The arms of the city have existed for some 1000 years and have changed several times during the history of Cologne.

Between 1550 and 1580, the arms were altered to Argent eleven gouttes of tar Sable (5/4/2), on a chief Gules three crowns Or.

In 1164, Rainald of Dassel, the Archbishop of Cologne, brought the relics to the city, making it a major pilgrimage destination.

This led to the design of the current cathedral as the earlier church was considered too small to accommodate the pilgrims.

[2] Other shields would be combined to represent the archbishop's family and other offices (such as Grandmaster of the Teutonic Knights).