Crossing tower of Cologne Cathedral, Crossing tower in Altstadt-Nord, Cologne, Germany.
The crossing tower of Cologne Cathedral is an iron structure that rises above where the main nave meets the transept, connecting these two major sections of the building. It is made entirely of iron, which makes it visibly different from the stone elements surrounding it.
Construction of the iron crossing tower started in 1861 as the cathedral's completion drew near, bringing modern engineering methods to an ancient building project. This choice allowed workers to finish what had been a centuries-long construction effort.
The tower shows how 19th-century engineering techniques merged with medieval building traditions, which visitors notice when looking at its iron frame among the stone vaults. This blend changed how religious buildings could be constructed and used space.
The tower can be seen from several spots within the cathedral, such as the main nave or the side aisles, offering different views of its structure. Visitors should move around to the various sections to fully appreciate how the iron frame works within the overall building.
Unlike other parts of the cathedral, this structure is made of iron, a material that did not exist for builders in medieval times. This technical solution enabled workers to finally complete the building's long construction story.
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