Cologne Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece

Cologne Cathedral

Towering over the Rhine River, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the tallest twin-spired churches in the world.

History

Construction began in 1248 but was halted for centuries and only completed in 1880, making it a rare example of a medieval design finished with 19th-century engineering. It survived World War II bombing raids that devastated much of the surrounding city.

What to See

• The Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded reliquary behind the altar
• Panoramic views of Cologne from the South Tower after climbing 533 steps
• Stunning stained-glass windows, including a modern abstract window by Gerhard Richter

Visiting Tips

Entry to the cathedral itself is free, though climbing the tower requires a separate ticket and a bit of stamina. The cathedral sits directly next to Cologne's main train station, making it an easy first stop for visitors.