Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Frederick William IV

Local tradition knows that Dortmund was founded by Charlemagne in the course of the Saxon Wars. The first written mention of "Throtmanni" dates back to 882. In 1152, a court day was held in Dortmund under King Frederick Barbarossa. Craftsmen and merchants settled and so Dortmund developed into a city. A fire in 1232 almost completely destroyed the town. The fire also caused the loss of the town's archives and with them all documents from the time before the fire. Dortmund's privileges, which had been lost in the fire, were renewed by Frederick II in 1236. In 1293 the city was granted the brewing right and unprecedented development of the beer industry within the city began. In 1389, Dortmund survived the "Great Dortmund Feud" against the Count of the Mark and the Archbishop of Cologne. However, an economic decline was initiated. This process was continued and intensified by the Thirty Years' War and led to the city's decline, with the population falling to 4500 by 1793. Dortmund became an exclave of the Principality of Orange-Nassau. In 1808 Dortmund became part of the Napoleonic Grand Duchy of Berg. After the Prussian victory over Napoleon, Dortmund fell to the Prussian province of Westphalia in 1815. From the mid of 19th century, Dortmund's renewed rise and transformation into an industrial city began due to coal mining and steel processing. Since the opening of the railroad in 1847, Dortmund became a transportation hub in the Ruhr region. Another contribution to development came in 1899 with the opening of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. This infrastructure paved Dortmund's way to becoming a major city. The city grew beyond the narrow confines of the medieval ramparts. By the outbreak of WWII, the townscape had changed from a farming town to a metropolitan appearance. During WWII, more than 100 air raids destroyed more than 90 percent of the city, including its historic churches. Reconstruction proceeded quickly, and by 1950 the city had 500,000 inhabitants. Today, with about 590,000 inhabitants, Dortmund is part of the "Ruhr district", a polycentric urban area. With a population of over 5 million, it is the largest urban area in Germany. - The Marienkirche (foreground) was built on the Hellweg, opposite St. Reinoldi. Historians assume that the visits of the emperors Frederick I Barbarossa and his successor Henry VI to the imperial palace Dortmund led to the construction of the Marienkirche. It was still called "Capella Regis" in the 13th century. It was erected between 1170 and 1200 in Romanesque style and is the oldest extant church in Dortmund's inner city] Around 1350, a choir in Gothic architecture was built. It served as a model for the Reinoldikirche. Since the Reformation, it has been a Lutheran parish church. The collapsing tower of St. Reinoldi (earthquake 1661) partially destroyed the Marienkirche. The restoration was initially not possible due to lack of funds. The church was considered a ruined building and was temporarily closed to the public. In 1805, the north tower had to be demolished. In 1828 the church had to be closed due to dilapidation, and in 1832 the south tower also threatened to collapse. The ruins of the church were to be demolished and released as a quarry. It was saved by the commitment of the Prussian King Frederick William IV after a visit to Dortmund in 1833. The church was almost completely destroyed by bombs in WWII. It was rebuilt, beginning right after the war and completed in 1959 St. Mary's Church has very valuable furnishings, which were removed during the war. One of them is the "Berswordt Altar", named after the founding family Berswordt. The images of the winged altar can be dated to before 1390 and show an Annunciation to Mary on the outside and the Passion of Christ in three scenes on the inside. The painter of the altar is not known by name. He is referred to by the name "Master of the Berswordt Altar".

