Brussels, Belgium

Because Brussels is so wonderfully central to many European cities, we have been able to visit the cities of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and Cologne Germany.

The Cologne Cathedral was high on the "WOW!" meter as far as cathedrals go. Begun in 1248 A.D., it was not finished until 1880 A.D!

 

 

This beautiful gold shrine houses the relics of the Three Kings. (The box was opened in the 19th century and they found a few bones and some pieces of cloth.) The relics attracted thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe in medieval times. It was made in 1190 A.D.:

 

 

To me, the greatest sight beyond the cathedral itself was this famous crucifix. Made of wood around 960 A.D., this is probably the first example of realism in depicting the suffering of Jesus on the cross for the salvaton of humanity. The figure is about 6 ft. tall: