In every corner of the world, there is a church with a special architecture and a unique story that attracts many tourists. But if we wa to name one of the most beautiful and magnifice churches in the world, the Cologne Cathedral is undoubtedly on the top of the list.
At first glance, the Cologne Cathedral may look like a castle in the heart of a historical story, but at night, when the lights are lit, it becomes one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Cologne with its stunning architecture.
In the coinuation of this article from the Alibaba tourism magazine, we will iroduce you more to this historical and religious building and other places of ierest in Germany. So if you are ierested in history, architecture and travel, join us.
Where is Cologne Cathedral?
Cologne Cathedral is located in the ceer of Cologne, Germany.
What works are kept in Cologne Cathedral?
Among the most famous works of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, we can meion the Tomb of the Three Magi, the High Altar and the Gyro Cross.
How high is Cologne Cathedral?
Cologne Cathedral with a height of 157 meters is the third tallest church in the world.
What are the opening hours of Cologne Cathedral?
Visiting hours of tourists to the church are from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
How is the architecture of Cologne Cathedral?
Cologne Cathedral is a perfect example of Gothic architecture with its poied arches, latticed arches, large and colored windows.
Iroducing Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral in Germany is one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. With an approximate height of 157 meters, this building is the second tallest church in Germany and the third tallest church in the world. This historical and religious building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cologne and Germany, which annually hosts many tourists from all over the world.
Photo from: Blogger site
The decorations and complex architectural details and twin towers are part of the unique attractions of this church, which has turned it io an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of the city of Cologne. In the following, we will iroduce you more to this cathedral.
Where is Cologne Cathedral?
Cologne Cathedral is located in the city of Cologne in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This church is located in the city ceer, at Domkloster 4.
Location of Cologne Cathedral on Google Map
Access route to Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is located in the heart of the city of Cologne and there are several ways to reach this magnifice building.
If you are outside Cologne, you can take the train to Cologne. Cologne Cathedral is just a few steps away from Cologne Ceral Station. After arriving at the ceral station, you can take a short walk to reach this beautiful monume. If you are in the city, you can use public transport or private car.
Photo from: Bookcottages website
Tram line 14 is one of the lines that takes you directly to the church. Also, you can come to this place by car and use the nearby parking lots. Of course, you should also allow for the possibility of the road being crowded and the parking lots being full.
Another way to reach the church is by walking. If your hotel or accommodation is close to the city ceer, you can walk around the city, see the sights and buildings of the city and get yourself to the church.
Photo from: Brightspotcdn site
Best time to visit Cologne Cathedral
Choosing the best time to visit Cologne Cathedral depends on your personal taste and preferences. If you’re looking for milder weather and fewer crowds, spring or fall is the best time to visit Cologne and visit the cathedral.
Photo from: DW site
In the summer, the number of tourists and visitors to Cologne Cathedral in Germany increases and there may be long queues to eer the church and its tower. Also, the weather is very hot in the summer, which can make standing in the erance queue exhausting. If you decide to visit Cologne in the summer, we suggest going to the church in the morning or afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Working hours of Cologne Cathedral
The working hours of Cologne Cathedral are from 6 am to 8 pm every day. But note that there is a time limit for tourist visits. Tourists can visit the church from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Also, after the end of the night ceremony, it is possible to visit the church tower uil 8 pm.
Photo from: Nanocathedral site
Of course, due to religious ceremonies, visiting hours may change. Therefore, it is better to check the exact visiting hours on the official website of the church before going.
History of Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, has a long and illustrious history. This magnifice building, which is the symbol of Cologne and Germany, is more than 600 years old and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Photo from: Expedia website
The construction of this church began in 1248 AD by the order of the Archbishop of Cologne. The main purpose of the construction of this huge building was to keep the relics of the three holy magi that the Holy Roman Emperor obtained from the church of St. Ostorgio in Milan.
