Themenkurs: Die Kölner und ihr Dom (T0826 )

The People of Cologne and Their Cathedral—A Complicated Relationship

Ever since the cornerstone was laid, Cologne Cathedral has been a source of fascination for the city’s residents, who have taken a keen interest in its condition at every stage. Countless poets, painters, and musicians have described and praised it. Hardly any other topic is discussed in the city with as much passion and controversy as the design of the cathedral’s surroundings.

No matter which direction you approach Cologne from, you can at least see the cathedral’s towers from a distance. For the people of Cologne, the cathedral is the most significant symbol of their identity; they are often referred to as “the cathedral folk.” This means that Cologne and the cathedral belong together and are also viewed from the outside as inseparable. “What would it be doing anywhere else? That wouldn’t make any sense.” (Knipp, Bläck Fööss).

The dates for the field trips will be discussed during the first few sessions of the course.

Specific dates: 

September 10//September 17//September 24//October 1//October 8//October 15//November 6//November 12//November 19//Nov. 24//Dec. 3//Dec. 10