Local tradition knows that Dortmund was founded by Charlemagne in the course of the Saxon Wars. The first written mention of "Throtmanni" dates back to 882. In 1152, a court day was held in Dortmund under King Frederick Barbarossa. Craftsmen and merchants settled and so Dortmund developed into a city. A fire in 1232 almost completely destroyed the town. The fire also caused the loss of the town's archives and with them all documents from the time before the fire. Dortmund's privileges, which had been lost in the fire, were renewed by Frederick II in 1236. In 1293 the city was granted the brewing right and unprecedented development of the beer industry within the city began. In 1389, Dortmund survived the "Great Dortmund Feud" against the Count of the Mark and the Archbishop of Cologne. However, an economic decline was initiated. This process was continued and intensified by the Thirty Years' War and led to the city's decline, with the population falling to 4500 by 1793. Dortmund became an exclave of the Principality of Orange-Nassau. In 1808 Dortmund became part of the Napoleonic Grand Duchy of Berg. After the Prussian victory over Napoleon, Dortmund fell to the Prussian province of Westphalia in 1815. From the mid of 19th century, Dortmund's renewed rise and transformation into an industrial city began due to coal mining and steel processing. Since the opening of the railroad in 1847, Dortmund became a transportation hub in the Ruhr region. Another contribution to development came in 1899 with the opening of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. This infrastructure paved Dortmund's way to becoming a major city. The city grew beyond the narrow confines of the medieval ramparts. By the outbreak of WWII, the townscape had changed from a farming town to a metropolitan appearance. During WWII, more than 100 air raids destroyed more than 90 percent of the city, including its historic churches. Reconstruction proceeded quickly, and by 1950 the city had 500,000 inhabitants. Today, with about 590,000 inhabitants, Dortmund is part of the "Ruhr district", a polycentric urban area. With a population of over 5 million, it is the largest urban area in Germany. - The Marienkirche (foreground) was built on the Hellweg, opposite St. Reinoldi. Historians assume that the visits of the emperors Frederick I Barbarossa and his successor Henry VI to the imperial palace Dortmund led to the construction of the Marienkirche. It was still called "Capella Regis" in the 13th century. It was erected between 1170 and 1200 in Romanesque style and is the oldest extant church in Dortmund's inner city] Around 1350, a choir in Gothic architecture was built. It served as a model for the Reinoldikirche. Since the Reformation, it has been a Lutheran parish church. The collapsing tower of St. Reinoldi (earthquake 1661) partially destroyed the Marienkirche. The restoration was initially not possible due to lack of funds. The church was considered a ruined building and was temporarily closed to the public. In 1805, the north tower had to be demolished. In 1828 the church had to be closed due to dilapidation, and in 1832 the south tower also threatened to collapse. The ruins of the church were to be demolished and released as a quarry. It was saved by the commitment of the Prussian King Frederick William IV after a visit to Dortmund in 1833. The church was almost completely destroyed by bombs in WWII. It was rebuilt, beginning right after the war and completed in 1959 It also serves as a concert venue for sacred music.

Local tradition knows that Dortmund was founded by Charlemagne in the course of the Saxon Wars. The first written mention of "Throtmanni" dates back to 882. In 1152, a court day was held in Dortmund under King Frederick Barbarossa. Craftsmen and merchants settled and so Dortmund developed into a city. A fire in 1232 almost completely destroyed the town. The fire also caused the loss of the town's archives and with them all documents from the time before the fire. Dortmund's privileges, which had been lost in the fire, were renewed by Frederick II in 1236. In 1293 the city was granted the brewing right and unprecedented development of the beer industry within the city began. In 1389, Dortmund survived the "Great Dortmund Feud" against the Count of the Mark and the Archbishop of Cologne. However, an economic decline was initiated. This process was continued and intensified by the Thirty Years' War and led to the city's decline, with the population falling to 4500 by 1793. Dortmund became an exclave of the Principality of Orange-Nassau. In 1808 Dortmund became part of the Napoleonic Grand Duchy of Berg. After the Prussian victory over Napoleon, Dortmund fell to the Prussian province of Westphalia in 1815. From the mid of 19th century, Dortmund's renewed rise and transformation into an industrial city began due to coal mining and steel processing. Since the opening of the railroad in 1847, Dortmund became a transportation hub in the Ruhr region. Another contribution to development came in 1899 with the opening of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. This infrastructure paved Dortmund's way to becoming a major city. The city grew beyond the narrow confines of the medieval ramparts. By the outbreak of WWII, the townscape had changed from a farming town to a metropolitan appearance. During WWII, more than 100 air raids destroyed more than 90 percent of the city, including its historic churches. Reconstruction proceeded quickly, and by 1950 the city had 500,000 inhabitants. Today, with about 590,000 inhabitants, Dortmund is part of the "Ruhr district", a polycentric urban area. With a population of over 5 million, it is the largest urban area in Germany. - The Marienkirche (foreground) was built on the Hellweg, opposite St. Reinoldi. Historians assume that the visits of the emperors Frederick I Barbarossa and his successor Henry VI to the imperial palace Dortmund led to the construction of the Marienkirche. It was still called "Capella Regis" in the 13th century. It was erected between 1170 and 1200 in Romanesque style and is the oldest extant church in Dortmund's inner city] Around 1350, a choir in Gothic architecture was built. It served as a model for the Reinoldikirche. Since the Reformation, it has been a Lutheran parish church. The collapsing tower of St. Reinoldi (earthquake 1661) partially destroyed the Marienkirche. The restoration was initially not possible due to lack of funds. The church was considered a ruined building and was temporarily closed to the public. In 1805, the north tower had to be demolished. In 1828 the church had to be closed due to dilapidation, and in 1832 the south tower also threatened to collapse. The ruins of the church were to be demolished and released as a quarry. It was saved by the commitment of the Prussian King Frederick William IV after a visit to Dortmund in 1833. The church was almost completely destroyed by bombs in WWII. It was rebuilt, beginning right after the war and completed in 1959 It also serves as a concert venue for sacred music.

