Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for visiting the majestic Cologne Cathedral (German: Kölner Dom), a world-renowned landmark and one of Germany’s most significant cultural sites! This guide is designed to help you make the most out of your visit, providing essential information about its history, architecture, points of interest, practical tips, and more.

History

The Cologne Cathedral stands as a testament to German spirituality and national identity, tracing its roots back nearly 1,500 years. Construction began in 1248 under the reign of Archbishop Rainald von Dassel and was completed (officially speaking) in 1880 after 632 years!

Architecture

The Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, showcasing three distinct architectural styles: High Gothic (up to the 14th century), Flamboyant Gothic (mid-15th century), and the neo-Gothic revival style of the 19th century. It features two towers that rise an astonishing 157 meters tall, making it one of the world’s tallest cathedrals.

Points of Interest

  1. High Altar (Hochaltar): The cathedral’s most iconic piece is its High Altar, designed by Belgian artist Jérôme-Joseph Hogarth and completed in 1862. It is a stunning work of art, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

  2. Shrine of the Three Kings: Legend has it that the cathedral houses the remains of the Three Wise Men (the Magi). Their relics were brought to Cologne in 961 AD and are enshrined in a beautifully ornate golden shrine, visible behind the high altar.

  3. Treasury: The Treasury (Schatzkammer) houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts, including a 4th-century ivory diptych, numerous gold and silver objects, and the Imperial Orb (Reichsapfel), used in the coronation of Holy Roman Emperors.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  1. Opening Hours: The cathedral is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, opening times may vary on certain holidays.

  2. Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit the cathedral itself, but there are charges for accessing the Treasury and climbing the South Tower (€4 per person).

  3. Dress Code: Respectful attire is required when entering the cathedral. Knees and shoulders should be covered.

  4. Accessibility: The cathedral provides wheelchair access, with elevators available to reach the main nave and the Treasury.

  5. Guided Tours: Guided tours are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Japanese, and Chinese.

  6. Photography: Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography and tripods are not permitted inside the cathedral.

Nearby Attractions

Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt) offers a wealth of attractions to explore after visiting the cathedral:

  1. Chocolate Museum: Learn about the history and artistry of chocolate-making at this engaging museum located on the banks of the Rhine River.

  2. Roman-Germanic Museum: Delve into Cologne’s rich Roman history with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the fall of the Roman Empire.

  3. Cologne Zoological Garden: One of Germany’s oldest zoos, featuring over 10,000 animals across 950 species.

  4. Cologne Synagogue: A beautiful example of Moorish Revival architecture and an active house of worship.

We hope this guide helps you to fully appreciate the beauty, history, and significance of Cologne Cathedral during your visit! Enjoy exploring this remarkable city, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with us using the #CologneCathedral hashtag. Safe travels! 😊🏰🇩🇪