It is the gift that keeps on giving… well three gifts actually, and the reason we all exclaim Oh Deo Cologne.
Or maybe that’s just us.
The pride of German tourism (no it’s not the Berlin Wall) Cologne Cathedral is built on the Reliquary of the Three Kings.
The Magi’s bones have been housed there since 1164.
When they were donated by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to the Archbishop of Cologne, Rainals of Dassel.
Who had come by them centuries down the road from the Emperor Constantin in his city Constantinople, today’s Istanbul.
Richer than gold
It would prove to be the perfect Christmas gift although oul’ Rainals might have preferred gold, frankincense and myrrh.
That said richer than gold is the love of the Lord’s reliquaries and those of his friends.
As they brought swathes of tourists and coin to Cologne, or Koln as the Germans call it… 20,000 a day.
Everything in Cologne revolves around the cathedral, the highest twin-spired church in the world at 515ft.
With it featuring on the football club’s badge too, guarded by Hennes the Goat, just one quirk of this German football heartland.
And why are we focusing on Cologne and its cathedral and Christmas markets today, as if we need a reason?
Other than that for Daddy’s Little Girl every day would be Christmas Day.
Department store
It’s that our friends at Travel Department are dangling special three-night Christmas Market getaways to Cologne for us.
You’ll be departing Dublin on November 29 from €519pp, staying at the Essential by Dorint Koln-Junkersdorf.
In with the fittings
And the best thing of all you can get in with the fittings at Cologne Cathedral.
By taking a lift up to the top of the cathedral.
For the best views of the reliquary below amidst all the grandeur of the church.
And cock your head around to see the best views of the city and the Rhine.
It’s enough to make you exclaim… Oh Deo Cologne.