Saint Severin of Cologne (in Latin, Severinus) was the third known Bishop of Cologne, living in the later 4th century. Little is known of him. He is said in 376 to have founded a monastery in the then Colonia Agrippina in honour of the martyrs Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, from which developed the later Church of St Severin. Severin is notable as a prominent opponent of Arianism. His bones are today preserved in a gold shrine in the choir of St Severin's Church in Cologne. That seen today is a reconstruction of 1819, as the mediaeval shrine was melted down for the gold in the period of French rule, ca. 1795-98. Its opening in 1999 corroborated the documented transfer of the bones of bishop Wigfried of Cologne (924-953), as it was possible to date the old inner wooden shrine by the latest dendrochronological techniques to the year 948. An ancient cloth, probably Byzantine, was also discovered, with which the wooden box was lined. The saint's feast day is 23 October.

If you are planning a trip to Cologne, be sure to visit the beautiful Church of Saint Pantaleon. This church enjoys the distinction of being one of the 12 Romanesque churches here. It was built over a Roman villa ruins as a dedication to a Greek martyr in the 10th century.
Right next to this church, a Benedictine Abbey was founded by Emperor Otto the Great’s Brother Archbishop Bruno in 957. Consecrated on 24th October, 980 by Archbishop Warin of Cologne, Saint Pantaleon church has a small east apse, a flat roof, square transepts and Westwerk in Carolingian style.
An apse with a crypt and a larger Westwerk at the west end was later added on at the east end of the church by wife of Otto II, Empress Theophanu. Five years after her death, in 996, church renovations were completed. The next renovation was not until 1150-60 when decorative flooring and side aisles were added.
The Pantaleon church was again repaired and renovated several years after it was destroyed during World War II. A visit to this exquisite structure with round headed windows and decorative Lombard bands with attractive red stripes is a must for every tourist.
This church is home to the oldest surviving cloisters in Germany. You can find ancient gravestones and sarcophagi at the north side of the church.

Cologne is as popular for its Romanesque churches as for the beautiful Gothic cathedral. One of the special Romanesque churches that date back to the 12th century is the church of Saint Cecilia.
In existence since 1956, this church today houses the Museum Schnfitgen. Here you can find European Medieval art collection. The church is located close to the famous Gothic church of St. Peter.
To enter Saint Cecilia church, you must pay a small entry fee. Remember that this church is not open on Mondays. Originally, this church was constructed for the Canonesses community. The fine nun’s gallery located at the nave’s west end on a raised small crypt was used by this community.
This church’s nave has a flat roof and you can find vaulted aisles. Visitors are impressed with the colourful and attractive wall paintings. These were painted one and a half centuries after the church was constructed.
Do not miss the exquisite and artistic tympanum on the north door. This decorative area depicts the crowning of Saint Cecilia by an angel as her brother and fiancé look on. Plan a trip to this wonderful church and enjoy its unique atmosphere on your visit to Cologne.

Cologne is a city that every avid tourist must visit at least once. This city has a unique charm and warm atmosphere that entices tourists to come back repeatedly. Cologne is known for its Gothic and Romanesque churches. Among the Gothic churches, the Antoniterkirche holds a special place. Located close to the main shopping street of the city, this Protestant church is frequented by those who wish to pray in absolute peace and quiet.
Antoniterkirche is a very peaceful church built around 1350 to 1380. It boasts a simple, yet elegant architecture. Step inside the church and you cannot miss the Barlach’s Memorial Angel. This cast also known as the Angel of Death is made from the original cast. As the original was destroyed during WWII by the Nazis, this is the only remaining cast today preserved in this church.
You will also be struck by the oasis of peace inside the church in spite of the bustling, noisy Schildergasse outside. Schildergasse is incidentally one of Cologne’s busiest, main shopping streets.
Antoniterkirche has three wings even though the church seems more of a chapel due to its small size. On your trip to Cologne, pay a visit to this charming church to enjoy its unique architecture and period art.

Cologne is very famous for its 12 Romanesque churches, much as for the exquisite and majestic Gothic churches. Among these dozen churches, Gross St. Martin holds a special place in the hearts of people who live here. This church is also visited by tourists from across the world.
The most significant feature of this church is its awe-inspiring tower. This imposing structure, with its grand presence, along with the Gothic cathedral is an important landmark in Cologne.
As soon as you enter the old district, you cannot miss the majestic tower of Cathedral Gross St. Martin that rises above the surrounding buildings. This tower in silhouette is one of Cologne skyline’s distinctive features.
Gross St. Martin was constructed in the tenth century by Bruno the Great, the Archbishop. It was later renovated after being ravaged by fire between 1150 and 1250 and was dedicated to Saint Martinus. A taller version of the original spire was replaced in the 15th century.

