Cologne Cathedral
One of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in the world - a soaring twin-spired giant that took over six centuries to build, towering above the Rhine, a UNESCO site.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Cologne Cathedral is one of the greatest Gothic buildings in the world, a colossal twin-spired cathedral begun in 1248 and not completed until 1880, over six centuries later. A UNESCO site towering above the Rhine beside the main station, its soaring spires, vast stained-glass windows and the golden shrine said to hold the relics of the Three Kings make it Germany's most visited landmark.
What you actually see
- The twin spires - the soaring west front, once the tallest building on earth.
- The Shrine of the Three Kings - the great golden reliquary behind the altar.
- The stained glass - the medieval and modern windows.
- The tower climb - the steep climb up for a view over Cologne and the Rhine.
When to go
Year-round; the cathedral is free to enter, best outside service times for sightseeing. The tower climb rewards a clear day. It stands right by the station, easy to combine with a Rhine trip.
Honest expectations
It is a working cathedral right by the busy station, so it can be crowded and may close areas for services. The tower is a long, steep climb of over five hundred steps. The blackened stone is soot and age, not damage, and cleaning is constant.
Nearby
The Rhine and its promenade are alongside; the old town and museums are a walk away.
What to pack for Cologne Cathedral
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
