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 A small church but a great treasure. |
Schildergasse 57 Innenstadt Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany +49 221 925 8460 |
The gothic Antoniterkirche is an oasis of peace amidst the bustle of the Schildergasse, Cologne's main shopping street. The church seems more like a chapel but still has three different wings. It was built in 1350-1380, and visitors to Cologne admire the structure with its examples of period art and architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The only big Baroque church |
Marzellenstraße Innenstadt Cologne, NRW 50765 Germany +49 221 13 7130 |
The only big Baroque church in Cologne was built by Christoph Wamser from Aschaffenburg for the Jesuits and first completed in 1715. The inside of the church was decorated in Gothic style as appropriate to the Counterreformation. After the Jesuit order was dissolved in 1773, the church was used by the French from 1798 as a "Temple of Reason". After being destroyed in the war, the church was rebuilt by W. Schlombs and A. Georgen in its original forms with Baroque exterior and a three-storey high altar. The rebuilding process lasted until 1979. The former Jesuit College, which was connected to the church, is now used for the archiepiscopal trainee curates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Cologne cathedral |
Hauptbahnhof Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany +49 221 92 58 47 30 http://www.koelner-dom.de |
Described by UNESCO as 'a masterpiece of gothic architecture', the Kölner Dom was declared a world heritage site in 1996. The construction of the gothic cathedral took 632 years, and when it was finally completed in 1880, it was the world's tallest building. The Dom stands an imposing 157m high and you will need to be in good shape if you want to climb one of the towers, although the view from the top is definitely worth the effort. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Altstadt's landmark tower |
An Groß St. Martin Alstadt Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany +49 221 257 7924 |
The imposing tower of the church of Groß St. Martin watches over a crossroads in the Altstadt of Cologne. This site was first home to an abbey founded by Benedictine monks, and although this is now long in the past the church of Groß St Martin, with its clover-leaf choir still bears witness to the Hohenstaufen period. The church was built between 1151 and 1240.The quarter around the church is called the Martinsviertel Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Craig Cullum |
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Church at Neumarkt |
Apostelnkloster 10 Innenstadt Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany http://www.st-aposteln.de/ |
A tiny chapel that stood on the old Römerstraße in the late 9th century later developed into one of the most beautiful of Cologne's Romanesque churches, standing today on one of the busy streets around the Neumarkt. St Aposteln is the third of the "Kölner Dreikronchenanlagen" or churches associated with the three crowns on Cologne's coat-of-arms, together with St. Maria im Kapitol and Groß St. Martinl. The later baroque ornamentation, together with the mosaic decoration of the vault, were badly damaged during the Second World War and were not restored during the reconstruction. Some of the treasures once held by the church have survived: for instance, the Heribertkelch (chalice of St Heribert), which is said to have belonged to the canonised Archbishop Heribert (999-1021), who is the alleged founder of the church of St Aposteln. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Witness to the lost Jewish way of life in Cologne |
Rathausplatz Altstadt Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany |
In 1424 the city of Cologne drove out its Jewish inhabitants almost without exception. The city's synogogue was turned into a new chapel for the Cityhall and the ceremonial baths were filled in. Nowadays, nothing remains of the synagogue, which was most likely the oldest in Europe. However, a small glass pyramid in the Rathausplatz leads into the antechamber of what was the Mikwe, or the ceremonial baths, which were built c. 1170. A spiral stairway leads down into the shaft, in which ritual cleansing with ground water was once carried out. The key to the Mikwe is kept during office hours by the porter at the Rathaus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sara A. McCord |
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The finest gothic architecture |
Kolpingplatz Innenstadt Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany |
The year in which the foundations of the Kölner Dom were laid was also the year in which construction began on the Minoritenkirche St Mariä Empfängnis. The Minoritenkirche, in stark contrast to the huge and famous cathedral, is a perfect example of the beauty found in simplicity. The values of the Franciscans, who settled in Cologne in 1229, are mirrored in the architecture of the church. Reconstruction of the church after the Second World War continued and enhanced its simplistic style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John A. Donaghy |
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Rebuilt after the Kristallnacht |
Roonstraße 50 Uni-Viertel Cologne, NRW 50674 Germany |
Wilhelm Emil Schreiterer and Berhard Below designed the Neue Synagoge which was consecrated in 1899. During the Reichskristallnacht in 1938 the Nazis caused severe damage to this and many other synagogues. Parts of the facade survived, and in 1958 it was rebuilt with an altered layout inside, since it was to serve as a community centre for the Jewish inhabitants of Cologne as well. There is a museum in the west wing which tells the history of the Jews, especially during the Third Reich. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Treasures of the cathedral. |
