The Köln Cathedral

The weight of hundreds of years can be felt while in in the vicinity of the Köln Cathedral. It is a physical sensation, first pulling you from a distance, long before you can see the 516 foot tall spires rising in the distance.

At First Sight

Your first view may look something like that above: obscured by modern buildings, cluttered and distant, yet the cathedral's gravity still pulls you on, commands your eyes, and fills your senses. It is omnipresent - almost a conscious being directing your attention.

The Steps

The initial approach is filled with people: tourists, locals, workers, and the obligatory goths litter the steps. You must climb up to reach such a grand edifice as if the earth itself is the throne on which the cathedral sits.

The Windows

The facade is ornate, dripping in Gothic architectural details. Originally designed to house the remains of the Three Kings, this cathedral stands on the same spot as 3 previous churches - the immediate predecessor having been deemed not grand enough for such an ostentatious task.

Gargoyle Protectors

Across the building, gargoyles extend their mouths in an effort to protect the stonework. Although the stuff of legends, they were originally designed as a way to channel water from the rooftop and away from the building.

The Entrance

Join me next time to see the inside of the Köln Cathedral, including the labyrinth to keep the dead in their proper places.

Thanks for joining me in Cologne, Germany. To book your bucket list trip, visit me at http://travellifeservicesllc.com/

As always, all images are taken with my very own camera, by my very own self, on my very own adventure and used with my very own permission.