Meeting Point

Horse Rider Statue of Friedrich Wilhelm III at Heumarkt

St. Maria im Kapitol

We begin in the old cloister garden of St. Maria im Kapitol, with a view of the church's west front. Inside, we explore the imperial character of this Romanesque gem. The famous wooden doors stand behind a protective railing, yet we can get close enough to study the carved details. After a walk through the interior, we circle the church outside and take a closer look at its architectural features.

St. Martin

With St Martin we have our second romanesque Church, that was built in the 11th Century above an antique roman Storage facility, a Horrea. We visit first the Excavation underneath St. Martin. Explanation of Roman History with the special Focus on the rise of Christianity in Central Europe. First Missions. The Role of the Martyrs. The big change with emperor Constantine. After this Examination of the Sanctuary and the Details of Interior. Comparisons with St. Maria in Capitol. Situation of Europe in the 12th Century and the Importance of the religious Orders and Cloisters.

Cologne Cathedral

From outside, the cathedral's south side shows the leap from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. We explore the meaning of light, a new idea born at Saint-Denis, the role of pilgrimage and relics, and how the cathedral survived the air raids of WWII. With tickets in hand, we walk through the interior and see the play of coloured light from Gerhard Richter's window. The tour ends at the cathedral's main portal.

Ending Point

Gate of the Cathedral of Cologne