Shrine of the Three Kings, Cologne

The Shrine of the Three Kings is a revered medieval reliquary located within the majestic Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany. This ornate gold shrine is said to hold the remains of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, who followed the Star of Bethlehem to visit the infant Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Crafted by the noted goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun, it was completed around 1225 and is considered a masterpiece of the Middle Ages. The shrine is notable for its opulent design, adorned with precious stones, gold figurines, and intricate relief panels depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The Shrine of the Three Kings has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and plays a significant role in the religious heritage of Cologne. It contributes to the cathedral's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the high points of Gothic art in Germany. The shrine not only attracts religious pilgrims but also art historians and tourists from around the world who come to marvel at its craftsmanship and historical significance.

Visitors to the Cologne Cathedral can view the shrine, which is placed above and behind the high altar, making it a focal point of the cathedral's interior. The cathedral itself, with its soaring twin spires, is an iconic feature of the Cologne skyline and houses many other valuable works of art and religious artifacts.