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Cologne Cathedral — Cathedral’s west façade and twin towers above the busy squarePhoto: TeKappa · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
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Cologne Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals ·Köln ·Closed
4.727.8K
#1Churches & cathedrals in Köln#4Churches & cathedrals in GermanyTravelers' Choice Best of the Best 2025

Open today 10:00–18:00

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About

Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic church and pilgrimage destination at Domkloster 4, beside Cologne Central Station in Cologne.

More photos 7

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Cologne Cathedral — Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge illuminated beside the Rhine at night Sandeepdattaraju · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
Cologne Cathedral — Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge illuminated beside the Rhine at nightCologne Cathedral — Elevated view of the cathedral’s twin spires and roofCologne Cathedral — Cathedral across the Rhine with the city riverbank in viewCologne Cathedral — Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge seen from the RhineCologne Cathedral — Cathedral’s side towers rising above the surrounding squareCologne Cathedral — Cathedral viewed from above with a helicopter nearbyCologne Cathedral — Cathedral’s twin spires framed by narrow city streets

Why go

  • At 157 metres, the world's tallest twin-spired church and tallest cathedral.
  • The world's largest church façade, spanning more than 7,100 square metres.
  • The oak Gero Crucifix, made around 960 and the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps.
  • Views over the Rhine from the South Tower platform, about 100 metres above ground.

Plan your visit

Opening times

März - oktober09:00–18:00
November - februar · now09:00–16:00
Januar - dezember · now10:00–18:00

From the venue's website · checked 10 Nov 2026

Don't miss

  • Shrine of the Three KingsBegun in 1190 by Nicholas of Verdun, this gilded bronze and silver shrine is believed to contain the Three Wise Men's remains. Sculpture, enamels and gemstones decorate it. It is Europe's largest reliquary altar.Centre of the choir
  • Gerhard Richter's south transept windowInstalled in 2007, Richter's 113-square-metre window uses 11,500 coloured glass pieces randomly arranged by computer into a carpet-like pattern. It replaced plain glazing installed after the original window was lost in wartime.South transept
  • High altarInstalled in 1322, its altar table is carved from a single piece of black marble.Cathedral interior1322
  • Choir stallsThese late Gothic stalls date from 1308–1311. Their 104 seats include places for the pope and emperor.Choir1308–1311
  • Patron-saints altarpieceStefan Lochner's altarpiece stands at an altar to Cologne's patron saints.Marienkapelle

Know before you go

  • Check the cathedral’s booking page for tourist visiting times. The North Transept entrance for prayer is generally open 06:00–20:00 outside liturgical times.
  • The tower route usually passes through the bell chamber. It can close during prolonged ringing before services or during maintenance.

Interesting facts3

1/3
  1. 600 tonnes

    The roof's lead covering weighs 600 tonnes.

    Cathédrale de Cologne - Wikipedia

  2. The 24-tonne St. Petersglocke rings on eight major holidays, including Easter and Christmas.

    Cologne Cathedral - Wikipedia (part 3)
  3. 16 million

    The cathedral's upkeep and daily operation cost about €16 million a year.

    Tickets – Kölner Dom

Shorts

History

The medieval cathedral was designed to house the Three Kings’ reliquary and serve as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. The relics made Cologne an internationally known pilgrimage destination. Completion in the nineteenth century also made the cathedral a German national symbol.

  1. 5th c.A late-antique baptistery stood east of the choir. Its fifth-century baptismal basin is considered Cologne’s oldest evidence of Christian worship.
  2. 6th c.An episcopal church stood on the site.
  3. 870Hildebold Cathedral was consecrated.
  4. 1164Archbishop Rainald of Dassel brought the Three Wise Men’s bones from Milan to Cologne.
  5. 1248Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the Gothic cathedral’s foundation stone.
Show all
  1. 1322The eastern arm was consecrated, and the high altar was installed.
  2. 1473Work halted with the south tower at belfry level. Its crane remained for about 400 years.
  3. c. 1560Cathedral construction came to a standstill.
  4. 1842The Central-Dombauverein was founded and funded two-thirds of the completion costs.
  5. 1880The cathedral was completed to its medieval plan. A national celebration on 15 October was attended by Emperor Wilhelm I.
  6. 1945The cathedral suffered fourteen aerial bomb hits during World War II but remained standing amid the devastated city. Its vault was destroyed in 1945.
  7. 1946–1997Archaeological excavations investigated bombing damage and revealed details of earlier buildings.
  8. 1950Restoration of the vault was completed.
  9. 1956Repairs were sufficient for the cathedral to reopen.
  10. 1996The cathedral received UNESCO World Heritage status.
  11. 2004Nearby high-rises threatened the cathedral’s setting, prompting UNESCO to place it on the danger list. It was later removed after nearby building heights were restricted.
  12. 2005The northwest tower’s war-damaged brickwork was restored to its original appearance.

How to get there

  • On footAddress: Domkloster 4, Cologne. The cathedral stands beside Cologne Central Station, close to the old town and Hohenzollern Bridge. The North Transept entrance faces the station and serves free prayer access; ticket holders use the main portal.

Sources: Cologne Cathedral - Wikipedia · Cologne Cathedral - Wikipedia (part 2) · Cologne Cathedral - Wikipedia (part 3) · Kölner Dom | Website · Tickets – Kölner Dom · Tickets – Cologne Cathedral · Kölner Dom - Wikipedia · Cathédrale de Cologne - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where
Domkloster 4, -, Cologne

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

How long does the South Tower climb at Cologne Cathedral take?

The ascent and viewing platform usually take 30 to 45 minutes.

Why did pilgrims come to Cologne Cathedral?

The Three Kings’ relics arrived in Cologne from Milan in 1164.

When is the annual pilgrimage to Cologne Cathedral?

It takes place on 6 January each year.

What is the Mailänder Madonna at Cologne Cathedral?

It is a Gothic carving of the Virgin and infant Jesus, made around 1290 to replace a statue lost in a fire.

What are the Bayernfenster at Cologne Cathedral?

They are five stained-glass windows on the south side, donated by Ludwig I of Bavaria.

Can I learn about Cologne Cathedral’s antisemitic artworks?

Yes. The artworks remain in place, and guided tours examine them.

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