Kölner Dom
Cologne Cathedral
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The cathedral in Cologne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a massive, beautiful, gothic architecture style cathedral. It has gorgeous stained glass windows and entry is free, just the tower climb & treasury is a small fee. The tower climb has a little over 500 steps if you're brave enough to take that workout. It is also known for housing the Shrine of the Three Kings.
The cologne cathedral climb is a must do. It's 8 euros a person and it is quite the workout. You will not want to climb anymore stairs after lol. Make sure you bring lots of water and wear sturdy shoes so you don't slip. The climb concludes at 5pm with last admissions 30 min before so if you intend to go, get there well before because you'll need sometime to get to the top if you're going slow. View is nice. Nothing crazy. The best view is really OF the cathedral itself. Highly recommend crossing the Hohenzollern bridge at night to get the view of the cathedral from across the water. It's epic. Entry to the cathedral is free.
Hands down, Kölner Dom is beautiful. It took centuries to complete, which is a marvel considering the lack of technology (and worker safety) back then. Visiting Koln and not seeing Kölner Dom is likely impossible. It's extremely tall, so if you walk around Koln, you'll see it from different angles. Good luck trying to get a photo of the entire cathedral, though! Walking inside is free. I believe you can do a tour which takes you to the top for a nominal cost. We just walked around. You can sit for a while to pray, meditate, think, take in the gorgeous stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, or light a candle for someone. We also visited the gift shop and purchased a magnet. They have a good selection of items- both traditional souvenirs and religious items. The train station is just around the corner. We were in town for a few nights, so we came back at night to see it in the dark, and it's beautiful then as well.
From two miles away we could see the two towers of Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Construction of the church began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. The towers stand 515 feet and the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is said to have up to 20,000 visitors a day. It did not seem very crowded when we visited in December. Men are asked to remove hats upon entering. The glass windows are beautiful and vivid -- some crafted in the 13th Century, but my favorite was a window by Gerhard Richter, completed in 2007 as a replacement for 19th-century glass that was destroyed in World War II. It consists of more than 11,000 square panes in 72 solid colours. While 90 percent of Cologne was destroyed in WWII, the cathedral was hit by 14 bombs but was not destroyed because it was used as an aerial reference. The 140-ft ceiling reminds you of your place in the scheme of things.
Kölner Dom aka the Cologne Cathedral aka the Cathedral of St. Peter is Germany's most visited landmark. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and is the third tallest church in the world. The structure dates back to 1248 and it's seeing its age these days. Located in downtown Cologne and right next to the fifth-busiest railway station in Europe, it is dirty and needing a massive facelift. Thankfully, minimal scaffolding today in the rain and I had a great view. [Review 21268 overall - 272 in Germany - 233 of 2024.]
Yes, yes, yes. A Thousand times yes. Come with a little awe in your heart and you'll find yourself stunned by the sight. The cathedral has so much history marked by so many times periods through out the last 400 years that you can see it on the facade. Come, take all the photos, sit, enjoy the view, and gape at how stunning and what a marvel it is that someone took the time and created such a wonder.
I was looking forward to seeing the Cologne Cathedral, one of the highlights of our Rhine river cruise. We first had a guided tour of Cologne, interesting in itself, and then we rounded a corner and straight up the boulevard, dominating everything, was the cathedral. Wow. What a sight! It truly was a Goliath among the Lilliputian modern buildings on the street. The cathedral is a World Heritage Site and Germany's most visited tourist attraction - averaging 20,000 people a day. It's the largest Gothic Church in northern Europe and the tallest twin spired church in the world. Construction begin in 1248, continued for 300 years, and then abruptly stopped, unfinished. There the cathedral sat for another 300 years until finally recommencing in the 1800s, and finished in 1880. Amazingly it survived extensive bombing during World War II, some attributing it to bomber pilots using it as a guiding landmark to their targets, others pointing to divine intervention. Walking through the cathedral is an experience to be remembered. The architecture is magnificent and must be seen, words cannot convey what it's like. The massive columns, the impressive high ceiling, gorgeous stained glass, and an overwhelming sense of enduring history overwhelm the senses. How many baptisms, weddings, funerals has this Old Girl seen? One tip: if you are there during the cold season dress warm - the Cathedral height creates a brisk Wind Tunnel that you will definitely feel! We were there in November and were glad we had winter coats. Also, men - you will be instructed to remove all head gear upon entering, which can make the inside experience a little chilly. Not to be missed.
