Cologne Cathedral

Timeline

1. 1248–1260Cologne Cathedral construction site · CologneOn 15 August 1248 Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden of Cologne presided over the foundation ceremony, demolishing part of the old Romanesque church to build a new high choir and transept. The architect Gerhard directed the early work, adopting French Gothic models; the eastern high choir and side aisles gradually rose during this phase, and the city formed religious and commercial clusters around the construction site.
2. 1300–1500Cologne · CologneAfter Gerhard, succeeding master builders continued the nave arches and flying buttress system; the lower level of the west facade and the base of the south tower took shape during this period. Pilgrimage traffic to the relics of the Three Kings drove donations, and the church gradually became the spiritual and visual center of the Rhine trading cities.
3. 1560–1880Cologne · CologneAfter the Reformation the project long stalled; after the south tower was completed in the 16th century, work ceased for over three centuries. In the 19th century Romanticism revived the Gothic style, and with Prussian royal patronage the twin towers and the entire facade were completed in 1880, establishing the city's present skyline.