Naves

We have visited a lot of Churches and Cathedrals on our tour so far.  Not surprising when they have generally formed a focal point, over the centuries, for the majority of towns and cities we have been to and have history embedded in their stonework.  They are generally interesting in many different ways and H likes to have an explore and light a candle.

They have also, generally, been warm, welcoming places that have tried to appeal to a growing non secular society. The Rubens paintings in Antwerp, a great example.

Then there is Cologne Cathedral .  It has a magnificent soot stained external edifice which greets you as you emerge from the Underground and twin spires which soar over the Rhine, then we went in.

It was cold, not just in the temperature sense, when we did leave it was to warm up in the polar ice outside, but in the ambience. It just felt un welcoming.  I respect that there was a service on, but two 6 foot 6, bouncer like pretend priests, in their violent red garb, barring the way in the manner of doormen at China White, was a little intimidating. Demanding I remove my wooly hat, added to this impression. The whole of the Cathedral was roped off except the entrance lobby and 10 metres into the building so you could only squint towards the amazing altar and arches. There was no little exhibition, no posters extolling the virtues of anything, not even some pictures of a sister church in Africa, just cold stone.

What a shame.