It seems that Cologne Cathedral is crowded with people inside and outside. The cathedral is a typical Gothic building with complicated and overlapping spires. It is very imposing inside and outside. With more than 600 years to build it alone already carries a heavy history. The famous three golden coffins of the three wise men are placed in the center and can only be viewed from a distance. It is said that someone opened the golden coffins 200 years ago and found the skeletons of a young, middle-aged and old man, which seems to prove that the three wise men visited the birth of Jesus. We also climbed the 530+ steps to the top of a spire, the reward is spectacular view of Cologne. It was worth it.
I was absolutely blown away by this cathedral and I consider it a must see for Cologne!! Seeing it in the early morning with all the mist was gorgeous. I also loved the view of it from the Ludwig Museum! We took a tour around 2pm on a Saturday and it was definitely worth it. The architecture and stained glass windows were incredible. Definitely one of the most memorable cathedrals I've seen!! read more
First visited the cathedral on May 24, 2024 during our Basel to Amsterdam Viking River Cruise. Had only a few hours in the city, and it was cold and rainy. Came back on June 22, 2025 during our Grand European Viking River Cruise. Wife and I went in briefly, wearing long pants, to meet the dress code requirements. This despite temperatures in the 90s during the great heat wave of 2025. In my younger days I would have tried taking the 533 steps to the top of the Cathedral tower, but wife was in no shape to do that. Our boat docked about 1.5 miles north of the Cathedral. We got a new vantage point to view the Cathedral at night from the river. Sailed past the lighted Hohenzollern bridge at 10:20pm with the Cathedral in the background. The new lighting done to save energy barely could be seen, compared to the old lighting which lit up the sky. Undoubtably I was the only person wearing a Hawaii hat visiting the cathedral that day. read more
Seeing Cologne Cathedral, it is impossible to not be impressed. The exterior is so intricate & decorative. I could see this structure at one time being the tallest in all of Europe. I walked into the cathedral with the flow of crowds to stand in the perimeter while listening to parts of the Christmas Day church service. Later in the day, I returned to walk through the church. It's huge inside. There are many triptychs, beautiful stained glass windows and ornate pieces. This church is a must see on a trip to Germany! Visiting Cologne at Christmas time also has the bonus of holiday markets! read more
The cathedral in Cologne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a massive, beautiful, gothic architecture style cathedral. It has gorgeous stained glass windows and entry is free, just the tower climb & treasury is a small fee. The tower climb has a little over 500 steps if you're brave enough to take that workout. It is also known for housing the Shrine of the Three Kings. read more
The cologne cathedral climb is a must do. It's 8 euros a person and it is quite the workout. You will not want to climb anymore stairs after lol. Make sure you bring lots of water and wear sturdy shoes so you don't slip. The climb concludes at 5pm with last admissions 30 min before so if you intend to go, get there well before because you'll need sometime to get to the top if you're going slow. View is nice. Nothing crazy. The best view is really OF the cathedral itself. Highly recommend crossing the Hohenzollern bridge at night to get the view of the cathedral from across the water. It's epic. Entry to the cathedral is free. read more
1 year ago
Hands down, Kölner Dom is beautiful. It took centuries to complete, which is a marvel considering the lack of technology (and worker safety) back then. Visiting Koln and not seeing Kölner Dom is likely impossible. It's extremely tall, so if you walk around Koln, you'll see it from different angles. Good luck trying to get a photo of the entire cathedral, though! Walking inside is free. I believe you can do a tour which takes you to the top for a nominal cost. We just walked around. You can sit for a while to pray, meditate, think, take in the gorgeous stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, or light a candle for someone. We also visited the gift shop and purchased a magnet. They have a good selection of items- both traditional souvenirs and religious items. The train station is just around the corner. We were in town for a few nights, so we came back at night to see it in the dark, and it's beautiful then as well. read more