Domkloster (Sakristei des Kölner Doms) Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany |
Any tour of the Kölner Dom is incomplete without a visit to the sacristy, where the cathedral treasures are on display. The most important piece, for the inhabitants of Cologne, is a simple wooden staff, which, although it is decorated with ivory and silver, has no great value in financial terms. Its symbolic importance, however, is great: not only was it claimed to be the staff of St. Peter, which found its way to Cologne at the end of the 10th century, but it was also the symbol of the power of the Archbishop over the city. Pieces of St Peter's chains are said to be locked in a monstrance which is kept in the treasure-vault. On special occasions these treasures are carried through the city in a procession. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Shrine of the Three Holy Kings |
Domkloster (Kölner Dom) Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany http://www.koelner-dom.de |
The golden Schrein der Heiligen Drei Könige (shrine of the Three Holy Kings), the largest shrine of the Middle Ages, shines out from behind the high altar of the Kölner Doms. The shrine was made by the famous goldsmith Nikolas von Verdun, after the relics were brought to Cologne on the 23rd of July 1164 by Archbishop Raimund of Dassel. The 220cm shrine has only been viewable to visitors and pilgrims in its entirety since its restoration in 1973, having been severely damaged during an attempt to move it to safety during the French occupation, and was only restored in 1973. Führungen: Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dieter Mai |
 Photo: Donna Higgins |
 Photo: Courtney Roes |
 Photo: Gannon Hubbard |
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The church in the Agnesviertel |
Neusser Straße 18 Agnesviertel Cologne, NRW 50733 Germany |
The Catholic parish church of Saint Agnes is situated in the north of Cologne near to the Ebertplatz. It is easily recognized by its idiosyncratic church tower, which looks like the castle in a chess set. The church was founded by a school teacher, Peter Joseph Rockerath. He wanted to commemorate two women, his dead wife and Saint Agnes, a Roman martyr. The church was built in an axis with the Eigelsteintor, which can be found at the other side of the Ebertplatz. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Albertus Magnus in the Crypt |
Komödienstraße 4-8 Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany +49 221 1 60 66 0 http://www.sankt-andreas.de/ |
The financial district of Cologne is guarded by the church of St Andreas whose tower overlooks the crossroads below. The crypts beneath the nave house (built in 1220) the remains of the famous Dominican scholar Albertus Magnus, teacher of Thomas Aquinus. The church, dedicated to the apostle Andreas (Andrew), was first named after St Matthew (in 923 AD). St Andreas's displays Romanesque from the 11th century and Gothic architecture from the early 15th century. Also Medieval wall paintings are still visible today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carles Tomás Martí |
 Photo: chris schroeer-heiermann |
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Church and museum |
Cäcilienstraße 29 Innenstadt Cologne, NRW 50667 Germany +49 221 221 23620 |
The church of St Cäcilien is one of the least important of Cologne's Romanesque churches. The simple appearance of this Roman church, however, is deceptive. Legend has it that this was the site of the first Kölner Dom, a claim that has not been substantiated. St Cecilia's was built in the mid-12th century for the benefit of those ladies of the nobility who lived in the convent also dedicated to St Cecilia. So far excavations have only found the remains of a simple church with three transepts, dating from the 9th century. This was the fore-runner of the pillared basilica (1150-1160), again with three transepts, which still stands today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gothic church in Riehl |
Garthestraße 15 Cologne, NRW 50735 Germany http://st-engelbert-rs.de/ |
Visitors who have seen enough of Cologne's gothic and Romanesque architecture can take a break by visiting St. Engelbert's church in Riehl, which offers a bold modernism. It is also called Zitronenpresse or lemon squeezer because of its shape. The steel and concrete construction was designed in 1931 by Dominikus Böhm, one of the first architects to make a name for himself in the area of contemporary church building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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St George |
Georgsplatz 17 Südstadt Cologne, NRW 50676 Germany +49 221 21 0801 |
The church of St Georg is Cologne's only surviving Romanesque pillared basilica. Much remains unknown about its founding. The consecration of the church was probably celebrated at the end of the 11th century. Known are at least a few dates: In the mid-12th century, a vault was added, the west wing was built in 1188 and the entrance in 1551. After the Second World War, the ruined roof was replaced; the original Romanesque roof had long since been replaced by a baroque construction in any case. In the choir arch, the famous St Georg crucifix from 1070 is to be seen. An impressive plague crucifix from the 14th century hangs in the west wing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Antique church from the 4th century |
Gereonskloster 4 Cologne, NRW 50670 Germany +49 221 134 922 |
