Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The first plans for the cathedral date back to the year 1223 with the final plans, including those for the majestic western facade with its twin towers, depicted here, dating from around 1280. They were an enlarged and glorified version of the plans used for which earlier 13th century cathedral?
2. The most crucial architectural innovation of the 13th century making majestic buildings like the Cologne cathedral possible was the flying buttress, a rather filigree but vitally necessary support (the diagonal parts in the drawing). Without them, what would happen?
3. A major design feature of every Gothic church and cathedral are its portals, usually the most decorated part of the exterior, adorned with statues of saints. How many such portals are included in the typical design of such a church?
4. One characteristic feature of the epoch is a particular feature of the windows as well as of other building components called tracery ("Maßwerk" in the original German, literally translating to "measure work"). It is beautifully shown in this late 13th century window. What is the definition of this particular art?
5. Church roofs of the area were typically not shingled but rather covered with metal. The covering of the cathedral's roof as you see it today visually resembles the original, but is not of the original material - understandably so, because the original builders used which metal?
6. By 1480, it had already been over 200 years since construction was begun and the cathedral was still unfinished when the Reformation took away all hope of further financing the building. It was left in its partially completed state (shown in the picture dating from 1820) until the mid-19th century. Which of the following statements about the building status in 1820 is FALSE?
7. Finally, in 1848, 600 years after the foundation stone had been laid, it was decided to complete the cathedral, based on the original plans and drawings. One important change of materials was made, however, that should prove crucial to the longevity of the building across the wars of the early 20th century. Which was it?
8. Finally, in 1880, 632 years after it was begun, the construction of the cathedral topped out at 157 meters and 38 centimeters (for the north tower - the south tower is a mere 7 cm lower). Had construction not stopped due to lack of funds, when would the constructors have been able to complete the building as it was intended?
9. True to the Gothic architecture plans, the upper third of each of the towers was constructed as a spire. In the picture, you can see a view up the south tower's spire, taken from the 98 meters high viewing deck. What material covers the many openings shown?
10. On this photo dating from the 1940s, we see a rather ugly element of construction near the base of the north tower which was, however, added in the 20th century out of an urgent necessity. What was this (highlighted) piece of out-of-place masonry?
Source: Author
WesleyCrusher
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looney_tunes before going online.
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