From two miles away we could see the two towers of Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Construction of the church began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. The towers stand 515 feet and the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is said to have up to 20,000 visitors a day. It did not seem very crowded when we visited in December. Men are asked to remove hats upon entering. The glass windows are beautiful and vivid -- some crafted in the 13th Century, but my favorite was a window by Gerhard Richter, completed in 2007 as a replacement for 19th-century glass that was destroyed in World War II. It consists of more than 11,000 square panes in 72 solid colours. While 90 percent of Cologne was destroyed in WWII, the cathedral was hit by 14 bombs but was not destroyed because it was used as an aerial reference. The 140-ft ceiling reminds you of your place in the scheme of things. read more
Kölner Dom aka the Cologne Cathedral aka the Cathedral of St. Peter is Germany's most visited landmark. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and is the third tallest church in the world. The structure dates back to 1248 and it's seeing its age these days. Located in downtown Cologne and right next to the fifth-busiest railway station in Europe, it is dirty and needing a massive facelift. Thankfully, minimal scaffolding today in the rain and I had a great view. [Review 21268 overall - 272 in Germany - 233 of 2024.] read more
1 year ago
Yes, yes, yes. A Thousand times yes. Come with a little awe in your heart and you'll find yourself stunned by the sight. The cathedral has so much history marked by so many times periods through out the last 400 years that you can see it on the facade. Come, take all the photos, sit, enjoy the view, and gape at how stunning and what a marvel it is that someone took the time and created such a wonder. read more
I was looking forward to seeing the Cologne Cathedral, one of the highlights of our Rhine river cruise. We first had a guided tour of Cologne, interesting in itself, and then we rounded a corner and straight up the boulevard, dominating everything, was the cathedral. Wow. What a sight! It truly was a Goliath among the Lilliputian modern buildings on the street. The cathedral is a World Heritage Site and Germany's most visited tourist attraction - averaging 20,000 people a day. It's the largest Gothic Church in northern Europe and the tallest twin spired church in the world. Construction begin in 1248, continued for 300 years, and then abruptly stopped, unfinished. There the cathedral sat for another 300 years until finally recommencing in the 1800s, and finished in 1880. Amazingly it survived extensive bombing during World War II, some attributing it to bomber pilots using it as a guiding landmark to their targets, others pointing to divine intervention. Walking through the cathedral is an experience to be remembered. The architecture is magnificent and must be seen, words cannot convey what it's like. The massive columns, the impressive high ceiling, gorgeous stained glass, and an overwhelming sense of enduring history overwhelm the senses. How many baptisms, weddings, funerals has this Old Girl seen? One tip: if you are there during the cold season dress warm - the Cathedral height creates a brisk Wind Tunnel that you will definitely feel! We were there in November and were glad we had winter coats. Also, men - you will be instructed to remove all head gear upon entering, which can make the inside experience a little chilly. Not to be missed. read more
It seems that Cologne Cathedral is crowded with people inside and outside. The cathedral is a typical Gothic building with complicated and overlapping spires. It is very imposing inside and outside. With more than 600 years to build it alone already carries a heavy history. The famous three golden coffins of the three wise men are placed in the center and can only be viewed from a distance. It is said that someone opened the golden coffins 200 years ago and found the skeletons of a young, middle-aged and old man, which seems to prove that the three wise men visited the birth of Jesus. We also climbed the 530+ steps to the top of a spire, the reward is spectacular view of Cologne. It was worth it. read more
4 years ago
Kölner Dom, or the Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus was the highlight of our Viking Cruise visit to the Altstadt of Köln. We've been to so many great cathedrals and churches over the years, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's, Chartres, Notre-Dame, St Patrick's both in Dublin and NY, and now Kölner Dom And yet, they all have one thing in common... the belief by the people who built these great places of worship, that their completion would bring them closer to the God they so dearly loved. Such faith, such clear focus of belief in the almighty, that it consumed their every waking moment. The original site dates back to the Romans settlement, and was possibly a temple built by Mercurius Augustus. After that, it was used as some sort of Christian structure, including a square edifice known as the "oldest cathedral" that was commissioned by Maternus, the first bishop of Köln. The current Cathedral started to take shape around 1248, but it was stop and go for the next six hundred years. It wasn't until a serious building project was funded in 1840 and finished in 1880 that the current Cathedral started to take shape. The repairs due to the WWII damage weren't completed until 1956. Btw, if you still remember your pre-Vatican II Latin service, the First Sunday of each month, the Mass is in Latin "Many Catholics whose native language is not German visit Cologne Cathedral and celebrate Mass with us, especially on Sundays. In order to ensure that they can pray with us and not just silently in their own languages, the High Mass at 10 a.m. on the first Sunday in the month is, as a rule, celebrated partially in Latin. The parts in Latin are the well-known texts that are used in every Mass. This means that all Mass-goers - whatever their native language - can pray together." For us, we enjoyed our visit. We wandered. We prayed. We reflected. In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen! read more
