This Gothic-style church is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and will take your breath away!
This Gothic-style church is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and will take your breath away!
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Construction started on this monumental building in the 13th century in order to house relics of the Three Kings. Progress went on for two centuries until money ran dry and it sat unfinished for 400 years! Construction was resumed in 1842 under the Prussians and was finally finished in 1880. By the time it was finished, it was the tallest structure in the world only to be surpassed by the Washington Monument in 1884.
We have never tried it, but you can ascend the steps in the towers all the way to over 500 feet if you have the legs for it!
During WW2, Cologne was bombed by the Allies a lot and plenty of photos exists of the city laying in ruins except for the cathedral, still standing tall and proud in all that surrounding rubble.
This place is meticulously maintained and still holds worship services. During open hours, you can wander the mosaic-tiled floors and stare up on wonder at the dizzying internal heights of this magnificent monument to God. Light a candle for loved ones, sit and pray, or simply take it all in. You will not be disappointed!
It is quite a long drive, but well worth it. There are many places to stop on the way as the main Autobahn that you will take (A-61) skirts the Rhein River and you can stop in Boppard, Koblenz or Bonn. This is the ultimate day trip! Cologne has plenty of venues for concerts and other events, including the convention center that hosts the annual “Gamescom”, the largest video game convention in the world.
We recommend parking in the Cathedral parking garage (called “Dom”) which is right on the west bank of the Rhein and right under the cathedral. See the Google Map link to the garage here.
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One Response
Thank you so much for this amazing tip! We had a wonderful time in Cologne. The cathedral is breathtaking! KMC-X is a wonderful resource!