Cologne Cathedral

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.

History

Construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1248, with the old Hildebold cathedral to be pulled down step by step, but careless demolition and a fire wrecked almost all of it, though the Shrine of the Three Kings was saved; the western parts of the old church were patched up and taken down only after 1322, when the Gothic choir was finished and work on the nave began. Building stopped around 1560, attempts to resume began around 1814 but were not properly funded until the 1840s, and the cathedral was completed to its original medieval plan in 1880. At 157 metres it is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996, and with about 6 million visitors a year it is Germany's most visited landmark (Wikipedia, Cologne Cathedral).

What you'll find

• 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.

Before you go

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.

Key facts