ROLF COHRS

by Rolf Cohrs

Feb 20, 2008

The magnificent Cathedral of Koeln

Leaving the Roman City of Trier behind, we decided to leave Germany as quickly as possible in order to visit Belgium en route to Aachen, Germany. This city sits where the borders of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany come together.

Driving north through Sankt Vith, we found that Belgium is a little more hilly than France but the homes are very neat and uniform, as if to meet a master plan. On the other hand, in countries such as Switzerland and more so in Lichtenstein, people seem to build wherever they please, without rhyme or reason. Being Germanic, I have a great preference to all things orderly and carefully thought out.

It did not take long to find a comfortable and reasonably priced hotel on the outskirts of Aachen, thanks to our global positioning system (GPS) — a traveller’s best friend. Once settled in, Andrew and I headed off to Vaals, Netherlands. The city limits of Aachen and Vaals are served by the international border between the two countries. If it was not for the European Union (EU), two-foot by two-foot, blue sign indicating you were entering another country, you would think the entire area was one big city. People work, shop and live as if the boundary no longer exists.

Vaals has a secret! No one seems to know or if they do, would truly appreciate its significance. It sits on the highest point of land in the Netherlands. Matter of fact, to reach the summit of this mountain requires driving on a switchback road just like you would find in Austria or Switzerland. Once you reach the mountaintop, you can climb the Queen Julianna Lookout and see all three countries. I understand it is a spectacular view when it isn’t raining and fogged in.

Before leaving Aachen, I should point out that France has always coveted this city. They have even given it their own name — Aix-la-Chapelle. In 768 the French emperor Charlemagne took over the government of the city and made it his permanent residence. When he died in 824, he was buried in the Cathedral (Dom) of Aachen. Two hundred years later he was canonized.

Heading east on the E40 Autobahn, it did not take long to reach Koeln (Cologne). Entering the city in an indirect way, we were able to visit many Roman ruins including a small tower. The brick- and stonework is absolutely fantastic. The handmade bricks are all irregular in size but it is the patterns and how they all fit together so perfectly. There is no damage to the facing as we see in many of our brick structures. The ruins are all 2,000 or more years old.

The great wonder of the world! The double-spired Cathedral (Dom) of Koeln in all its magnificence stood before us. Two great spires, carved and bedecked with statues as if the architects of the day where allowed to create whatever they wished in their praise to God. The Dom took 800 years to build. Today, scaffolding can be seen in various locations as restorations are ongoing. In the rear of the Dom, there is a large workshop where workmen can be seen doing restoration work. Words cannot describe the breathtaking beauty of the architecture.

Entering this great edifice, you are surrounded by larger than life statues of the apostles, followed by untold carvings of Italian marble depicting angels and saints. Far in the interior is a special sanctuary that houses a large golden coffin, surrounded by all the latest in security. It is said that the remains of the three wise men are laid to rest there.