The stained glass
Coloured windows from many periods, the newest a modern one made of thousands of coloured squares.
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Jörg Braukmann — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Superbass — CC BY-SA 4.0
Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most famous and most visited building. Work began in 1248, stopped for centuries, and was only completed in 1880 to the original Gothic plans. Its twin spires rise more than 157 metres, making it the tallest building in the world at the time. It survived the Second World War bombing that flattened the city around it — struck by many bombs, but never brought down. Entry to the church is free. Climbing the south tower needs a ticket: 533 steps up a narrow spiral stair ending in a view over the city and the Rhine.
Coloured windows from many periods, the newest a modern one made of thousands of coloured squares.
533 steps ending in a view over Cologne and the Rhine, passing the great bell on the way.
The Gothic façade lit after dark, best seen from the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln
Cologne Cathedral TreasuryThe Cathedral Treasury is a small museum in stone vaults beneath the north side 1 minute walk4.7
Shrine of the Three KingsThe Shrine of the Three Kings is a large golden casket set behind the high altar1 minute walk4.7
KreuzblumeThe Kreuzblume is a huge piece of stone standing on the square beside Cologne Ca1 minute walk4.5
Romano-Germanic MuseumCologne is a Roman city before it is anything else: the Romans founded it as a c1 minute walk3.9
DomplatteThe Domplatte is the wide concrete plaza surrounding Cologne Cathedral. It was b1 minute walk4.2Yes — the church itself is completely free, with no ticket or booking. What is paid is the tower climb and the cathedral treasury, each a separate ticket bought at the door.
If you are fit enough, yes: the view over the city and river is excellent, and passing the great bell is an experience in itself. But 533 steps up a narrow spiral is tiring, and the stair carries traffic both ways so you will stop often. Anyone who would rather not climb should just enjoy the church.
Early morning before ten, or in the last hour before closing. It stands beside the main station and takes enormous numbers all day. Avoid Mass times as well, when sightseeing stops.