Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. This is a city that has existed for more than 2,000 years, yet the current population is just over a million people. One of Cologne's biggest attractions is the Cologne Cathedral, which is also the most prominent church in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral - The most prominent church in Germany

Churches and museums are typical features of this city. The most outstanding masterpiece in Cologne is Cologne Cathedral - recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1996. Cologne Cathedral is a composite masterpiece of architecture, painting and sculpture built in 2005. Construct    ion throughout the Middle Ages, not completed until 1880. The church has the largest facade in the world built in pure Gothic style 86.5 meters wide, 144.5 meters long with two giant twin towers 157 meters high.

The poetic beauty of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is a German attraction that attracts more than 7 million visitors a year. It is often referred to as a masterpiece of outstanding intrinsic value (UNESCO World Heritage). It is also one of the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in Europe and a long important stop on the Roman Catholic pilgrimage route.

Cologne Cathedral is also known in German as Kölner Dom, officially Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus. The English name is Saint Peter's Cathedral, located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the government of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

In addition, the Cathedral is also one of the few structures that survived after the vast majority of the city was flattened by aerial bombs during World War II. Its north tower is 7cm higher than the south one.

The Great Architecture of Cologne Cathedral

Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was stopped in 1473. It was not restarted until the 1840s and completed in 1880. The church is the largest gothic church and has a spire second highest in Northern Europe. Its large towers give the church the largest facade of any church in the world.

The Great Architecture of Cologne Cathedral

Medieval builders planned a grand structure to house the relics of 3 kings. In addition it would have to be suitable for its role as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. Although unfinished in the Middle Ages, the Cologne Cathedral was finally completed. It became a "masterpiece of exceptional intrinsic value" and "a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of the Christian faith in medieval and modern Europe".

In 1996, the church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of Culturally Important Sites. In 2004, it was included in the list of "World Heritage in Danger". It is the only site in the West at risk due to plans to build a tall building nearby. This directly affects this construction.

How to visit Cologne Cathedral?

Visiting Hours

Cologne Cathedral is open all year. From November to April it will be open from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm. From May – October will be open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, tourists are not allowed to walk around but can sit and attend special events.

Transportation

There are several easy ways to get to Cologne Cathedral for your day tour. Cologne is also easy to get to, the nearest airport is Köln-Bon Airport. From the airport, you can take a bus or train.

Train: If you take a train, you just need to stop at the Köln train station. The church is just a few blocks away within walking distance.

Cab: If you're in Cologne, follow the signs to the town center and then find a nearby parkhaus. Parking fee is about 2 euros/hour.

Boat: If you are sailing on the Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) line along this stretch, get off the Köln marina and turn right to follow Frankenwerft. Walk along the river to the Hohenzollern bridge, you will eventually see Cologne Cathedral on your left before you reach the bridge. Just follow the path on the left to go to the Cathedral.

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