This aerial view of Köln (Cologne) Cathedral in Germany is one of many I have of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Notice how the buildings surrounding the cathedral are so low. This is, in part, due to World War II bombings that flatten the area, but left the cathedral standing. But, it is also because when plans were presented to build a tall building, the UNESCO World Heritage folk objected, saying that it would put the cathedral at risk of removal from the list since tall buildings would detract from the beauty of the cathedral. The UNESCO objection prevented the construction of the taller building.
Ilona's parents were born in Köln and her grandmother still lives there, so even though Ilona lives 600 km (400 miles) away in Rostock, this is a familiar sight for her. She says the climb to the top is a lot of steps but the view is well worth it. Also, that building to the left of the cathedral is a train station, and you can see a train just about to cross the bridge over the Rhein in this photo. Perhaps that train carries some of the 30 thousand people who visit the cathedral
every day.
3 comments:
Every day ? Are you sure ???
And by the way, thanks for your Reading women postcard. I like it ! I went many times to the Musée d'Orsay but I've never seen it... so maybe I need to go one more time.
There is a movie about the cathedral, A Little Closer to Heaven that says the cathedral gets that many visitors a day. It seems high to me, too!
If I'm remembering correctly, the train from the airport into Köln comes across those tracks and into that station, so one of the first views you get is of that glorious cathedral!
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