I have a photo of me, 49 years ago, during our honeymoon, standing outside the arrow door (the door where the entrance to the Three Kings Burial) see photo. I don't remember being able to enter to see it, if we did I have no recollection, but that photo of me being outside the door, showed we've been there before. As part of our tour, we were able to tour the inside of the cathedral. Then went back inside to attend mass. To me, that was a privilege! It IS the 6th largest churches in the world! It was beautiful. You've got to see it, in person, not just from photographs, not just from videos online. I've always wanted to visit at least TWICE, places we've visited when we were younger, and that's saying a lot. There are cities, we've visited at least 3 times. But, I've got 30 more years, and I have many more cities to visit on my wish list. read more
This is the first site I saw in Germany 30 years ago. It's a huge cathedral and you can climb the over 530 steps to the top. It's the central landmark of the city near the main train station, old town, shopping and other sights. It's unique and you can't see the massive size unless you are there. read more
My brother and I were looking for a challenge and a view, and the Cologne Cathedral was just that. We made sure to get in line earlier in the day to be able to enjoy the climb and avoid any crowds in the narrow spiral stairs. There are a total of 533 steps, and it's totally worth it. You have a semi-obstructed view of the city, as it is fenced in to protect visitors. The interior architecture is so beautiful, and you really test your fitness throughout the climb. We intentionally went quite fast and made it to the top within 11min. Highly recommend a visit if you are in Cologne. read more
It's a must visit in Köln--a magnificent Gothic cathedral to be sure. Construction of Kölner Dom began in 1248, but it was halted unfinished in the years around 1473. Work did not restart until the 1840s, and the edifice was completed to its original Medieval plan in 1880. Kölner Dom is a famous monument of Gothic architecture, German Catholicism and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 20,000 people a day (of course, this is pre-COVID pandemic numbers). At 157 m (515 ft.), the cathedral is currently the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster, and the third tallest church in the world. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the second-tallest spires. The towers for its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world. Köln's medieval builders had planned a grand structure to house the reliquary of the Three Kings (photos) and fit its role as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. There are notable treasures of the cathedral including the Shrine of the Three Kings--Magi, Milan Madonna (1290) and a wooden sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus (photos). Also, stained windows in this cathedral are magnificent (photos). The Bell of the Three Kings cast in 1418 and the other eleven bells are a highlight of the cathedral. Despite having been left incomplete during the medieval period, Kölner Dom eventually became unified as a masterpiece of exceptional intrinsic value and a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe. read more
This is a very beautiful and popular church in Koln. We always called it the gothic church. They have artifacts inside the church and you can learn about the history of the church. If you're in the area, I feel it's a must stop. read more
4 years ago
The history and impressive architecture of this place is breathtaking. The amount of architectural details of this place are almost infinite and each corner and section has some history to it. If you have not much time in Cologne this has to be one of the top places to go. The three wise men are buried here as well. read more
