Exploring Cologne Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide To The Attractions

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see attraction and one of Germany's most important architectural monuments. This Gothic masterpiece, located in the heart of Cologne, is the fourth tallest cathedral in the world and boasts immense twin towers that define the city's skyline. The cathedral is open to tourists and offers a range of activities, from climbing the tower for breathtaking views to exploring the treasury chamber and admiring the stunning stained glass windows. With its rich history, impressive architecture, and valuable artworks, the Cologne Cathedral is definitely worth a visit.

Admire the architecture and stained glass windows

The Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and one of Germany's most important architectural monuments. It is the fourth tallest cathedral in the world and boasts the largest façade of any church globally. The towers for its two huge spires are an iconic feature, and the cathedral is renowned for its intricate architecture and stunning stained glass windows.

The Cologne Cathedral is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. Construction began in 1248, and it took over 600 years to complete. The cathedral features a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Carolingian, and Romanesque influences. The eastern end has a single ambulatory, and the second aisle resolves into a chevet of seven radiating chapels. The interior of the medieval choir is intricate, with tall arcades, delicate tracery, and intricate carvings.

One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is its vast array of stained glass windows. With over 10,000 square metres of windows, the Cologne Cathedral has the largest window area of any church in the world. These windows are not just colourful surfaces but also intricate picture windows that depict biblical stories and scenes from the lives of saints.

The clerestory windows in the choir are particularly noteworthy, with 10,170 square feet of glass surface. Ninety-five per cent of the glass is original, dating back to the 14th century. These windows were completed before the choir stalls were installed in 1311 and feature geometric panels and detailed scenes from the life of St. Peter, including his crucifixion and death sentence by Nero.

Another notable window is the St. Peter and the Tree of Jesse Window, created in 1509. This window depicts St. Peter, usually shown with the keys to heaven, and the Tree of Jesse, which represents Christ's royal ancestry. The upper left figure is King David, son of Jesse, with his ancestor Jesus depicted in the upper right, holding a harp.

The Nativity Window, also created in the early 16th century, showcases the Nativity scene with intricate detail. The Coronation Window, from the same period, depicts the Trinity and Mary in heaven, along with Michael the Archangel or St. George slaying Satan.

The 19th-century stained glass windows in the nave are also impressive. The "Bayernfenster," a set of five windows on the south side, were gifted by Ludwig I of Bavaria and showcase the painterly German style of that era. Ludwig I's coat of arms can be seen in the bottom left corner of these windows.

The modern stained glass window in the south transept, designed by German artist Gerhard Richter and installed in 2007, is a stunning example of abstract art. Composed of 11,263 colour squares in 72 colours, it creates a vibrant tapestry of colour that changes with the light. This window replaced the original window, which was destroyed during World War II.

The Cologne Cathedral's architecture and stained glass windows are a testament to the skill and devotion of its builders and artists. The intricate details, vast array of colours, and biblical narratives showcased in the windows add to the cathedral's beauty and spiritual atmosphere.

Explore the history and mysteries

Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is a Gothic masterpiece and one of Germany's most important architectural monuments. It is also Germany's most popular landmark, attracting 20,000 visitors daily. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its construction, spanning several centuries, is shrouded in mystery.

A Long Construction History

One of the mysteries surrounding the cathedral is why its construction took so long. Work began in 1248 to house the precious relic "Shrine of the Three Holy Kings" and, remarkably, when it was finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans. However, there was a long period of inactivity between the 16th and 19th centuries, during which a large wooden crane stood at the top of the south tower, 184 feet above the ground. The reasons for this hiatus remain unclear.

Survival During World War II

Another intriguing question is why the cathedral remained relatively undamaged during World War II. While the city centre of Cologne was flattened by bombings, the cathedral stood tall, leading some to attribute its survival to divine intervention. A more pragmatic explanation is that the cathedral served as a point of orientation for pilots.

Architectural Mysteries

The cathedral also presents several architectural curiosities. For example, how does the massive vaulted ceiling stay up? Why are there so many windows? And why are the rafters made of iron instead of wood?

Art and Relics

In addition to its architectural mysteries, the cathedral houses several important works of art and religious relics. The most famous is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a golden sarcophagus studded with jewels, which is the largest reliquary in the Western world. Other highlights include the Gero Cross, the oldest surviving crucifix north of the Alps, and the Milan Madonna, an elegant 13th-century wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus.

Stained Glass Windows

The cathedral's colourful stained glass windows are especially impressive, with the oldest dating back to the 13th century. One of the most notable is the modern mosaic glass window in the south transept, designed by German artist Gerhard Richter and composed of more than 11,000 identically sized glass pieces.

