Cologne Cathedral, which survived the Second World War

#shorts Here is its story: If you want to know how Cologne Cathedral has survived. 

[heinmadsen-leipoldt]

I've been a guest organist at cologne cathedral once, it was such an amazing experience just to see this masterpiece in and outside

[Nikioko]

How long did that take to build Cologne Cathedral? 632 years, from 1248 to 1880. But the construction stalled for 300 years. Which perfectly describes the history of the city.
When the construction started, Cologne was the largest city in modern day Germany. And with the bones of the Three Wise Men as a relic, it was a major pilgrimage site, which made a larger cathedral necessary. And since Cologne was a wealthy member of the Hanseatic League, the rich population could afford to finance the new monument. But with the downfall of the Hanseatic League, the construction of the cathedral came to an end as well. For centuries, the unfinished church was a symbol of splendour in the city. The chancel was finished, and the west work was under construction, with a large treadmill-driven crane on the trunk of the southern spire. The nave was completely missing.
After the Congress of Vienna, Cologne and the rest of the Rhineland fell to Prussia. And the new protestant lords, with the upcoming nationalism, decided to complete the cathedral. For this endeavour, Master Gerhard's original plans had to be rediscovered. Luckily, a linen cloth with the original sketch of the west work was found in Prague. And so, with modern construction techniques, the church was finished in 1880 as the highest building in the world, until it was superseded by the Washington Monument four years later.
The roof truss is made by cast iron, rather than would, which saved the building from the bombs in WWII. And today, due to permanent restoration, you hardly see the cathedral without any scaffolds.

[mare]

It didn't took 600 years to finish, it will never be finished. Because when it's finished there will be the end of the world. Old legend from Cologne.

[NickAndriadze]

Despite looking gloomy and menacing, the exterior of the cathedral is still absolutely gorgeous. One of the most nuanced and detailed pieces of architecture in history.

[Jpz_t]

It should be mentioned that the construction work stopped between 1560 to 1842.
Thus, the actual construction timeline is:
1. 1248: Start of Construction
2. 1560 - 1842: Construction stop
3. 1842: Restart of construction work
4. 1880: End of Construction

[henryivr]

Start of construction 1248
1528 construction stopped, no money and Gothic was no longer modern
In 1823, two Cologne residents came up with plans and convinced the Emperor to complete the building
1880 "finished"
but as a citizen of this city I have never seen the cathedral without scaffolding. It is still being worked on today.

[jayjayn]

There are also stairs to climb up to look over the city. I did the high walk up after a night of Schnapps and Obstwasser (strong spirits!) and boy was it arduous going up those stairs. A truly beautiful church worth seeing while in Cologne.

[pinupdoll]

To me (and only my humble opinion)- This the most beautiful cathedral in the world. ❤❤❤❤

[alexandria]

A gorgeous labor of devotion to our Lord. Time and money well spent.

[NicolaW]

Thank you very much for presenting this Video!

[lilomel]

It should be mentioned that the construction work stopped between 1560 to 1842

Thus, the actual construction timeline is:
1. 1248: Start of construction
2. 1560 - 1842: Construction stop
3. 1843: Restart of Construction work
4. 1880: End of Construction

(Credits to jpz_38t)

[Wi-Fi-El]

My dad visited this cathedral when he was in the army, back in 1991. As a 5'6" man, I can only imagine how tiny he felt standing in front of a church that could qualify as an early skyscraper

[dustydesertdisciple]

There is something uncanny about that structure.

[anthonypert]

Its also famous for a panther tank battle outside

[PDohm]

I love visiting this cathedral every time I go to Cologne. It's the most beloved landmark there. I even climbed the steps to the top of the Southern Bell Tower. Talk about a breath taking view. But it is true that the Cathedral was never officially "finished". According to Koelsch legend, if the Cathedral is ever officially completed, it is the end of the world. The original structure was "completed", but German leaders kept adding to it. Eventually, due to acid rain damage, the Cathedral has continually undergone renovations and repairs. Hence why it is "never finished".

[lilith]

It's breathtaking outside also...

[_newjuan]

When’s the last time Egyptians built any of significance besides the pyramids ?

[louiefiend]

It’s not the tallest double spire church in the world. Zamora Michoacán, Mexico has a double spire at 552 ft tall.

[echoesOFendeavor-]

"This horror story is truly chilling! Discovering the faces hidden in the picture fascinated me. Great presentation!"

[LindaMerchant-bqhp]

Magnificent medieval German Gothic cathedral