World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral is one of the country's most-visited landmarks. Its imposing spires are visible from many locations around the city. This is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, measuring 144 m (474 ft) long, 86 m (284 ft) wide, and 157 m (515 ft) high. Begun in 1248, the cathedral wasn't finished until 1880, when its two spires gave it the largest facade of any church in the world. The city's medieval builders planned this grand structure as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. Despite being left incomplete for so many centuries, the cathedral was always seen as a masterpiece of architecture and an important reminder of Christianity's strength in medieval Europe. For unbeatable views of the surrounding area, take the 509 stairs to the top of the south tower. See Cologne Cathedral and all Cologne has to offer by arranging your trip with our Cologne online tour planner.
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Cologne Cathedral reviews
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Wow!! My friends and I visited the cathedral over labor day and we were blown away. The cathedral is massive and extremely beautiful. The architecture is unbelievable. I would highly recommend... more »
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Simply spectacular. Living breathing and changing unlike so many other buildings. A wonderful place well worth the trip more »
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Simply fantastic! The Cathedral is stunning and is free to go in and walk around. As it’s winter it’s cold inside so dress warmly. They do ask you to remove your hat (respectfully). There are guided tours (I did not take) and there is so much to see and absorb. Photos are fine but they ask for no flash photography. A place of quiet reflection, it was wonderful to sit and absorb the history and solitude of this Cathedral. Simply fantastic!
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Got to give it a five starts, because...it is so huge and impressive! The light inside is so amazing, especially when there is sunshine outside. There's this magnitude about it and even from the outside it just looks huge and impressive. Apparently it took two centuries to build it! On the downside it is cold inside, but then again, which cathedral is not cold and most likely we are not going there to get warm. There's some very special energy in that place, very strong.
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