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The Shrine of the Three Kings (German Dreikönigsschrein or Der Dreikönigenschrein), Tomb of the Three Kings, or Tomb of the Three Magi is a reliquary traditionally believed to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men. The shrine is a large gilded and decorated triple sarcophagus placed above and behind the high altar of Cologne Cathedral in western Germany. Built approximately from 1180 to 1225, it is considered the high point of Mosan art and the largest reliquary in the Western world.
The "relics of the Magi" were originally situated at Constantinople, but brought to Milan in an oxcart by Eustorgius I, the city's bishop, to whom they were entrusted by the Emperor Constantine in 314. Eight centuries later in 1164, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa took the relics of the Magi from the church of Saint Eustorgio in Milan and gave them to the Archbishop of Cologne, Rainald of Dassel. The relics have since attracted a constant stream of pilgrims to Cologne.
Whether you believe these are indeed the genuine relics of the Three Kings or not, this is an important part of the cathedral and has been its defining feature for centuries. Beautifully adorned guilded shrine is something every visitor to the cathedral should see.
Hlib YasnytskyiFeb 24, 2018
Pretty impressive gold tomb/encasement for the relics of the three kings. It is placed at the main altar so seeing it up close is quite difficult. If you are in the cathedral and visiting, you can get quite close the Shrine but behind a gate. It doesn't stop you from getting unobstructed pictures because there are gaps large enough to get your hands past. You can also see the amazing detail which is in the shrine/tomb. There must be awful lot of gold used to make it.
Rich WarychDec 19, 2017
Breathtaking place and I've never seen a solid gold box before
Tree Hugger MediaFeb 20, 2018
Beautiful golden urn that was build in the Middle Ages for the relics of the Magi. Entrance to the apse is only for guided tours.
Gabriele BusnelliJul 26, 2017
The structure is amazing, the detail in the masonary is exceptional and you stand looking in stunned silence. The building is so tall it makes you wonder how they built it so well and so tall in the 1600's. Very little mention of the bones or the shrine.
Ash KhanDec 5, 2016
Amazing Cathedral! One of the most amazing that I've ever seen!
Jenni AlexandraMay 28, 2018
This is the main attraction in the Cologne Cathedral. Shrine of the Three Kings is also known as Tomb of the Three Kings. It is believed to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi (known as the Three Kings who visited Jesus after his birth). This looks It like a golden basilica.
Jose Lejin P JAug 7, 2018
Did not permanently bless would never do again
George BOOTHBYJul 13, 2018
Whether you believe these are indeed the genuine relics of the Three Kings or not, this is an important part of the cathedral and has been its defining feature for centuries. Beautifully adorned guilded shrine is something every visitor to the cathedral should see.
Hlib YasnytskyiFeb 24, 2018
Pretty impressive gold tomb/encasement for the relics of the three kings. It is placed at the main altar so seeing it up close is quite difficult. If you are in the cathedral and visiting, you can get quite close the Shrine but behind a gate. It doesn't stop you from getting unobstructed pictures because there are gaps large enough to get your hands past. You can also see the amazing detail which is in the shrine/tomb. There must be awful lot of gold used to make it.
Rich WarychDec 19, 2017
Breathtaking place and I've never seen a solid gold box before
Tree Hugger MediaFeb 20, 2018
Beautiful golden urn that was build in the Middle Ages for the relics of the Magi. Entrance to the apse is only for guided tours.
Gabriele BusnelliJul 26, 2017
The structure is amazing, the detail in the masonary is exceptional and you stand looking in stunned silence. The building is so tall it makes you wonder how they built it so well and so tall in the 1600's. Very little mention of the bones or the shrine.
Ash KhanDec 5, 2016
Amazing Cathedral! One of the most amazing that I've ever seen!
Jenni AlexandraMay 28, 2018
This is the main attraction in the Cologne Cathedral. Shrine of the Three Kings is also known as Tomb of the Three Kings. It is believed to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi (known as the Three Kings who visited Jesus after his birth). This looks It like a golden basilica.
Jose Lejin P JAug 7, 2018
Did not permanently bless would never do again
George BOOTHBYJul 13, 2018
Whether you believe these are indeed the genuine relics of the Three Kings or not, this is an important part of the cathedral and has been its defining feature for centuries. Beautifully adorned guilded shrine is something every visitor to the cathedral should see.
Hlib YasnytskyiFeb 24, 2018
Pretty impressive gold tomb/encasement for the relics of the three kings. It is placed at the main altar so seeing it up close is quite difficult. If you are in the cathedral and visiting, you can get quite close the Shrine but behind a gate. It doesn't stop you from getting unobstructed pictures because there are gaps large enough to get your hands past. You can also see the amazing detail which is in the shrine/tomb. There must be awful lot of gold used to make it.
Rich WarychDec 19, 2017
Breathtaking place and I've never seen a solid gold box before
Tree Hugger MediaFeb 20, 2018
Beautiful golden urn that was build in the Middle Ages for the relics of the Magi. Entrance to the apse is only for guided tours.
Gabriele BusnelliJul 26, 2017
The structure is amazing, the detail in the masonary is exceptional and you stand looking in stunned silence. The building is so tall it makes you wonder how they built it so well and so tall in the 1600's. Very little mention of the bones or the shrine.
Ash KhanDec 5, 2016
Amazing Cathedral! One of the most amazing that I've ever seen!
Jenni AlexandraMay 28, 2018
This is the main attraction in the Cologne Cathedral. Shrine of the Three Kings is also known as Tomb of the Three Kings. It is believed to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi (known as the Three Kings who visited Jesus after his birth). This looks It like a golden basilica.
Jose Lejin P JAug 7, 2018
Did not permanently bless would never do again
George BOOTHBYJul 13, 2018
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