Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (officially:Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria) is the Roman Catholic cathedral, in Cologne. The cathedral has a height of 157.25 metres. This makes it the second-highest in Germany and the third-highest in the world. The cathedral in Ulm, the Ulm Minster at 161 m it is the highest in the world. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro is also higher, at 158 metres, but it only has the status of a minor basilica, it is not a cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral (officially:Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria) is the Roman Catholic cathedral, in Cologne. The cathedral has a height of 157.25 metres. This makes it the second-highest in Germany and the third-highest in the world. The cathedral in Ulm, the Ulm Minster at 161 m it is the highest in the world. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro is also higher, at 158 metres, but it only has the status of a minor basilica, it is not a cathedral. The cathedral is also the third-biggest church, built in Gothic architecture. The Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain, and the Milan Cathedral in Milan, Italy are bigger.

The Cologne Cathedral was built in Gothic style from 1248. It was planned to make the cathedral like the one in Amiens. The choir was consecrated in 1322. The first bell could be hung in one of the towers shortly after 1410. Around 1510 building was stopped, because people had lost interest. The last payment for its construction was made in 1560.

For 300 years, Cologne had an unfinished cathedral. The cathedral was finished in 1880, still following original plans.

The cathedral is a UNSECO World Heritage Site since 1996. The cathedral is the most popular sight in Germany. In 2001, there were five million visitors, in 2004, there were six million visitors.

Pope Benedict XVI visited the cathedral in 2005.

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Moritz Bleiblieb
26 June 2013
No.1 sightseeing point in Germany with over 20.000 visitors per day: the Cologne Cathedral. Go see the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe & continue your discovery tour in the inner city.
Stephen D
19 September 2017
Tower climb is somewhat gruelling, especially the last 100 steps, but the view more than makes up for it. Bring water!
Turkish Airlines
23 February 2016
Welcome to Cologne! Did you know that the Cologne Cathedral is the second tallest structure in the city? It’s definitely one of the must see’s during your vacation.
Lauren Gilmore
13 June 2016
The inside is kind of a let down but the grandeur of the outside more than makes up for it. Also try and climb to the top of the bell fry... But bring you're inhaler as its 533 steep, winding stairs.
Best Western Central Europe
27 September 2011
This is one of Germany´s most famous landmarks and a MUST see. Climb the 533 steps to the South tower for some impressive views of the surroundings and make sure to visit the treasure chamber.
Fabian
8 August 2013
Definitely a beautiful church but if you consider to take pictures after climbing all the 533 stairs.. the view is good but the net is annoying, especially when you're using a huge DSLR.
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