Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in Germany. It is the bishop's church of the archdiocese of Cologne and was consecrated to St. Peter. The first church was probably built on this site as early as 800 A.D. - the place had served as a meeting place for the Christian faithful long before that.

Until the 13th century, a small Carolingian church stood here, which from 1164 onwards contained the Three Kings' relics and thus became the most important pilgrimage church in Europe. Soon a larger church was needed. During constructions to add a new nave, the building almost completely burned down. In 1248, the foundation stone for the new church was laid.

Until about 1530, the cathedral was built. Temporary lack of resources led to the cessation of work several times. The central nave was closed only with an improvised roof and only completed in the following centuries.

During the 18th century revolutions, the cathedral served as a storeroom for many years and was not consecrated until 1801. According to the Middle Ages' plans, with the most modern construction technology at that time, the completion was now also pushed forward. In 1880, the two towers were finally constructed. During the Second World War, Cologne Cathedral was hit by no less than 14 aerial bombs. An intensive reconstruction phase began in the post-war years, partly under the influence of modern styles and construction methods. However, some of the building's wounds remain today, and the constant renovation and repair work ensures that the cathedral remains a perpetual construction site.

Since 1996, the Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enter the cathedral for church services and devotions, organ concerts and personal prayer. The central naves and the treasure chamber can be explored independently; guided tours also show rooms that usually are closed to the public. A visit to the cathedral is also possible.

Opening times

Daily from 6 am to 9 pm

Climbing the tower:

January - February / 9 am - 4 pm

March - April / 9 am - 5 pm

May - September / 9 am - 6 pm

October / 9 am - 5 pm

November - December / 9 am - 4 pm

>Last possibility of ascent 30 minutes before closing time.

Treasury:

Daily 10 am - 6 pm

Price:

Climbing the tower:

adults / EUR 5.00

Family ticket / EUR 10.00

reduced (pupils, students, disabled persons with ID) / EUR 2.00

Treasury:

Adults / EUR 6.00

Family ticket / EUR 12.00

reduced / EUR 3.00

Combined ticket treasure chamber / tower / EUR 8.00

Combined ticket treasure chamber / tower / reduced EUR 4.00

Combination ticket family treasure chamber / tower / EUR 16.00