I was very impressed with the biggest and authoritative building built in the Gothic style, Cologne Cathedral. As soon as you go out of Kolner Central station,then you will feel the sign of the bigger architecture. Kolner Central station is bigger building than other building near to the station, but Kolner Dom is the biggest and oldest architecture in German. I knew the biggest Cathedral architecture in all over the world when I was a senior high school student. It has been published in a textbook of World History which is used in Japanese high school. So many Japanese people sufficiently know this histrionic Dom. From my high school days, I somedays wanted to go to Kolner. And I dreamed come true. According to my old textbook of world history which I used when I was high school, Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but was halted in 1473, unfinished. Work did not restart until the 1840s, and the edifice was completed to its original Medieval plan in 1880. Now, we can go up in an elevator to top floor. The price is maybe 16 EUR. read more
This is such an amazing and beautiful Gothic cathedral in Cologne Germany. It's an absolute must to see the inside as well as the outside. If you have the stamina and energy you should take the 500+ steps to go to the very top. Keep in mind it gets very narrow at the very top of it. The steps are steep and extremely narrow and small. During the war this was used as the focal point to bomb the city. Which is why only one corner of the cathedral was ever damaged, friendly bombing. The majority of the cathedral has stayed intact from the time it was built. Each spire is generally being kept in maintenance here and there. It's quite an edifice and are inspiring for the architects of the world. My favorite cathedral in the world thus far. read more
4 years ago
Dom referring to the cathedral, is my favorite places to see in Europe. The looks so nice and impressed with everything placed into this cathedral. No charging fee to enter the place. Went to cologne from Amsterdam for one day. It is gorgeous place Went here on June 2022 read more
3 years ago
I'm a 44 year old male in decent shape and was able to handle the stairs to the top. If you go to the top you see the church bells up close. This is a working Roman Catholic Church that you can attend a mass at. The church was built in stages starting in 1250, please see pictures. This is the biggest church that I have ever seen up close, it is a Nesco World Heritage site. read more
6 years ago
Also called the High Cathedral of Saints Peter and Mary, the Gothic cathedral is a World Heritage Site and seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. Construction began in 1245, halted in 1473 and completed in the 19th century according to the original design. At 474' long, 283' wide and having a spire 515' tall, it is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe and Germany's most visited landmark. It was built in 1245 as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Empire and place to house the reliquary of the Three Kings whose remains were brought to Cologne by Frederick Barbarossa from Milan Italy in 1164. There are notable treasures of the cathedral including the shrine of the Three Kings (3 Wise Men), Archbishop Gero Kreuz (960) in the Lady Chapel, Milan Madonna (1290) and a wooden sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. The Bell of the Three Kings cast in 1418 and the other eleven bells are a highlight of the cathedral. There is no entrance fee to enter the cathedral however there is a fee to climb the 509' spiral stone steps to the viewing platform. The fee is adult (4 Euro) to get a 322 degree view of the city and the Rhine river. It's a stress test to get to the top..There is also a 6 Euro Adult fee to visit the 6 exhibit rooms in the Treasury. You can choose the combined Adult fee of 8 Euros to climb the stairs and visit the exhibition rooms in the Treasury. No photos are permitted in the Treasury. Group tours in English are available Mon-Sun, 10:30-2:30 and cost 7 Euros. Guided tours of the roof, excavations and bells need to be made in advance with the Dom Forum. Public transportation to the (Dom/Hbf) stop is available and easy to use. The low lighting in the cathedral requires a low light camera. read more
The super stunning and amazing Cologne Cathedral in Cologne (Koln), Germany... officially called "Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus," which translates to Cathedral Church of Saint Peter. Built from the years 1248 to around 1560, construction was halted, but then construction resumed around 1842 and was completed in 1880. The Cathedral has been under restoration from 1950's to Present. Seeing the Cathedral in person was beyond amazing! read more
As a Yelper, I am simply not skilled enough to convey the size and grandeur of this formidable Cathedral, known as "The Dome". It is beyond spectacular. Historians claim it took 400 years to build. This, I believe. The stained glass windows . . . No, I can't even begin to describe them. Photos don't even do them justice. Oh, one note: There is a photo taken in 1945 showing this cathedral standing unscathed, literally surrounded by the smoldering rubble that once was the wartime city of Koln. The B-17's and the Halifaxes and Lancasters did not lay a bomb on this magnificent edifice. I'll just add a few pics, and express thankfulness that I am here in Koln, able to visit this majestic structure. read more