Just like most of other churches in Cologne, this one too was extensively damaged during World War II. It was only in 1985 that its reconstruction was completed. The tower dominates the church's exterior. You can find four turrets, one in each corner. The attractive Romanesque design with heavy masonry and narrow windows is a sight to behold.

Cologne is a city of exquisite churches. Visitors from around the world throng this city to enjoy the unique atmosphere, ambience and beauty of these Romanesque and Gothic churches. Minoritenkirche is one of the popular churches here, a must visit tourist attraction.
The Dom Cathedral and Minoritenkirche St Maria Empfangnis were constructed around the same time in Cologne. Minoritenkirche is a huge Gothic church built by Franciscans in 1200s. As compared to the other churches in the city, you will find the architecture here refreshingly simple.
Inside the church is John Duns Scotus’ tomb. He was a strong defender of orthodox religion and was a popular theologian. His orthodoxy did not go down well with many during that period. Just like the other churches in Cologne, this church too was damaged badly during World War II. In the following years, it was reconstructed, modified and enhanced many times.
On your trip to Cologne, visit this beautiful church that reflects glory in stark simplicity. The architecture mirrors the essential Franciscan values. This triple-nave Gothic basilica located in Minoritenstreet houses the gravestone of the “father of journeymen” Adolf Kolping. Include this unique church in your itinerary on your next visit to Cologne.

Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom, officially Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria) is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne, and is under the administration of the archdiocese of Cologne. It is renowned as a monument of Christianity, of German Catholicism in particular, of Gothic architecture and of the continuing faith and perseverance of the people of the city in which it stands. It is dedicated to Saint Peter and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral is a World Heritage Site, one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany, and Cologne's most famous landmark. It is visited by 20 thousand people every day. Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and took, with interruptions, until 1880 to complete. It is 144.5 metres long, 86.5 m wide and its towers are approximately 157 m tall. The cathedral is one of the world's largest churches and the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

Archbishop Bruno founded the Church of St. Andreas in Cologne as a canon monastery in 960. This Romanesque church has an impressive octagonal tower. Enter the church and you will be impressed by the Gothic elements, like the chancel.
This church also features a number of attractive middle age sculptures, paintings and murals. In the west chapel, you can find the relics of St. Albert. Remains of murals can be found at the nave show’s side chapels. In the 2nd century BC, Maccabeus brothers and their mother were martyred for their faith. You can find all three of them in the Maccabeus shrine that dates back to 1527.
Church of St. Andreas is located in the Cologne banking quarter just a few minutes away from the popular Gothic cathedral. One of the most striking features of this church is its exquisite combination of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
Enter the gracefully elegant late Gothic choir hall and you will be floored by its sophistication and grandeur. Rich ornamental elements are expertly displayed in the Romanesque section. Do not miss out the late 19th century dark chancel window additions. At the St. Andreas crypt, you will find a skilful blend of modern and Romanesque architecture.
The subterranean room is artificially illuminated for a stunning effect. Extremely thin pillars support flat light domes that distribute indirect light.

The Church of St. Ursula is located in Cologne the Rhineland, Germany. It is built upon the ancient ruins of a Roman cemetery, where the 11,000 virgins associated with the legend of Saint Ursula were supposedly buried. The church has an impressive reliquary created from the bones of the former occupants of the cemetery. Today the story of Saint Ursula is overwhelmingly considered to be fiction. Accordingly, nothing is known about the girls, if any, who are said to have been martyred at the spot. The commemoration, in the Mass of Saint Hilarion on 21 October, of Saint Ursula and her companions that was formerly in the Catholic calendar of saints for use wherever the Roman Rite is celebrated was removed in 1969, because "their Passio is entirely fabulous: nothing, not even their names, is known about the virgin saints who were killed at Cologne at some uncertain time".

The Church of St. Agnes was founded by a school teacher who wanted to commemorate his dead wife and St. Agnes. The Church of St. Agnes is easily recognized for its idiosyncratic church tower that looks very much like a chess castle.