Cologne Cathedral Germany Postcard

Cologne Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Towering over the Rhine River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its twin spires that dominate the city's skyline. Construction began in 1248 but was halted in the 1490s, leaving the masterpiece unfinished for centuries until it was finally completed in 1880 according to the original mediaeval plans. Inside, the cathedral houses incredible historical treasures, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, which traditionally holds the relics of the Magi. The soaring vaults and spectacular mediaeval stained glass windows create a breathtaking sense of space and light. As one of Germany's most visited landmarks, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, having survived fourteen heavy aerial bomb hits during World War II while the surrounding city was completely levelled.