The numerous saints of Cologne and the even more numerous relics were once the city's most precious possessions. They are what gave the city its outstanding significance in the Middle Ages. This illustrated book describes the culture of Cologne's saints and relics in its intertwining of history, legend, and art. Following the traces of Cologne's art, culture, and religious history, the author leads an imaginary pilgrim to the bare bones and precious vessels in the medieval churches and monasteries of Cologne. In the second part of the book, the author embarks on a journey across Europe to the relics that ceremoniously left Cologne centuries ago. The "dead bones," as Luther called them, created vibrant connections to Cologne and its great history at countless sites across the continent. The question of the authenticity of the relics is now obsolete. Therefore, the author focuses on the history of the mentality and piety of the people who valued the bare bones more than gold and jewels.