Cologne Cathedral

The official and colloquial names for Cologne Cathedral are "Cathedral Church of Saint Peter" and "Dom," respectively. It's a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and one among Germany's most significant religious structures. It was named a World Heritage Site in 1996 and is a well-known example of Gothic architecture and German Catholicism. With an average of 20,000 visitors per day, it is Germany's most popular landmark.

The cathedral's construction began in 1248, and when it was finished in 1880, it was the tallest structure in the world. This title belonged to the cathedral for only four years when the Washington Monument overtook it. It continues to be the world's tallest twin-spired church as of this writing.

Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814 but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was completed to its original Medieval plan in 1880. The design of Cologne Cathedral was based quite closely on that of Amiens Cathedral in terms of the ground plan, style, and the width-to-height proportion of the central nave. The plan is in the shape of a Latin Cross, as is usual with Gothic cathedrals. It has two aisles on either side, which help to support one of the very highest Gothic vaults in the world, being nearly as tall as that of the Beauvais Cathedral, much of which collapsed. Externally the outward thrust of the vault is taken by flying buttresses in the French manner.

Location: Köln, Germany

Architect: Barbara Schock-Werner, Master Gerhard, Peter Füssenich, Arnold Wolff, Ernst Friedrich Zwirner, Willy Weyres, Richard Voigtel