The Roman vaults
Stone vaults, parts from the fourth century, once part of Cologne's Roman wall.
If 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.
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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