Master Gerhard’s ambition to complete Cologne Cathedral leads him to a perilous pact with the devil, ultimately outwitting the fiend but leaving the cathedral forever unfinished.In this episode, we dive into the captivating legend of Master Gerhard, the first master builder of Cologne Cathedral in the 13th century. Discover how Gerhard’s ambition led him to a dangerous pact with the devil, the clever trick that … Continue reading #78 Master Gerhard and the Devil’s Bargain: The Legend Behind Cologne Cathedral

A deliberately lit fire destroys the the 500 year old Cathedral.It was a dramatic end of Cologne’s Old Cathedral in 1248. Discover how a catastrophic fire brought down this medieval masterpiece of a building, clearing the way for the iconic Gothic structure that would redefine the city’s skyline up until today. Podcast-Player does not appear in your E-Mail program? Click here Pilgrims A typical pilgrim … Continue reading #77 Why the Old Cologne Cathedral was demolished in 1248

How a Captured Archbishop Outmaneuvered His Enemies in 1242 In this episode, we explore the dramatic capture and imprisonment of Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden by the Count of Jülich in 1242. Discover how one of Cologne’s most powerful medieval figures navigated treacherous political waters, outmaneuvered his enemies, and secured his release, all while shaping the future of the Rhineland and Cologne. The Political Landscape The … Continue reading #76 From Cathedral to Captivity: The Tumultuous Early Years of Konrad von Hochstaden

Podcast-Player is not working in your email program? Try this link to the player: here A beleaguered city lord tries to drive out Cologne’s most powerful patrician family. Explore the political turmoil of 13th century Cologne as powerful patrician families, like the Weise von der Mühlengasse, clash with the archbishopric. Discover the conflicts, accusations, and street battles that shaped the city’s future and altered the … Continue reading #74 An Eternal Dispute: The Rise of the Mühlengasse family 1237

In this episode we dive into the first dynasty of Berg (1060-1225) and how they shaped Cologne’s history. The first dynasty of Berg was a medieval noble family from the 11th to the 13th century. The Podcast Player doesn’t show? Click here: Link Burg Berge The first seat of the Counts of Berg. Not much remains since the monks of the Cistercian Monastery nearby used … Continue reading #72 The Lords of Berg

From wielding both spiritual and secular authority to navigating treacherous political landscapes, Engelbert’s (1185-1225) story is one of ambition, intrigue, and enduring fascination. Join us as we unravel the captivating saga of this enigmatic historical figure. Podcast-Player is not here? Click here instead: Link Engelbert of Berg Baroque shrine of Engelbert I., made in the 17th century. Figure of Engelbert in Cologne Cathedral. Seal of … Continue reading #71 Rise and Fall of Engelbert I

An episode about relics, trade, politics and guilds Eigelstein Today’s Eigelstein city gate from the later 13th century. One of the last big three medieval city gates that still are around. Machabean Monastery The Maccabean Monastery in the 16th century. The monastery church here was later rebuilt because a fire destroyed the first church in 1462. The monastery was dissolved at the end of the … Continue reading #70 A short walk through Cologne in the first half of the 13th century