Local tradition knows that Dortmund was founded by Charlemagne in the course of the Saxon Wars. The first written mention of "Throtmanni" dates back to 882. In 1152, a court day was held in Dortmund under King Frederick Barbarossa. Craftsmen and merchants settled and so Dortmund developed into a city. A fire in 1232 almost completely destroyed the town. The fire also caused the loss of the town's archives and with them all documents from the time before the fire. Dortmund's privileges, which had been lost in the fire, were renewed by Frederick II in 1236. In 1293 the city was granted the brewing right and unprecedented development of the beer industry within the city began. In 1389, Dortmund survived the "Great Dortmund Feud" against the Count of the Mark and the Archbishop of Cologne. However, an economic decline was initiated. This process was continued and intensified by the Thirty Years' War and led to the city's decline, with the population falling to 4500 by 1793. Dortmund became an exclave of the Principality of Orange-Nassau. In 1808 Dortmund became part of the Napoleonic Grand Duchy of Berg. After the Prussian victory over Napoleon, Dortmund fell to the Prussian province of Westphalia in 1815. From the mid of 19th century, Dortmund's renewed rise and transformation into an industrial city began due to coal mining and steel processing. Since the opening of the railroad in 1847, Dortmund became a transportation hub in the Ruhr region. Another contribution to development came in 1899 with the opening of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. This infrastructure paved Dortmund's way to becoming a major city. The city grew beyond the narrow confines of the medieval ramparts. By the outbreak of WWII, the townscape had changed from a farming town to a metropolitan appearance. During WWII, more than 100 air raids destroyed more than 90 percent of the city, including its historic churches. Reconstruction proceeded quickly, and by 1950 the city had 500,000 inhabitants. Today, with about 590,000 inhabitants, Dortmund is part of the "Ruhr district", a polycentric urban area. With a population of over 5 million, it is the largest urban area in Germany. - The Marienkirche (foreground) was built on the Hellweg, opposite St. Reinoldi. Historians assume that the visits of the emperors Frederick I Barbarossa and his successor Henry VI to the imperial palace Dortmund led to the construction of the Marienkirche. It was still called "Capella Regis" in the 13th century. It was erected between 1170 and 1200 in Romanesque style and is the oldest extant church in Dortmund's inner city] Around 1350, a choir in Gothic architecture was built. It served as a model for the Reinoldikirche. Since the Reformation, it has been a Lutheran parish church. The collapsing tower of St. Reinoldi (earthquake 1661) partially destroyed the Marienkirche. The restoration was initially not possible due to lack of funds. The church was considered a ruined building and was temporarily closed to the public. In 1805, the north tower had to be demolished. In 1828 the church had to be closed due to dilapidation, and in 1832 the south tower also threatened to collapse. The ruins of the church were to be demolished and released as a quarry. It was saved by the commitment of the Prussian King Frederick William IV after a visit to Dortmund in 1833. The church was almost completely destroyed by bombs in WWII. It was rebuilt, beginning right after the war and completed in 1959 It also serves as a concert venue for sacred music.

