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COLOGNE CATHEDRAL


When our work feels interminable, as it often does, we should turn our thoughts to Cologne Cathedral - for strength and patience. Construction began in 1248, but paused in 1473 when funds ran out. It started again in 1842 and finished in 1880, 632 years after things kicked off (the event was marked by a nation-wide celebration headed up by Emperor Wilhelm I). However, it wasn’t the end, because World War II created a whole new round of damage, so much of it that construction goes on to this day. Only in 2007, the Cathedral acquired a new stained glass window by Gerhard Richter. What is especially gratifying is that the Cathedral is extremely beautiful and will be sublime when entirely finished. The best things tend to take a lot of time.

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