Cologne Cathedral, Catholic Cathedral in Cologne, Germany
Cologne Cathedral rises 157 meters above the Rhine riverbank with two identical towers and is built from pale stone with flying buttresses and arches. The interior contains five naves, a high vault, stained glass windows, and several chapels arranged along the side walls.
Construction began in 1248 following plans for a Gothic pilgrimage church and was interrupted for centuries. Completion came only in 1880 when the two towers were finished according to the original designs.
The cathedral shelters the golden shrine holding relics of the Three Magi, which pilgrims from many countries come to see. On feast days, processions move through the interior while worshippers light candles and pray before the relics.
Visitors can climb 533 steps inside the south tower to reach the viewing platform at 100 meters, which requires stamina and time. The main entrance sits directly next to the train station plaza, and the interior is best seen during daylight hours.
The building survived World War II despite 14 direct bomb hits, while the surrounding city center was destroyed. The two towers are said to have served pilots as a landmark on the Rhine, which may be why it remained standing.
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