Kruszwica has a long even prehistoric history. The existing town was set back in its development when in 1096 it gave refuge to Władysław I's son Zbigniew when he rebelled against his father, for Władysław I subsequently had the place burned down. In 1133 the name "Cruciuis" is found. In 1149 a meeting with Margrave Albrecht the Bear, Bavarian Otto I ("The Redhead"), and other princes took place here. In 1157 Emperor Barbarossa led an army to Kruszwica, where the Duke of Poland gave him a testimony of submission. At the end of the 12th century, Kruszwica Castle was the seat of the castellan who founded the monastery of St. Peter and Paul. In 1230 Konrad of Mazovia gave the neighboring Kulmerland to the Teutonic Order. From 1350 to 1355 King Kazimir the Great built the castle as the seat of the castellan because since the middle of the 13th century a toll had been collected at the Kruszwica Bridge. The Swedish raids in the Second Northern War in 1655 and 1657 ("Swedish Deluge"), plunged Kruszwica into ruin. The castle was completely burned down together with the town. Since 1772 Kruszwica belonged to the Kingdom of Prussia and was called Kruschwitz in German. Around 1783 there were only eleven houses in the once important town, in which 74 people lived. The town experienced a revival due to the industrialization of the 19th century. - The Collegiate Basilica of St. Peter and Pau is a three-nave basilica with a transept. The church was built from 1120 on. It was consecrated in 1140, and until 1148 it is said to have been the episcopal see of Kujawy. The low two-tower facade was rebuilt in the 16th century in favor of a higher central tower. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Baroque alterations were made to a total of 13 altars. After the visit of Frederick William IV in 1836, a neo-Gothic remodeling was carried out in 1854-1857 as part of the renovation. The many remodelings of the church were removed after independence in 1918 and then in the 1950s in favor of the original Romanesque style.

Kruszwica has a long even prehistoric history. The existing town was set back in its development when in 1096 it gave refuge to Władysław I's son Zbigniew when he rebelled against his father, for Władysław I subsequently had the place burned down. In 1133 the name "Cruciuis" is found. In 1149 a meeting with Margrave Albrecht the Bear, Bavarian Otto I ("The Redhead"), and other princes took place here. In 1157 Emperor Barbarossa led an army to Kruszwica, where the Duke of Poland gave him a testimony of submission. At the end of the 12th century, Kruszwica Castle was the seat of the castellan who founded the monastery of St. Peter and Paul. In 1230 Konrad of Mazovia gave the neighboring Kulmerland to the Teutonic Order. From 1350 to 1355 King Kazimir the Great built the castle as the seat of the castellan because since the middle of the 13th century a toll had been collected at the Kruszwica Bridge. The Swedish raids in the Second Northern War in 1655 and 1657 ("Swedish Deluge"), plunged Kruszwica into ruin. The castle was completely burned down together with the town. Since 1772 Kruszwica belonged to the Kingdom of Prussia and was called Kruschwitz in German. Around 1783 there were only eleven houses in the once important town, in which 74 people lived. The town experienced a revival due to the industrialization of the 19th century. - The Collegiate Basilica of St. Peter and Pau is a three-nave basilica with a transept. The church was built from 1120 on. It was consecrated in 1140, and until 1148 it is said to have been the episcopal see of Kujawy. The low two-tower facade was rebuilt in the 16th century in favor of a higher central tower. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Baroque alterations were made to a total of 13 altars. After the visit of Frederick William IV in 1836, a neo-Gothic remodeling was carried out in 1854-1857 as part of the renovation. The many remodelings of the church were removed after independence in 1918 and then in the 1950s in favor of the original Romanesque style.

