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Cologne Cathedral
Gothic cathedral whose construction began in 1248 and was not considered complete until 1880. Its two towers, about 157 metres tall, dominate the old town beside the Rhine, and it has been a World Heritage Site since 1996. Inside are preserved the Shrine of the Three Kings, a work of medieval goldsmithing attributed to Nicholas of Verdun, and the Gero Cross, one of the great Romanesque carvings. The south tower is climbed by 533 steps.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Cologne Cathedral: 3 missions
- Climb the 533 steps of the south towerClimb the spiral staircase to the tower's platform and look at the city and the Rhine from above.
- Photograph the west façade from the squareMove away towards the square and frame both towers in full. The spires and the detail of the dark stone are better appreciated from a distance.
- Take a close look at the Shrine of the Three KingsEnter the nave and find the large gilded shrine behind the high altar. Notice the figures and the goldsmith's work.
Near Cologne Cathedral
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Cologne Cathedral?
Visiting Cologne Cathedral is free.
How much time do you need for Cologne Cathedral?
Allow about 2 h for the visit.
What is there to do at Cologne Cathedral?
Climb the 533 steps of the south tower, Photograph the west façade from the square and Take a close look at the Shrine of the Three Kings.
What is there to see near Cologne Cathedral?
Romano-Germanic Museum (93 m), Museum Ludwig (150 m) and Cologne Philharmonic (194 m).