Whatever happened to the three wise men? Interesting fact: it is believed that their remains are held at the great cathedral, Kölner Dom. The Cologne Cathedral’s primary treasure is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded sarcophagus believed to contain the relics of the Magi.
Gothic architecture
The Cologne Cathedral is a masterpiece of art and Gothic architecture. It is also said to be the most visited tourist site in Germany. The building holds so much history and stories of lives that have worked and passed through its spaces. The construction of the cathedral was a huge task that spanned over six centuries, with 1880 marking the end of the architectural quest.
Cologne Cathedral dates back to the 4th century, when a Roman temple dedicated to the Christian faith was established on the site. However, the current Gothic structure’s construction began in 1248, inspired by the design of the Amiens Cathedral in France. The cathedral was intended to house the reliquary of the Three Kings, a major pilgrimage artefact.
After surviving financial difficulties, wars, and political tussles, the grand building was completed and commemorated by the ringing of the cathedral’s bells. During World War II, despite extensive bombing, the cathedral miraculously survived with only minor damage. It stood as a symbol of hope and endurance for the people during the war and the subsequent reconstruction period. When I visit historic sites like this, I often stand at the centre of the vast space, imagining the stories of individuals who have stood at the exact same spot: the love stories, the conspiracies, and the faith seekers all across a 632-year-long building process.
What is the cost of entry?
Adults pay €6. Children, schoolchildren, students, and persons with support needs pay a reduced entry fee of €3. Families can buy a family ticket for €12.
Combi tickets, which give visitors access to both the tower and the Cathedral Treasury, cost €10 for adults. The reduced rate is €5,00. Family combi tickets cost €20.
When is it open to the public?
March–April: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
May–September: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
October: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
November–February: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The interior of Cologne Cathedral
The interior of the cathedral is awe-inspiring. The high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and detailed altars create a sense of grandeur and spiritual atmosphere. One of the most incredible features of Cologne Cathedral is its collection of stained glass windows. The windows, dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries, depict biblical stories, saints, and scenes from the history of the church. The most famous among them is the “Three Kings Window,” located in the choir area, which tells the story of the Magi. This extraordinary mediaeval goldsmithing is adorned with precious stones and intricate carvings, making it a focal point for pilgrims and visitors alike.
On which days is the tower closed?
During the carnival season in Cologne, the tower is closed on Women’s Carnival Day (Weiberfastnacht), Carnival Saturday, Carnival Sunday, Rose Monday (Rosenmontag). The dates of these days change from year to year. The tower is also closed on 11 November, Christmas Eve (24 December), Christmas Day (25 December), New Year’s Eve (31 December), and New Year’s Day (1 January) every year.
The building does not stand only as a place of worship or a historic tour destination. It is the pride of the people of Cologne, a symbol of their faith and tenacity through the centuries. The cathedral also hosts cultural events, concerts, and religious ceremonies throughout the year, creating a hub of activities to engage visitors. Also, the Ludwig Museum and the Romano-Germanic Museum, which are close by to the cathedral, further enrich the visitor experience, offering insights into the region’s artistic and archaeological heritage.
