Mechanical engineering and production technology in NRW

Mechanical engineering companies in NRW make a significant contribution to maintaining the flow of goods, conserving natural resources and maximizing energy efficiency. Numerous "hidden champions" have attained international recognition with their highly specialized products. International leadership – for example, in the area of fittings and power transmission technology – plus a proven track record of innovation ensure that NRW is an attractive investment location for mechanical engineering enterprises based in Germany and other countries (especially Japan and China).

Cologne Cathedral: The most visited monument of Germany

Cologne Cathedral

Category: Cultur/Art

Region: Köln/Bonn

A native of Cologne is known by his love of Kölsch (beer), carnival and of course the cathedral. The sight of the two cathedral spires enthrals not just the natives but 6 million visitors from all corners of the world annually, making the Cologne Cathedral the most visited landmark of Germany.

When completed, in 1880, the "High Cathedral of Cologne" was the biggest building in the world. At 157.38 m, the Gothic cathedral is currently Europe’s second-tallest church building. The architecture kept to the mediaeval plans for the most part, despite 600 years of construction. The West face of the cathedral, including the two towers, has a surface area of 7,100 m² making it the largest church facade in the world.

A European masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. The reliquary of the remains of The Three Kings inside the Catholic church draws scores of visitors, as does the stained glass in the southern transept window, created by the famous German artist, Gerhard Richter, in 2007.

More about the Cologne Cathedral

http://www.koelner-dom.de/index.php?id=19167

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6lner_Dom