COLOGNE, GERMANY!

We made the 2 hour drive to Cologne to see the famous Cologne Cathedral and it was worth the drive!  This is the most visited landmark in all of Germany...20,000 visitors a day! Construction began in 1248 and stopped  in 1473 although it was not finished.  Construction recommenced in 1842 and was finished in 1880.  This Gothic style cathedral is 474' long, 284' wide, and the tower is 515' tall.

Notice the details on the front door:

There was a prayer service going on when we entered...the guard asked us if we wanted to pray.  We said yes so we got to enter he chapel and hear the magnificent organ.

On one side of the Cathedral the windows were religious while 

on the other side the figures were political.

This is an alter piece that was just returned to the cathedral after 

20 years of restoration work---the figures are carved wood.

The most important relic of the cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Kings.

It is said to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.  Thousands of people 

would make a pilgrimage to see this shrine

This is an example of the many shrines in the cathedral.

The side of the Cathedral:

Another day of touring Germany...next Wurtzburg and Rothenburg!

Heidelberg and Schwetzingen

We were off to another castle- about one hour away- to the town of Heidelberg! We first

 looked at the Church of the Holy Ghost, located in the center of old town.

Then above the rooftops of the houses surrounding the town square we caught our first glimpse of Heidelberg Schloss---or the ruins of it!  Magnificent!!!

We rode a funicular up to it and began our English tour of the grounds. It was begun in 1214 and added onto by each succeeding Prince Elector.  In 1764 it was destroyed by fire caused by lightening.  It was considered too "old fashioned" to rebuild.  Three times a year there is a reenactment of the Castle Burning with lights and fireworks.

This model shows what it used to look like before the fire.  

Notice the extensive grounds in the background.

This is part of the inner courtyard.

Notice the blue sky through the windows. 

One wing of the interior courtyard has been restored and 

events such as weddings are held here.

This wine barrel held the king's fine wine!

But this is the world's largest wine barrel.  All the farmers had to pay a tax of 10% of their wine to the Prince Elector where it was given to the servants and the soldiers. It holds 58,000 gallons!

The ruins from the grounds were very impressive!

The view from the Castle is gorgeous, overlooking the Neckar River and it's famous bridge!

We then traveled to Schwetzingen which is known for it's palace gardens.

Another Saturday in the life of the Roberts in Germany...next week Cologne!