It is amazing to think that at one time there were plans to build a high rise building near this magnificent cathedral. Fortunately the plans came to nothing and there are now restrictions on the height of any building anywhere nearby.
The building of the cathedral started in 1248 but stopped again in 1473. It wasn't completely finished until 1880 and during the 400 intervening years it had a crane perched on top of the incomplete belfry. It was hit many times during WWII but never collapsed. Repairs were complete by 1956.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (though put on the danger list when the high rise building was a threat) because it is "an exceptional work of human creative genius, constructed over more than six centuries".
An earlier view.
Wow. That is just exquisite. How fortunate that it survived the attack during the war. I would to visit this city one day but am luckily off to Munich in 2 weeks (just for a weekend).
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at the beauty and detail in buildings like that. It would be awesome to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they didn't build a highrise next to it. Last time I was there they had a Ferris wheel next to it though. That made for some interesting night-time photos. Fasching celebrations were in high gear at the time.
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