December 17, 2016
The final stop for the river cruise was Cologne, Germany. Founded in the 1st century AD as a Roman Colony, Cologne has a vast history. I , of course, was there to see the Christmas Markets and to visit it’s huge Cathedral.
As you can see, the Christmas Markets were so crowded, it was difficult to navigate through the crowds.
Though I still managed to enjoy some Christmas baubles.
I would love to see the giant cow who wears this.
It took almost 700 years to complete the building of the Cologne Cathedral , 1248 – 1880. It is massive in size and quite dirty.
The gold sarcophagus is believed to hold the remains of the Magi, the 3 kings that visited Jesus after his birth, making the Cathedral a major pilgrimage destination. The remains were given to Cologne from Milan, Italy in 1164. The shrine to hold them was built by artisans from 1190-1220.
Close up of the sarcophagus ( borrowed from the Internet).
This Madonna shrine shows many of the pilgrimage offerings left behind. There was also 2 large framed cases full of more relics hanging beside the Madonna.
The Cathedral is also filled with enormous and spectacular stained glass windows.
Least we not forget – the aftermath of WWII.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Thanks for traveling alone the Rhine River with me!
.
Jeannie's Travel Addiction 