One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe - second only to La Sagrada Familia in my opinion. Even in this day and age of keeping the rabble away, the public is allowed to congregate all around this stunning Gothic marvel. Families, teens, pensioners, tourists (and yes, plenty of plain clothed "polis") cover the glorious steps almost 24 hours a day. Speaking of 24 hours - set your alarm and come see the Dom just before dawn. Fog rising from the Rhein curls around the cathedral and its a sight that will take your breathe away. read more
A majority of my family was in the Airforce and Navy were they were stationed in Germany, so they always talked about the once tallest building in the world, the Cologne Cathedral. It's hard to imagine that construction started around 1100s and finished in the 1800s - except they're still adding and making improvements to it. When you look at the outside, you'll be blown away by its majestic size and how it towers over you. When you walk inside, you glimpse the rainbow stained glass and will feel small compared to the 80 foot ceiling. I def. recommend paying $5 to climb up the Cathedral, which is about 500 steps to get a 360 view of Cologne and nearby towns. The steps are narrow, so you need to be careful & make room for other people to pass. I loved seeing the Christmas markets below, which made up of vendors supplying Kolsch beer, gluhwein, wurst, potatoe pancakes + apple sauce (best way to eat it), etc. I've had this gorgeous Cathedral bookmarked for what feels like an eternity and am so happy I finally got to check it off! I really can't wait to be back in a couple years for another visit. read more
8 years ago
So breathtaking! I'm a girl from a little island in the pacific and I can't believe I am so blessed to get the chance to experience this beautiful site. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. You can see the cathedral from miles away. It's beautiful from a far but when you're up close it's so detailed, and astounding. I could stare at this masterpiece all day. I love the whole atmosphere. Everyone is singing, dancing, eating. So many different things going on. There are many different cafes and restaurants to choose from if you'd like to grab a bite to eat. Out and indoor seating. And the best part is every seat has a great view of the cathedral. You can enter the cathedral and follow the crowd along the side of the church where there most likely will be a mass going. The art and stained glass is so beautiful. Truly inspiring. There is so much history behind this building. This is a MUST see if you're in Köln. No picture does it justice you must see it for yourself. read more
This place is amazing! This cathedral features gothic architecture and it is so huge! What is amazing about this place is that it took hundreds of years to complete and the surrounding area was completely decimated during World War II and this place is still standing. I am not a humble person but was humbled to be here. The cathedral entrance is free but donations are suggested. One could spend hours here if they wanted to see everything the cathedral offered. There are many statues, engravings, artifacts and stained glass to see. There is a Treasures area that requires an entrance fee to see some of the clothing and staffs used by the Arch-Bishops in the past. Those guys were blinged-up like kings! This place is a must-see if you are in the Cologne area. Just FYI...there are hoards of homeless people and beggars around the area, around the cathedral and in front of the cathedral entrance. read more
Impressive. Almost in your face church so stunning, it's imposing. This structure is the centerpiece of the city and is one of the draws to coming to Cologne, DE. It's beautiful from a distance. For the first time, I visited a structure considered a UNESCO world heritage site-- really cool. The detail as you squint is astounding, a lot of intricate work. The building is a work of art. Then you step back and look at the immensity... it' s overwhelming. It is literally over-the-top, grandiose. The retrofit after damage from being bombed during World War II added a mixture of different styles that makes one wonder, did they just make it work? Clearly there were multiple political groups managing the rehab and rebuild of the Dom and it shows. The organ seems misplaced. Stained glass looks almost Disney cartoon-ish, and some modern art juxtaposed with Gothic---- just did not work for me. The final result for me? It's gawdy not Gaudi. For the stunning architecture 4, intricate detail 5, sensory overload 2, uncoordinated remodeling after WWII 2. Tip: Be prepared for crowds. Visits: 2 read more
8 years ago
First thing that catches your attention when u come out of the train station is this amazing church. At first glance all u can say to your self is whoaaa ... beautiful architecture here. We took a walk inside & were equally as amazed super tall pillars & beautiful glass windows. Walking around the church u get to see the beauty of this place we sat down & took a moment to let it all in ... very nice!! This is definitely worth the visit the city of Cologne seems small with not a lot to do this place will give u something to be awed of. read more
