We caught the tail end of Sunday mass on the day we were there. This is a view from the nave of the cathedral, looking toward the chancel. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. They began construction on it in 1248, but stopped in 1473, leaving it unfinished. Construction started again in the 19th century and didn’t finish until 1880. It took 632 years (and many men) to get the job done!!
Although the church was hit with 14 aerial bombs during World War II and endured more than 70 firebomb hits, the building never collapsed; it remained standing as the rest of the city fell around it. Repairs were done in 1956, and some of the poorer quality work was fixed in the 1990s.
The cathedral is often referred to as the "black church" because of its exterior color. The dark grey, almost black exterior isn't painted, nor is it dirty. The sandstone which most of the building is made from reacts with the sulphuric acid in rain, turning dark grey over time. The sections that are newer/repaired appear whiter and lighter than the rest of the building but will also darken over time.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
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2017: The Chief Troll
2016: Look, Ma! No Hands!
2015: My Counter Floweth Over
2014: Breakfast Served All Day
2013: A Peek At Mission Learning
2012: Pretty Yung Ting
2011: How To Get Kids To Eat Vegetables
2010: Back In The Saddle
2009: Logging Lots Of Miles
2008: Apples, Fudge And Homemade Jam
2007: Eddie Hick Runs Deep Friday
2006: If You Can’t Make It To France
2005: I’m Sleeping With Someone New
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