In the German city of Cologne, on a hill high above the Rhine River, stands Germany’s largest cathedral. This impressive example of gothic architecture was built between 1248 and 1880. The purpose of this towering cathedral was to provide a suitable home for a spectacular golden shrine, containing according to Catholic tradition the mortal remains of the three wise men. The bones of Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior were brought here from Italy in 1164 and soon attracted hosts of pilgrims from throughout Europe.