Cologne Cathedral  (built 1248–1880)
Photo credit: Robert Breuer

The Cologne Cathedral (German: Kölner Dom, official name: Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria) is one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany and has been the most famous landmark in Cologne since its completion in the late 19th century. The cathedral is under the administration of the Roman Catholic Church and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. This church has the largest facade (the west or main facade with the twin towers) and remains the second-tallest Gothic structure in the world; only the steeple of the Ulm Münster is higher.

It was built on the site of a 4th century Roman temple, a square edifice known as the 'oldest cathedral' and commissioned by Maternus, the first Christian bishop of Cologne. A second church built on the site, the so-called "Old Cathedral", was completed in 818. This burned down on April 30, 1248. The foundation stone of the present cathedral was laid on August 15, 1248.

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