Kruszwica has a long even prehistoric history. The existing town was set back in its development when in 1096 it gave refuge to Władysław I's son Zbigniew when he rebelled against his father, for Władysław I subsequently had the place burned down. In 1133 the name "Cruciuis" is found. In 1149 a meeting with Margrave Albrecht the Bear, Bavarian Otto I ("The Redhead"), and other princes took place here. In 1157 Emperor Barbarossa led an army to Kruszwica, where the Duke of Poland gave him a testimony of submission. At the end of the 12th century, Kruszwica Castle was the seat of the castellan who founded the monastery of St. Peter and Paul. In 1230 Konrad of Mazovia gave the neighboring Kulmerland to the Teutonic Order. From 1350 to 1355 King Kazimir the Great built the castle as the seat of the castellan because since the middle of the 13th century a toll had been collected at the Kruszwica Bridge. The Swedish raids in the Second Northern War in 1655 and 1657 ("Swedish Deluge"), plunged Kruszwica into ruin. The castle was completely burned down together with the town. Since 1772 Kruszwica belonged to the Kingdom of Prussia and was called Kruschwitz in German. Around 1783 there were only eleven houses in the once important town, in which 74 people lived. The town experienced a revival due to the industrialization of the 19th century. - The Collegiate Basilica of St. Peter and Pau is a three-nave basilica with a transept. The church was built from 1120 on. It was consecrated in 1140, and until 1148 it is said to have been the episcopal see of Kujawy. The low two-tower facade was rebuilt in the 16th century in favor of a higher central tower. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Baroque alterations were made to a total of 13 altars. After the visit of Frederick William IV in 1836, a neo-Gothic remodeling was carried out in 1854-1857 as part of the renovation. The many remodelings of the church were removed after independence in 1918 and then in the 1950s in favor of the original Romanesque style.

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany - and one of the oldest. A Germanic tribe, the Ubii, had a settlement here, this was named by the Romans "Oppidum Ubiorum". In 50 AD, the Romans founded "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", the city then became the provincial capital of "Germania Inferior". A Roman temple existed here in Roman times, but from th3 4th century on, the site was occupied by Christian buildings. The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The craftsmen of the "Dombauhütte", entrusted with the recurring repair work, will never loose their jobs. www.dombau-koeln.de/index.php?id=2&ssl=0

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany - and one of the oldest. A Germanic tribe, the Ubii, had a settlement here, this was named by the Romans "Oppidum Ubiorum". In 50 AD, the Romans founded "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", the city then became the provincial capital of "Germania Inferior". A Roman temple existed here in Roman times, but from th3 4th century on, the site was occupied by Christian buildings. The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. Seen in the foreground is the "Musical Dome".

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany - and one of the oldest. A Germanic tribe, the Ubii, had a settlement here, this was named by the Romans "Oppidum Ubiorum". In 50 AD, the Romans founded "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", the city then became the provincial capital of "Germania Inferior". A Roman temple existed here in Roman times, but from th3 4th century on, the site was occupied by Christian buildings. The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. The oldest is from 1260. The "Richter-Fenster" named after the artist Gerhard Richter, who created it, is the youngest. In 1863 a window with the depiction of secular and Christian rulers had been installed here, donated by the Kingdom of Prussia. This windows was destroyed in World War II and got replaced by a colourless ornamental window in 1948, that soon needed restauration. In 2006 Gerhard Richter (* 1932) got comissioned by the chapter to created the window seen here. On a surface of 106m² there are 11.263 glass squares in 72 colours. These square are randomly arranged. This window was very disputed! The archbishop, who is not a member of the chapter, did not like it at all. Most others did - and do. It creates a wonderful light. A close up.

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany - and one of the oldest. A Germanic tribe, the Ubii, had a settlement here, this was named by the Romans "Oppidum Ubiorum". In 50 AD, the Romans founded "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", the city then became the provincial capital of "Germania Inferior". A Roman temple existed here in Roman times, but from th3 4th century on, the site was occupied by Christian buildings. The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. The oldest is from 1260. The "Richter-Fenster" named after the artist Gerhard Richter, who created it, is the youngest. In 1863 a window with the depiction of secular and Christian rulers had been installed here, donated by the Kingdom of Prussia. This windows was destroyed in World War II and got replaced by a colourless ornamental window in 1948, that soon needed restauration. In 2006 Gerhard Richter (* 1932) got comissioned by the chapter to created the window seen here. On a surface of 106m² there are 11.263 glass squares in 72 colours. These square are randomly arranged. This window was very disputed! The archbishop, who is not a member of the chapter, did not like it at all. Most others did - and do. It creates a wonderful light.