Exploring the Mysteries

Many of the cathedral's mysteries can be explored through guided tours, or by reading about its history. However, some secrets may forever remain hidden, adding to the allure and intrigue of this magnificent structure.

View the Shrine of the Three Kings

The Shrine of the Three Kings is a must-see when visiting Cologne Cathedral. This magnificent gilded sarcophagus is believed to hold the remains of the Biblical Magi, or the Three Wise Men, who ventured to Bethlehem from the east to visit the newborn Christ. The shrine is located behind the main altar of the cathedral, and its construction played a pivotal role in the cathedral's history.

The shrine is considered a masterpiece of Mosan art, crafted between 1180 and 1225 by renowned medieval goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun. It stands as the largest reliquary in the Western world, measuring approximately 110 cm wide, 153 cm high, and 220 cm long. The basic structure is made of wood, adorned with intricate gold and silver overlay, filigree, enamel, and over 1,000 jewels and beads. The elaborate decorations depict narratives from the lives of the Three Magi, the Virgin Mary, and Christ, with figures meticulously crafted from gold-plated silver.

The relics' journey to Cologne is a fascinating one. Originating in Constantinople, they were moved to Milan in 314 by Bishop Eustorgius I. In 1164, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa gifted the relics to Rainald of Dassel, the Archbishop of Cologne. Rainald transferred the relics to their new home, and construction of the present-day cathedral began in 1248 to house this precious cargo. The cathedral's completion took over six centuries, and it now stands as the largest Gothic church in northern Europe.

The Shrine of the Three Kings has undergone periods of damage and restoration. In the 16th century, several gems, pearls, and a large cameo were stolen from the shrine and have never been recovered. The shrine was also removed during World War II for safekeeping and underwent restoration between 1961 and 1973. Today, it continues to be a focal point of the cathedral, attracting pilgrims from around the world.

Climb the tower for a view of the city

Climbing the tower of Cologne Cathedral is a great way to get a view of the city. The tower, which is on the right-hand side of the cathedral when facing the main entrance, offers a wonderful view of Cologne from the spire. The climb is not for the faint of heart, as it involves ascending 509 to 533 steps to reach the viewing platform, which is about 100 metres above the ground. The climb is made via a spiral staircase and a metal staircase, and it can be tight when meeting people coming down as you ascend or going up as you descend. The recommended time to climb, observe, and return is between 30 and 45 minutes, but some visitors have found themselves taking nearly 45 minutes just to take in the views from the top. The tower is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm daily from March to October, and from 9 am to 4 pm from November to February. The last admission is half an hour before closing time. The cost to climb the tower is €8 for adults, with reduced rates for children, students, and people with special needs. A family ticket is also available for €20. It is recommended to go as early as possible, as there may be long queues during busy times.

Take a guided tour

Taking a guided tour is a great way to learn more about Cologne Cathedral and its history. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind:

Booking a Tour

Guided tours of the cathedral are available in multiple languages, including English and German. Tours must be registered in advance and can be booked through the DOMFORUM, either online or in person. Tickets for public tours can be purchased up to seven days in advance, while tickets for public guided tours can be purchased up to 15 minutes before the tour starts. Note that only authorised or registered cathedral tour guides are permitted to conduct tours inside the cathedral.

Tour Group Size

To ensure a more personalised experience, tour groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people for the cathedral and cathedral treasury tours. Tours of the roof and excavation area have a maximum limit of 12 people, and participants must be at least 16 years old.

Tour Content

Guided tours of the cathedral will take you through its long and fascinating history. Learn about the cathedral's construction, which began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. Discover the reasons behind its black patina, which is due to a combination of weathering, soot, and biofouling. Admire the impressive stained glass windows, including the modern stained glass window in the south transept designed by German artist Gerhard Richter. Explore the various artworks and relics housed within the cathedral, such as the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings, the Gero Cross, and the Milan Madonna.

Tour Restrictions

When visiting the cathedral, it's important to follow the dress code and behaviour guidelines outlined by the cathedral. Sleeveless or cropped tops, short shorts, and skirts are considered inappropriate attire. Running, loud talking, music, and singing outside of services are not permitted. Food and drinks should be consumed outside, and smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited.

Identity Checks and Luggage Storage

Be prepared for identity checks by cathedral staff when entering the cathedral, the treasury, and the tower ascent. Only small bags and rucksacks up to a specified size are allowed. Luggage storage facilities are available in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral, with a left-luggage office located next to the Cologne Cathedral Shop.

Frequently asked questions