Minoritenkirche St Maria Empfangnis is a large Gothic church. Construction began in the same year as Cologne’s Dom Cathedral. The Minoritenkirche was built to the values of the Franciscans who had settled Cologne in the 1200s. Its simple architecture is a welcome contrast to some other churches in the city. Inside is the tomb of John Duns Scotus who was a theologian in the city and a strong defender of Orthodox religious practices, which enraged many. The church was badly damaged in World War 2, but rebuilt with some modifications and enhancements in the years following.