The Roman vaults
Stone vaults, parts from the fourth century, once part of Cologne's Roman wall.
Cherubino — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Kleon3 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Kleon3 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Kleon3 — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Cathedral Treasury is a small museum in stone vaults beneath the north side of Cologne Cathedral. The vaults themselves are very old, parts dating to the fourth century, and were once part of the Roman city walls. It displays what the cathedral has gathered over centuries: gold crosses, liturgical vessels, clergy robes embroidered in gold, and reliquaries set with stones. Inside it is dark, cool and quiet — entirely unlike the noise of the square above.
Stone vaults, parts from the fourth century, once part of Cologne's Roman wall.
Crosses and vessels in gold, silver and stone, some more than a thousand years old.
Robes embroidered in gold thread, preserved for centuries and shown in low light to protect them.
Roncalliplatz 2, 50667 Köln
Cologne CathedralCologne Cathedral is Germany's most famous and most visited building. Work began1 minute walk4.4
Shrine of the Three KingsThe Shrine of the Three Kings is a large golden casket set behind the high altar1 minute walk4.7
Cologne Central StationCologne Central is among Germany's busiest stations, but what makes it striking 1 minute walk3.8
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 c2 minutes walk3.9If goldwork and church history interest you, yes — and the Roman vaults alone justify it. If your time is short, though, the cathedral itself and the tower climb come first; those are the main experience.
On the north side of the cathedral, from outside rather than within the church. Look for a low doorway with steps down into the vaults. Many visitors look for it inside the church and cannot find it.
Photography without flash is usually permitted, but the lighting is very low to protect textiles and manuscripts, so pictures come out dark. Check the signs at the entrance, as the rules can change.