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany - and one of the oldest. A Germanic tribe, the Ubii, had a settlement here, this was named by the Romans "Oppidum Ubiorum". In 50 AD, the Romans founded "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", the city then became the provincial capital of "Germania Inferior". A Roman temple existed here in Roman times, but from th3 4th century on, the site was occupied by Christian buildings. The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. On the left his grandson "Kaiser Wilhelm II", the last German emperor, mounted on a horse has a perfect view onto the choir of the cathedral.

The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. The "Saint Agnes window" was created around 1330. Sant Agnes holdig a lamb and a palm branch, a symbol of her martyrdom. The second window lancet is a new partial reconstruction, decorated with an ornamental pattern.

The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. The "Jakobus Fenster" (St. Jaques, St, James) was created 1230/1240. This is a detail from that window, depicting legends of the saint´s life. In the center Jakobus is interrogated by King Herod. On the left Jakobus baptizes a henchman. To the right Jakobus and the baptised henchman are beheaded. St. Jaques (Jakobus, James) wears a necklace with a "coquille Saint Jacques".

The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. One of the windows, named the "Alleiheiligenfenster"("All Saints Window"), was created around 1330. The window illustrates the heavenly hierarchy. Above a starry sky rise nine arcades. The lowermost arcade features angels accompanying souls to heaven. Moving upwards, the next seven arcades feature angels alternating with female martyrs, male martyrs, confessors, kings, bishops, prophets, and popes respectively, each of whom can be identified by their attributes and garments. In the uppermost arcade, apostles alternate with seraphim. At the very top, the crowned Christ and crowned Mary sit enthroned.

The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. One of the windows, named the "Dreikönigenfenster"("The Magi window"), was created around 1330. Depicted here is the Adoration of the Magi. The eldest king kneels in front of the Virgin and Child holding out a goblet filled with gold coins while the other two kings stand to the right and left of the image. There are many images of the Magi here, as Rainald von Dassel, who was Archbishop of Cologne and a close adviser the Hohenstaufen emperor Frederick Barbarossa, brought the bones of the Three Magi with him to Cologne in 1164 as loot from Milan and as a gift of Barbarossa. The relics are in a golden shrine in the Cologne Cathedral. ------------- www.koelner-dom.de/index.php?id=home&L=1

The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. One of the windows, named the "Later Bible window"(see prev upload for "Earlier Bible window") was created in 1280. It was originally not produced for the Cologne Cathedral but for Cologne´s Dominican Church. It was donated by famous Albertus Magnus and the archbishop of Cologne, Siegfried of Westerburg. During the period of secularization this church got demolished - and the "Later Bible window" came into the possession of the cathedral. Here is a detail - actually the same as just seen at the "Earlier Bible window": Seen on the left ("Old Testament") is the "Visit of the Queen of Sheba" to King Solomon. Seen on the right ("New Testament") is "The Adoration of the Magi". ------------- www.koelner-dom.de/index.php?id=home&L=1

The foundation stone of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was laid on 15 August 1248. The eastern arm was completed and got consecrated in 1322. In 1473 the works came to a halt, leaving the south tower complete up to the belfry level and crowned with a huge crane for the next 400 years. After the original plans for the façade had been found in Darmstadt and Paris 1814/1816 it was decided to complete the cathedral. Two thirds of the costs were raised by civic efforts, while the remaining costs were covered by the Prussian state. The state saw this as a way to improve its relations with the large number of Catholic subjects it had gained in 1815, when the Catholic Rhineland was added to the Protestant Prussian Kingdom. In 1842 Frederick William IV of Prussia and Johannes von Geissel, later archbishop of Cologne, laid the foundation stone for the completion. In 1880, 632 years after construction had begun, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The celebration was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral. As it is a Gothic cathedral, the plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross with two aisles on either side. The window surface area is about 10.000m², About 1.500m² of these are medieval. The oldest - from 1260 - is named "Aelteres Bibelfenster" ("Earlier Bible window"). It is the axial window, the highest ranking window in the cathedral. Here are details of that window. Seen on the left ("Old Testament") is the "Visit of the Queen of Sheba" to King Solomon. Seen on the right ("New Testament") is "The Adoration of the Magi". ------------- www.koelner-dom.de/index.php?id=home&L=1