3 years ago
This is the central attraction in the city of Cologne for a reason. The second you step out of the train station, it dominates the view. This place is a spectacle to behold both inside and out. I've seen some large cathedrals, but nothing like this. If you love churches, ecclesiastical art, or history, this is well worth your time. Especially because you can take it most of the experience for free. And even seeing the treasury and the tower for 12 euros is a good deal, I think. Extra bonus, if you love to watch people... this is your place. So many people from so many different walks of life come through here. So for extra entertainment, you can grab a spot in a pew and just watch all the people go by. Also, because it's one of central fixtures of Cologne... depending on when you come, there's often something happening in the square in from of the cathedral. In our case, it was a group of people protesting for the rights of women in Iran. Pretty epic. read more
7 years ago
"Want to see a Gothic Cathedral?" The easiest way to get me to step into a church. It was inspired by the early 13th century gothic architecture styles. Kölner Dom is one of those cathedrals. Located in the city of Cologne, it is the 2nd tallest cathedral in Germany and 3rd tallest in the world. If you know me, I don't do churches, I always say "if I spontaneously combust, it's because I set foot in a church" but since we were in Cologne for the Christmas Market, which is in the shadows of the church, we decided we'd stop in to check it out. As there was a mass service in progress we were unable to conduct a self guided tour, so we will be returning for that. The exterior of the cathedral is undergoing restorations but the church has been a work in progress over 100's of years. Originally beginning in 1248 and halting 400 years later in 1473 and was unfinished, construction did not begin again until 1848 and ended again in 1880 with the church being completed and celebrated as it had taken 632 years to finish. The bells were not installed until mid 1870. During World War II, the Cathedral was hit with 14 aerial strikes but remained standing, while the city around it was leveled. The twin spires, as iconic as they are and can be seen from several points throughout the city, were an easy navigational point for Allied aircraft bombings. War damages were repaired and completed in 1956. In 1995 it resumed and is still going today for restorations throughout time preserve the timeless work. 1996 the Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2004 was listed as "World Heritage Sites in Danger" and removed in 2006. So this church has definitely had its fair share of cultural importance not only in Germany, but world wide. Inside the cathedral are 2 statues portraying the sufferings of Jesus Christ, both extremely well carved and unique. There are two Holy Water stoups, of which my husband stopped to bless himself on the way in and out. We donated a few euros to the donation boxes and lit candles for respective lost ones and collected an English self guided tour brochure to learn the history of the Cathedral. The back of the church near the crucifix sits the Shrine of the Magi, or Three Kings. When we visited there was Mass in session so the majority of the church was blocked off by velvet ropes and Domschweizer(staff) watching the tourists and letting in attendees for the Mass service. Hats are strictly prohibited for male and female visitors during mass, while hats are allowed for female visitors when not in service. And they are very much by the rules, as Germany is a country based on following simple rules and procedures. I absolutely loved this cathedral, the architecture is GORGEOUS, the history is nothing less than impressive and if the walls of this place could talk - I would listen in silence for hours to hear what they've seen. If you are ever in Cologne, stop by Kölner Dom, it's simply impossible to miss and a sight to behold. I cannot wait to visit again for the tour. read more
Wow. What a place, what a story on exactly HOW LONG it took to build this. ( hint: hundreds of years) And crazy stuff inside, all the burial shrines/ caskets of holy men. Did u know, you can pay to climb the steps up into the tallest spire? We did, and it's quite a climb. When we were at the bell level, no warning or anything, and THEY RANG THE DAMN BELLS! What? What did u say? Can't hear you.. The outside of the structure is dark, "age/burn patina" as our guide told us. They don't clean it, letting it stay au natural. Smog/smoke coloring too, from my recollection. Very spectacular in and out. I'm not particularly into churches or anything, but still loved exploring this one. Very popular tourist attraction, lots of people on our September visit. read more
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Kölner Dom - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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