Koln Cathedral

The Koln (English Cologne, Germany) Cathedral is the kind of place that could make an atheist believe in God. From the outside, the church is massive. It is built in the same Gothic style as the more familiar Notre Dame, but is considerably larger. The exterior is darkened with time and pollution, which only lends to its impressive character. During the time of our visit in July of 2005 There was some scaffolding up, masking parts of the 2 steeples at the front of the church. Don't miss the details of the buttresses and gargoyle shaped rain spouts on the exterior.

Stepping into this building literally took my breath away. The vaulted ceiling immediately draws your eyes up, and up some more. Far above, darkened arches meet the white ceiling. The interior is cool and air, and decorated with stained glass and stone. At the front of the church is the reason for all this grandeur; The relics of the 3 magi drew huge numbers of pilgrims. They are encased in a shimmering gold Sarcophagus, which itself is housed in a modern glass box with recessed lights and probably a modern security system.

The whole experience is very inspiring, even for someone who is not a catholic, nor even a proper christian. I would recommend this as one of Germany's top sights not to be missed.