The Gothic silhouette of Cologne Cathedral has long become a symbol of the city. The towers that go to the sky, the wide facade and the glint of the sun on a dark stone, magnificent stained glass windows will remain in your memory for a long time.
Cologne Cathedral
It is simply impossible to ignore this architectural masterpiece, which is proved by 2 million tourists visiting the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) every year.. Official name - Cathedral of Saints Peter and Mary (Hohe Domkirche St. Petrus und Maria). This is Germany's most visited attraction, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Cologne was one of the most powerful cities of the empire at that time. Therefore, according to the plan of the archbishop of the city, the construction in beauty and size was to overshadow all Christian churches. The construction of the Cathedral was carried out in two stages - in 1248-1437. and in 1842-1880, total 632
Cologne Cathedral is practically the only building in the city that survived the bombing during World War II. The fact is that it served as a kind of guide for pilots.
Architecture
Cathedral architecture
Two towers with a height of 157 m each made Cologne Cathedral at the end of construction the tallest building in the world. Nine years later, the cathedral lost the championship to the Eiffel Tower. In 1996, Cologne Cathedral was recognized as a world heritage of mankind. It has always been and remains the religious and architectural center of the city.
You can admire the cathedral from almost anywhere in the city, but the bulk of the darkened from time to time impresses you from the main railway station. From this point, the spiers of the cathedral seem to be directed toward heaven.
The temple is decorated with trachyte, a reddish stone. Outside the building there are many architectural supporting elements: pilasters, arcbutans, galleries, through lattices.
Input portal
You can enter the cathedral through the huge gates, which seem dwarfed against the backdrop of a grand facade. The main portal is exquisitely decorated with many small sculptures, stone carvings and lancet arches, which are located in several tiers and copy each other. The magnificent cathedral was to instill in believers a sense of humility and humility.
Interior decoration
The interior of Cologne Cathedral is a huge hall, surrounded by chapels and galleries. Star-shaped arches rest on carved columns, the height of which is 44 m. Around there are a lot of stucco moldings and sculptures. The floor and walls are made of gray Rhine stone. The walls are additionally decorated with mosaics and gilding.
The cathedral is not only a cult temple for religious ceremonies, it is also a large museum of church relics and unique values. Here are collected priceless works of art, including a painted altar of the XV century. with the image of the patron saints of the city and the sparkling ark of the Magi, created by German goldsmiths in 1200. It is believed that the relics of the three Magi, who welcomed the baby Christ, are stored in this ark. The vaulted treasury located in the northern part of the cathedral also holds other religious values.
Pay attention to the bizarre shape of the organ suspended from the wall of the central nave in 1998. Maybe there is nothing unusual in it, but remember that it weighs 30 tons!
Cathedral observation deck
View from the tower of the cathedral
Inside the giant towers, spiral staircases of 509 steps each are made, which end at about 100 m in the height of bell towers, and they also serve as viewing platforms. In fine weather, a magnificent panorama of Cologne and the Rhine opens from the top of the tower. Although the staircase is in good condition, it is recommended to recommend such a climb only strong and fearless. On the stairs it is stuffy and crowded, as people climb it and go down it.
When rising, stop halfway to see the bells. One of which is the largest free-hanging bell in the world. It is called "Peter" and weighs 24 tons. A bell from cannons of the French army is cast.
Try from a height to choose a suitable beer, where after returning you can reward yourself with a well-deserved glass of Cologne beer Kölsch.
The cathedral is open
November - April: 06: 00-19: 30;
May-October: 06: 00-21: 00
Sunday and holidays 13: 00-16: 30.During the service, inspection of the cathedral is prohibited. Free admission.
Tours
Organized excursions Mon-Thu 10.00-12: 00 and 14: 00-16: 00.
Groups gather at the main entrance. Participation is paid.Treasury of Cologne Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10: 00-18: 00.
Admission: 6 euros; preferential - 3 euros.Climb to the tower
November - February: 09: 00-16: 00;
March, April, October: 09: 00-17: 00;
May - September: 09: 00-18: 00.
Admission is 3 euros.
How to get there
Take tram 5, 16, 18 to the Kölner Hauptbahnhof station.
