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Why does Cologne Cathedral need ongoing repairs?
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Cologne
The Hohenzollern rail and pedestrian bridge over the Rhine River, Cologne, Germany, with the city's cathedral in the background.
Cologne Cathedral requires ongoing maintenance primarily to address the damaging effects of acid rain on its stonework.12
While the cathedral was significantly damaged during World War II air raids in 1944, the interior was largely restored by 1956. The current, continuous repair efforts are focused on preserving the structure against environmental degradation, which remains a critical challenge for the long-term conservation of this Gothic landmark.12