn on the foundations of the early Christian church. Cologne Cathedral is known for its bells.

The biggest of these is the "bell of St. Peter." Its ringing can be heard only on major religious holidays such as Christmas or Easter. Cologne Cathedral call it "Fat Peter" because it weighs 24 tons and released very solid and sound impresirasht .