St. Michael Church, Cologne

St. Michael Church is one of the largest and most notable churches in Cologne. It was built in response to the city's urban expansion during the late 19th century, which was driven by industrialization and new town planning under the supervision of the city architect Hermann Josef Stübben.

The church was designed by architect Eduard Endler and inaugurated on St. Michael's Day in 1906. Its neo-Romanesque style is characterized by a Latin cross floor plan and two towers flanking the central entrance portal. The towers are topped with pyramidal roofs and face the Ringstrasse and the cathedral.

The interior of St. Michael Church is majestic yet spacious, thanks to the alternating round and square pillars in the nave and the arches and square pillars painted in a manner that imitates a change of ashlars from red and yellow sandstone blocks. This effect was renewed in 1974 and creates a sense of clear simplicity and width.

During World War II, the church suffered damage to its windows and crossing tower. Architect Karl Band oversaw the restoration, which included dispensing with the tower in favor of a segmented wooden ceiling. The interior was also significantly reduced, although remains of the original floor with colored geometric patterns are still visible in the chapels.

The concrete glass windows in the nave and south transept depict the story of creation and were created by Ignaz Geitel. The abstract choir windows were designed by glass painter Paul Weigmann.