Cruisin the Rhine

December 16, 2022 · by Dano · in Cologne

The first day of the cruise takes us to Cologne, Germany. And of course, the first sight is the Cologne Cathedral. Naturally, the highest building in the city. The cathedral was started in 1248, and completed in 1880 with the building of the two towers 157meters tall. Inside the cathedral can seat 20,000 people! Quite a mass for mass, I’d say.

Cologne Cathedral

Another big organ

Typical Gothic ceiling, ribbed-vault.

Not so big organ.

Ribbed-vault ceiling

Another amazing trivia fact, this cathedral holds the remains of the Three Wise Men. Brought to the cathedral in 1164 from Milan by Archbishop Rainald von Dasel after that city was conquered. Behind the altar is a golden shrine known as the “Shrine of the Magi” which is said to contain the remains of that Archbishop von Dasel brought to Cologne.

Cologne cathedral altar. The gold shrine in the middle contains the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Altar painting

Since we are on a Christmas Market cruise, it only stands to reason that the next stop will be the Cologne Christmas Market, or at least one of them. Just as in Prague and Berlin, these Christmas Markets have a bit of everything for sale, from food and drinks, to hand-made ornaments, toys and nativity scenes.

Hot chocolate and schnapps!

Awesome deep-fried potatoes and applesauce!

During the Christmas season, these markets are the main social event for the city. Everyone comes to the market in the evening, the whole family, even the dog. It’s a very pleasant crowd with everyone in the Christmas spirit. Now for a few shots of the various Christmas Markets in Cologne…