The construction of the church progressed slowly due to wars, diseases and financial problems and it took about 600 years. During this time, the church was left unfinished several times and after a while its construction started again. In the 14th ceury, the construction of the church almost stopped and most of it remained unfinished. In the 15th ceury, with the beginning of the Renaissance period, the Gothic style of architecture fell out of fashion and church construction stopped altogether. If you think that this was the end of the work and what you see now is the unfinished part of the church, we must say that you are wrong.
Photo from: Expedia website
Just after a long hiatus in the 19th ceury, Gothic architecture was revived and it was decided to complete the construction of Cologne Cathedral. Finally, in 1880, with the presence of Emperor Wilhelm I, the construction of the church was completed and this eve was celebrated as a national celebration in Germany.
But the long story of the church does not end here. With the beginning of World War II, the church once again experienced bitter eves. During World War II, this building was severely damaged and parts of it were destroyed. But fortunately, after the war, with many efforts, the church was restored. Today, Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany, with thousands of tourists visiting this magnifice building with its stunning architecture.
Photo from: I0wp site
Architecture of Cologne Cathedral
As we said above, Cologne Cathedral in Germany is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the tallest churches in the world. The main features of this style, which can be clearly seen in Cologne Cathedral, are poied arches, large stained glass windows, tall and narrow columns and thin walls. These large colored windows, in addition to visual beauty, direct natural light io the church and create a spiritual atmosphere.
Photo from: I0wp site
The exterior of the church is designed with unique details and elegance. The most obvious feature of the exterior is two tall and narrow towers. The twin towers of the church with a height of 157 meters can be seen from any part of the city. The good news is that you can climb these towers and enjoy the panoramic view of the city of Cologne.
The ierior of Cologne church is as eye-catching and spectacular as its exterior. The high and dome-shaped ceiling, tall columns and beautiful statues, decorations and wall paiings, all together have created a spiritual and magnifice atmosphere.
Photo from: I0wp site
An importa poi in the architecture of the Cologne Cathedral is the preservation of the iegrity of the Gothic style throughout the ceuries of construction. Although the construction of the church took about 600 years, the architects and builders of the church adhered to the original plan and Gothic style throughout the period and did not make any changes to the original style. This is one of the unique characteristics of the church, the architectural style in all parts.
Differe parts of Cologne Cathedral
This huge church has differe parts that we will explore further.
– The main building
The main building is the most importa part of this church. This section includes the main nave, altar, corridors and other ierior spaces of the church. The main nave has a spiritual and magnifice atmosphere with a high dome-shaped ceiling and large windows. The altar is the most sacred part of the church where religious ceremonies are held.
Photo from: Questo site
There are corridors on both sides of the nave that connect the nave to other iernal parts of the church. The largest treasury in the world is located in one of these corridors.
– Church towers
The twin towers with a height of 157 meters are the main symbol of the church and the city of Cologne and have made this church one of the tallest churches in the world. Climbing these towers and seeing the view of the city from above are other unforgettable activities and experiences that you can get in addition to visiting the ierior parts of the church.
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To climb the tower, you have to climb about 509 steps. It may seem boring, but once you reach the top of the tower and see the view of the city, all your tiredness will disappear.
– Church treasures
In addition to its magnifice architecture, Cologne Cathedral also has valuable treasures. These treasures include works of art, sculptures, jewelry and religious objects dating back several ceuries. You can see some of these valuable treasures when visiting Cologne Cathedral.
Photo from: Koelner website
– Church gate
The erance gate of the church is importa both architecturally and historically. The oldest gate of the church is the Worthy Peter gate, which was designed by the Parler family. This gate is decorated in Gothic style and dates back to the 14th ceury.
Photo from: Substackcdn site
Sights of Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral holds many treasures in its heart. Among the most famous treasures that you can see when visiting the church, the following can be meioned:
- The high altar is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable works of art in the church, which was built in 1322 AD. is made This magnifice altar is made of black marble and is decorated with beautiful sculptures and carvings.
Photo from: Expedia website
- Giroud Cross is one of the other sights in Cologne Cathedral, Germany. This cross is one of the oldest symbols of Christianity, which dates back to 900 years ago.
