Hemisphere Mystery: Cologne Cathedral's Location Unveiled

Germany's Cologne Cathedral, with its impressive spires, is located in the city of Cologne, in the western part of the country. Situated at coordinates 50degrees,6degrees East, the cathedral stands in the northern hemisphere, sharing this distinction with the rest of Germany and much of Europe.

Cologne Cathedral's geographical coordinates

Cologne Cathedral, officially named Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus (Cathedral Church of Saint Peter), is located in the city of Cologne, Germany. It is situated in the central part of the city, in the North Rhine-Westphalia state. The cathedral's specific geographical coordinates are 50.941357 latitude and 6.958307 longitude.

Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting around 6 million people annually. It is renowned for its Gothic architecture and stands as the tallest twin-spired church in the world at 157 metres (515 feet) tall. The construction of this magnificent structure began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880, taking over 600 years to finish.

The site of the cathedral has a long history of Christian worship, dating back to the 4th century. An older cathedral on the same site was destroyed by fire in 1248, after which the present cathedral began to be built. The choir of the current cathedral was consecrated in 1322, but construction stalled for several centuries, with a large wooden crane left standing atop the south tower.

The completion of the cathedral in the 19th century was a significant event, spurred by the Romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages and the discovery of the original plans. The Prussian Court, working with the church, committed to finishing the project, with two-thirds of the costs covered by the Central-Dombauverein and the remaining third funded by the Prussian state.

Today, the cathedral continues to be a prominent landmark and a symbol of Cologne and the surrounding region. It is known for its impressive façade, which is the largest of any church in the world. The cathedral is also recognised for its cultural significance, often hosting special events and concerts, showcasing its historic organ.

Germany's location in the world

Germany is located in Central Europe and covers a total area of approximately 357,022 square kilometres (137,847 square miles). It is the seventh-largest country in Europe by area and the 63rd largest in the world. Germany is bordered by nine countries: Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. Additionally, Germany has maritime borders with Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The geography of Germany can be divided into four main regions: the North German Plain, the Central Uplands, the Southern German Scarplands, and the Bavarian Alps. The North German Plain is a flat, low-lying area extending from the country's northern coastline to the foothills of the Central Uplands. This region includes major urban centres such as Hamburg and Berlin, as well as sandy beaches, marshlands, and fertile farmlands.

The Central Uplands lie south of the North German Plain and consist of several low mountain ranges, including the Harz Mountains, the Thuringian Forest, the Black Forest, the Ore Mountains, and the Schwäbische Alb. This region features undulating terrain, forests, valleys, and rivers, and it forms a watershed divide between Germany's two major river systems, the Rhine and the Elbe.

The Southern German Scarplands, including the Swabian and Franconian Jura and the Bavarian Plateau, are characterised by stepped topography, rolling hills, and extensive forests. South of this region lie the Bavarian Alps, part of the greater European Alps range. The Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), is located here.

Germany's coastline borders the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, which provide important waterways for international shipping. The country also has several notable rivers, including the Rhine, the Elbe, and the Danube, as well as lakes such as Lake Constance and Lake Müritz.

The height of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is a towering Gothic masterpiece, reaching a height of 157 metres (515 ft) or 157.38 metres (516.3 ft) – sources vary. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church in the world. The towers of its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church globally.

The cathedral's construction began in 1248, but it wasn't until 632 years later, in 1880, that it was completed. The project spanned generations, with work often interrupted by war, financial difficulties, and religious upheaval. The Reformation and the Thirty Years' War in the 16th century halted progress for over 300 years. It wasn't until Prussia annexed the Rhineland in the 19th century that work resumed in earnest.

The cathedral's height is all the more impressive when considering the era of its construction. When it was finished in 1880, it became the tallest building in the world, a title it held for four years until the completion of the Washington Monument. Even today, in Cologne, only the telecommunications tower rises higher than the cathedral.

The cathedral's choir has the largest height-to-width ratio, 3.6:1, of any medieval church. The interior of the medieval choir showcases intricate details, with a very tall arcade, a delicate narrow triforium gallery, and tall shafts that sweep unbroken from the floor to the vault's spring. The entire structure is a testament to the ambition of its medieval builders, who planned a grand structure to house the reliquary of the Three Kings and serve as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor.

The cost of visiting Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is located in the northern hemisphere, in the German city of Cologne. It is one of the grandest and largest cathedrals in the world and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cathedral is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, and entry to the main building is free of charge. However, there are costs associated with certain areas and activities within the cathedral.

The Cathedral Treasury

The Cathedral Treasury is open to visitors between 10 am and 6 pm. Tickets for adults are €8, with concessions for children, students, and those with special needs at €4. Families can purchase a family ticket for €20.

The South Tower

For a fee, visitors can climb the 533 steps to the platform of the South Tower, which stands at 97 metres (318 feet) tall. From the platform, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city of Cologne and the Rhine. The tower is open from 9 am to 6 pm from March to October, and from 9 am to 4 pm from November to February. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. Adult tickets cost €8, with concessions at €4, and a family ticket for €20.

Combination Tickets

Combination tickets, which give visitors access to both the South Tower and the Cathedral Treasury, are available for €12 for adults and €6 for concessions. A family combination ticket costs €30.

Tours

Public tours of the cathedral run daily at 2 pm and last for approximately 60 minutes. Tickets for adults are €10, with concessions for children and students at €8. Tickets can be purchased up to 14 days in advance.

Hotels near Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is located in the Northern Hemisphere.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

This luxury 5-star hotel is located directly opposite Cologne Cathedral and is a 2-minute walk from Cologne Main Station. It offers award-winning cuisine and elegant rooms with a free minibar.

Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom

This hotel stands directly beside Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Central Station. It offers free internet terminals, a 24-hour bar, and a direct train connection to Cologne/Bonn Airport.

CityClass Hotel am Dom

This hotel in central Cologne offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms. It is 150 metres from Cologne Cathedral and the Roman-Germanic Museum. There is free Wi-Fi in all areas.

Eden Hotel Früh am Dom

This hotel is located in the heart of Cologne city centre, just opposite the Cologne Cathedral and shopping district. It offers Wi-Fi, an outdoor terrace, and international cuisine.

Legend Hotel

Featuring a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, Legend Hotel is located in the centre of Cologne, 700 feet from Museum Ludwig, and 400 metres from Cologne Cathedral.

Kommerzhotel Köln

The hotel is located about a 2-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral. The rooms are grand and have everything you would expect. The location is also great and is about a 5-minute walk from the train station.

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