St. Gereon is said to be the most beautiful medieval church in Cologne. It is uncertain whether the church of St. Gereon was built in memory of the Roman soldiers who refused to take part in the persecution of the Christians and were martyred themselves as a result. This is, however, one of the many legends surrounding this late Antique building. The church was built between 1151 and 1227, the very impressive ten-sided central vault dates back to 1220. This central vault was built on the remains of Roman walls, which are still visible. The church was dedicated to St Gereon at a later date. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nora Schneider |
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St Cuthbert |
Kunibertskloster 6 Innenstadt Cologne, NRW 50668 Germany +49 221 12 1214 |
The last great Roman church in Cologne is St Kunibert's, started in 1215 and completed in the mid-13th century. The church owns the relics of the Bishop of Cologne, Kunibert, who was canonized in 1168. In the 7th century Kunibert had chosen to be buried in the church which at that time stood on this site. This church was also the last to be rebuilt after the Second World War and completed the northern end of the Rhine panorama. Particularly the windows of St Kunibert's from 1230 are worth seeing, and are recognised world-wide as master-pieces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Junius |
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Older than the Dom |
An Lyskirchen 12 Altstadt Cologne, NRW 50676 Germany +49 221 21 1713 |
The smallest of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches is St Maria Lyskirchen, built from 1210 to 1220. According to experts, it is also the least significant. The church was preserved largely intact during the Second World War: only the roof-truss was badly damaged. Nevertheless, St Maria Lyskirchen, which was first recorded as a small chapel in the year 948, does possess a rare treasure: the paintings on the ceiling, which have no equal in the Cologne area. The 13th-century artists portrayed themes from the Old and New Testaments with masterly skill. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: amberglow |
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On the site of a former Roman temple |
Kasinostraße 6 Cologne, NRW 50676 Germany +49 221 214 615 |
The church of St Maria im Kapitol, one of Cologne's Romanesque churches, was built on the site of a former Roman temple - the origin of its name. When the Romans founded their settlement Colonia by the Rhein, they built a temple which inspired the unusual architecture of the later church. In the mid-11th century, Abbess Ida constructed one of the most prominent early Romanesque church buildings on the site of the temple. Until the west tower collapsed in 1637, this was where the city's warning bell was rung. The tower was not reconstructed after the war. Among the church's treasures are the superbly-carved wooden doors, dating from around 1060. The plague crucifix from the year 1304 hangs in a side-chapel. This crucifix was thought to have miraculous properties during the times when Cologne was besieged by the Black Death. This church is venue for the summer event Romanesque Night (Romanische Nacht). To be recommended!! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Beautiful romanesque church |
Am Pantaleonsberg 6 Uni-Viertel Cologne, NRW 50676 Germany +49 221 31 6655 |
The consecration of St Pantaleon's took place in October 1980, and the church became the new home of an influential cloister. The west side of this Romanesque church (966) is in the Ottonian style and comes from the architectural period before the Romanesque. In the mid-12th century, side aisles were added and in the 13th century a treasure-chamber was built, which still houses several important pieces. The shrines to St Albinus and St Maurinus are the most significant among a variety of church treasures which are on display in the chamber. Archbishop Bruno and Empress Theophanu are buried there as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Suvodeb Banerjee |
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Church for the Saint Severin |
Im Ferkulum 29 Südstadt Cologne, NRW 50678 Germany +49 221 931 8420 |
St. Severin, a superb example of late-Gothic Romanesque style grew from a small, poor church built in the middle of a Roman burial ground. A more imposing building was constructed in the 10th century, and underwent repeated minor alteration until the mid-sixteenth century. In the choir (around 1237) is the shrine to the canonized Cologne bishop Severinus, who, according to legend, performed various miraculous deeds. He was canonized and is also called Saint Severin. The bones of the saint are also said to have lain in the church since the year 1948. It was the custom in the Middle Ages to touch the coffin with the end of a piece of cloth, which could then be taken home as a relic in its own right. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tuomo Hiippala |
 Photo: Suvodeb Banerjee |
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Amidst banks and insurance companies |
Ursulaplatz 24 Nordstadt Cologne, NRW 50668 Germany +49 22 113 3400 |
The inhabitants of Cologne dedicated a church to St Ursula and her maidens as early as the 4th-5th century, but the church was enlarged several times in the following years. The cult of St Ursula only began to lose its appeal in 1164, after the relics of the Three Kings were brought to Cologne. In spite of the addition of the gothic choir in 1287, the romanesque style of the church's architecture (around 1135) is still clearly to be seen. St Ursula's was badly damaged during the Second World War along with namy other churches. In particular, the vault of the central nave was destroyed and have been replaced with a wooden ceiling. The greatest treasure of the church is the Golden Chamber from 1643. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |