Illuminated monument for peace: The Cologne Cathedral

Memories of World War I combined with a call for peace and tolerance — that's what media artists Detlef Hartung and Georg Trenz are all about. Their letter Illuminations will make Cologne Cathedral appear in a completely different light during the cathedral's pilgrimage days from September 27-30.

The two artists were challenged by the size of the cathedral facade and its architectural ruptures and spatial depths. Nineteen high-performance projectors are being implemented, with their illumination fields being placed right next to each other. Here, the number 1914 marks the year World War I began. The first part of the 15-minute light show deals with the horrors of war.

The drafts by the two artists were convincing enough. "Dona Nobis Pacem," or Give Us Peace, is the motto of this year's cathedral pilgrimage. Visitors are invited to photograph the lights and events and share their pictures with friends around the world. Curator Helmut Bien hopes that the images in people's minds and in their cameras will bring hope and optimism for the future.

In front of Cologne Cathedral on Roncalliplatz, there will be "peace sculptures" — large letters representing the word "peace" in 12 languages. Here, visitors can set lights and additionally illuminate the square. The First World War lasted four years until the Armistice of Compiègne was signed on November 11 at five o'clock in the morning. Nearly 17 million people were killed during the war.

Particularly in times when the media are constantly reporting about hatred and agitation in Germany, the Church does not only want to remind people about the war, but also to promote tolerance. With a comprehensive program of events, prayers and church services in and around the cathedral during the pilgrimage days, it aims to promote peaceful coexistence of religions and cultures.