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

Young Hermann Josef is a poor boy at the end of the 12th century. But his life changes when he offers an apple to a statue of St. Mary. St. Mary and baby Jesus in St. Mary in the Capitol This statue from ca. 1180 is made out stone and not out of wood as being said in the episode. It is this statue according … Continue reading #66 The Legend of Hermann Josef and the Apple

When emperor Henry VI dies with just 32 years in 1197, the empire gets into a 20 years long dispute over the throne. And Cologne has a major part in it. Why? Because of economic interests. Archbishop Adolf of Altena The two candidates for the throne Hohenstaufen dynasty: Philip of Swabia Philipp of Swabia was a member of the Hohenstaufen dynasty and King of Germany … Continue reading #65 The Throne Dispute of 1198