The German Throne Dispute at the beginning of the 13th century continues and Cologne is right in the middle of it.

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.

Henry VI died far too young in 1197. Who will become the next emperor? His three year old son? But Cologne has other plans.

Emperor Frederick I, also known as Barbarossa, was not always the best friend of Cologne. Nonetheless he was very important for Cologne's development in the Middle Ages. Learn more about it in this episode.

An absentee lord prompted the citizens of Cologne to expand the city in 1179. They did so by doubling the size of the city with the largest medieval city wall in Europe at the time. Unfortunately, the mayor had not been asked for permission. Find out how that turned out in this episode.

From 1169 to 1178 Flemish cities in what is today Belgium were in a dispute with the city of Cologne about trade and the use of the Rhine River. At first, Cologne seems to lose this economic dispute but then they get help from the English king Henry II.

Join me as we delve into the intricate craftsmanship and profound significance of medieval shrines. Discover the artistry, devotion, and cultural impact of these sacred treasures that once graced the city. And in many cases even today. And why, even if you are non-religious, it is important to talk about them.

An important chapter in Cologne's history is decided in faraway Milan. Rebellious Milan is sacked by imperial troops in 1162. However, the leader of the army, Rainald von Dassel, does not have gold or silver in mind when he subsequently plunders the city, but only a few bones!

Join us on an extraordinary journey back in time as we delve into the fascinating world of Romanesque architecture and the construction of magnificent churches in medieval Cologne. In this episode we reveal the secrets of Cologne's Romanesque Century, a period from 1150 to 1250 when the city witnessed the rise of awe-inspiring buildings. Discover the remarkable craftsmanship, engineering ingenuity and spiritual devotion that went into creating these architectural wonders.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff or simply curious about the Middle Ages, this episode will transport you to a bygone era and leave you inspired by the enduring beauty of Romanesque Cologne.