The Colorful Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral -

The stained glass windows inside Cologne Cathedral are a kaleidoscope of colors that visitors should not miss. Yes, I know, every European cathedral has a couple of stained glass windows, and that’s why you should notice them. They might look the same to you, but if you take a closer look, you’ll find the difference in the details of each of them.

Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral - Nativity Window (Germany). Travel Blog — Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral (Koln, Germany).

The South-facing Stained Glass Window

This window is designed by the famed, contemporary local artist Gerhard Richter. Aside from the fact that it’s a really magnificent window, it is hounded by controversy. It is said that Cardinal Joachim Meisner, the city’s Archbishop, was opposed to the idea of having stained glass. However, let it be known that he was not against contemporary art in itself, but he wanted more symbolic representations of 20th-century martyrs or saints as opposed to abstract ones. And when the glass window was unveiled, guess what, the Archbishop did not show up. But, of course, the Church has a reason – it conflicted with a previously-arranged trip. 😉

ife of Christ Stain Glasses Window — Life of Christ Stained Glass Windows at Cologne Cathedral (Germany).

The Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral

I took a lot of photos of these windows, and I don’t anymore remember which side of the cathedral you can see them. Fortunately, you can find a map of all these windows here.

Take note that many of these stained glass windows are really, really, really ancient.

Stain Glass Window of Nativity (1507)

Well, of course, you can easily see the birth of Christ in this panel. Can you guess where Moses is? Find the burning bush. 😉

Stained Glass Window of Lamentation (1847)

Stained Glass Window of the Lamentation (Cologne, Cathedral).

The scene reminds me of Michelangelo’s Pieta at the Vatican.

The Adoration of the Magi (1300)

The Adoration of the Magi Window (Koln, Germany). Travel Blog — The Adoration of the Magi Window (Koln, Germany).

You can find this right at the center of the church but behind the altar.

Children of Cologne Window

Children of Koln Stain Window — Children of Cologne Stained Glass Window

This stained glass window was made through the effort of the children of Cologne, who collected financial donations. The scenes depict the children of the Old and New Testaments. Bernhard Kloss designed the window.

The window of Pentecost (1848)

Window of the Pentecost (Koln, Germany) — Window of the Pentecost – Cologne Cathedral (Germany)

On the day of the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended – and the Church was officially founded.

The window of the Three Holy Kings (1507)

Window of the Three Holy Kings Stain Glasses Window — Window of the Three Holy Kings (Cologne Germany)

And the Three Wise Men came with their gifts.

St. Peter and the Tree of Jesse (1509)

St. Peter and the Tree of Jesse (Koln, Germany) — St. Peter and the Tree of Jesse (Cologne Cathedral)

Hmmmnnnn… I’m not really sure who Jesse is. 😉

The Adoration of the Magi Window (1846 & 1300)

Window of the Adoration of the Magi Travel Blog stain glasses window — Window of the Adoration of the Magi at Cologne Cathedral (Germany)

Window of the Adoration of the Magi / Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral — Window of the Adoration of the Magi (second from left).

I reckon about three or more stained glass windows depict the Three Kings. As you probably know, behind the altar in this cathedral lies the mortal remains of the Three Wise Men.

Johannes Klein Window (1884)

Johannes Klein stain glasses window / Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral — Johannes Klein stained glass windows (Cologne Cathedral)

Window to the Life of Christ

Life of Christ Stain Glasses Window / Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral — Life of Christ Stained Glass Windows at Cologne Cathedral (Germany).

Looking at the window above, you’ll definitely identify the scenes from the life of Christ.

Where to stay in Cologne

I stayed at Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft. You can book it via Booking.com, Expedia, and HostelWorld.

Though it is around 30-40 minutes walk to the Cathedral, I love it here because the beds are comfortable. Each bunk had its own curtains so you could have your own privacy. It’s clean, and the staff members are friendly. I was even allowed to check in early because the bed/room was already available. Or maybe, they just saw my tired eyes, and I really needed a rest. 😀 Since the hostel is around the university area, cheap bars are on every corner. There are a host of restaurants and grocery stores, too.

The Colorful Stained Glass Windows Inside Cologne Cathedral