- Inside the church, there are valuable paiings and sculptures by famous artists. Among the most importa of these paiings, we should meion the paiing of the Archbishop of Cologne. This paiing was drawn in 1442 by a German paier and artist named Stefan Lachner.
- One of the most importa parts of the church is the Three Magh chapel. This small church, which is located above and behind the main altar of the church, is the tomb of three magi or three wise men. This tomb is a large gilded triple sarcophagus.
Photo from: Rietkerks website
- The statue of the Holy Mary is another valuable work and one of the sights of the Cologne Cathedral. This jeweled statue depicts the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ in a white robe.
Attractions near Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is the first destination of every tourist who travels to this city. But the attractions of Cologne are not limited to this church. After visiting the church, you can visit other nearby attractions.
Ludwig Museum
The Ludwig Museum is located 200 meters from the cathedral and is known as one of the most importa museums of modern and coemporary art in Germany. This museum houses the works of artists such as Picasso, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. If you are ierested in art, seeing the works of these famous artists will be an unforgettable experience for you.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
– Great Church of Sai Martin
With a little distance from the Cologne Cathedral, you can go to St. Martin’s Cathedral. This church was built in Romanesque style between 1150 and 1250. St. Martin’s Cathedral is another tall church in Cologne, whose huge and tall tower can be seen from a distance. You might be ierested to know that unlike other churches, there is no cross installed on the minarets of this church.
Photo from: Google Maps site
Hohenzollern Bridge
The Hohenzollern Bridge or Lovers’ Bridge is one of the most romaic attractions in Cologne that you should not miss stepping on. This iron bridge, built over the Rhine, is world-famous for its thousands of small locks that lovers have hung on its railings. Although it is not possible to install locks on bridge railings today, but passing through the bridge and looking at these small colored locks can make you emotional.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Of course, this is not the whole story. Standing on the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can see a unique view of the city and Cologne Cathedral. This bridge is a unique subject for photography at night under the lights. If you try a little, you can take a creative photo with the view of Cologne Cathedral.
– Lindt Chocolate Museum
If you love chocolate, the Lindt Chocolate Museum is a must-see destination. This museum is located in the port of Reno, approximately 2 kilometers from Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Upon reaching this museum, you will eer the delicious world of chocolates. In this museum, you can see everything from the history of chocolate and how it is produced to differe types of chocolate and how to prepare it. One of the most attractive parts of the museum that can surprise you is the chocolate fouain.
Photo from: Brueckner website
Another ieresting part of the Lindt Chocolate Museum is the chocolate workshop, where you can see the chocolate making process closely and receive a small chocolate as a gift at the end. At the end of this amazing visit, you can visit the museum store and buy some delicious chocolate samples.
Stay near Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is located in the ceer of the city and there are many accommodation options nearby. Below is a list of the best hotels near the church:
- Lindner Hotel Cologne Am Dom: 500 meters from the church
- Hilton Cologne: 300 meters from the church
- CityClass Hotel am Dom: 150 meters from the church
- Hotel Mondial Am Dom Cologne – Mgallery: 250 meters from the church
- Wyndham Koeln: distance from the church is 350 meters
- Konigshof The Arthouse: distance from the church 230 meters
Photo from: Booking site
Recommendations for visiting Cologne Cathedral, Germany
- It is better to check the visiting hours of the church in advance. Visiting hours may be differe in differe seasons or due to holding religious ceremonies on certain days.
- Erance to Cologne Cathedral is free. But to visit some parts like climbing the tower, you have to pay an erance fee.
- If you plan to climb the church towers, don’t forget to wear proper shoes.
- The cathedral is a good subject for photography. We suggest that you don’t forget to photograph the colored windows, statues and decorations of the church.
- If you plan to take photos in the church, you should know that flash photography is prohibited inside the church.
- Since the Cologne Cathedral is a religious place, it is better to wear appropriate clothes.
