At a glance
Location
Köln
Category
Church
| Location | Köln |
|---|---|
| Category | Church |
Impressions
Cologne Cathedral is a building of superlatives that is the centre and hallmark of this city on the Rhine. The cornerstone of this Gothic cathedral was laid on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15 August 1248. The previous building was apparently no longer deemed impressive enough to house the remains of the Three Wise Men, which Archbishop Rainald von Dassel had brought to Cologne from Milan after the latter city was conquered in 1164. Because of these relics, the cathedral became one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Europe. Its two massive towers have dominated the city’s skyline since their completion in 1880. At 157.38 metres, the northern tower is 7cm taller than the southern one.
Today the cathedral is Cologne’s second-tallest structure, surpassed only by the telecommunications tower. The cathedral covers almost 8,000 square metres of floor space and can hold more than 20,000 people. Due to the building’s impressive Gothic architecture, the shrine of the Three Wise Men, the outstanding stained-glass windows and the many other important works of art, UNESCO declared Cologne Cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Today the cathedral is Cologne’s second-tallest structure, surpassed only by the telecommunications tower. The cathedral covers almost 8,000 square metres of floor space and can hold more than 20,000 people. Due to the building’s impressive Gothic architecture, the shrine of the Three Wise Men, the outstanding stained-glass windows and the many other important works of art, UNESCO declared Cologne Cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Service & contact
Cologne Cathedral
Plan journey Dompropstei Margarethenkloster 5
50667 Köln
Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0) 221 179 40-100
Fax: +49 (0) 221 1642 1700
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Information
- General Information
- Parking Available
- Bus stop available
- Eligibility
- Bad Weather Offer
- Suitable for any weather
- for Groups
- for Class
- for families
- for individual guests
- Suitable for Pushchair
- Payment Options
- Entrance Free
- Openings
Cologne Cathedral is usually open from 6 am to 8 pm.Weekday Time of day Monday - Saturday 10:00 to 17:00Sunday 13:00 to 16:00
Outside of liturgical hours, it is possible for tourist visitors to visit the cathedral as a World Heritage Site: Generally between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays, and until 8 p.m. in the tower hall after evening mass.
Since church services have priority, changes are not excluded. - Directions Cologne Cathedral is located in the immediate vicinity of the main railway station and is easy to reach by public transport and car.
- More info All guided tours of the interior of Cologne Cathedral are subject to registration!
They may only be conducted by authorised or registered cathedral guides.
Private individuals, institutions, school classes or travel companies can book a group tour of Cologne Cathedral through the DOMFORUM.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 persons per group.
The guided groups will be provided with a group guidance system - if they do not wish to use their own.
A flat rate for the provision of group guidance systems will be charged per group.
Children's and youth groups receive the group guidance systems free of charge.
Children's groups do not have to use a group guidance system until the 5th school year.
The group guidance systems are audio radio systems with a microphone for the guides and receivers for the participants.
The aim is, on the one hand, an acoustic calming of the church space, which should help to be able to protect the interests of visitor groups and worshippers alike.
On the other hand, this technology enables the participants to better understand the explanations on site in the cathedral.
In addition to the flat-rate provision fee, a cathedral fee is charged which, in addition to the handling fee, includes a cathedral levy for the upkeep of the cathedral.
If capacities are available, smaller groups (up to a maximum of 10 people) can also join the public guided tours of the DOMFORUM.
The meeting point for the guided tours is the foyer of the DOMFORUM.
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