Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, rises above the city centre beside the main train station. Its twin Gothic spires reach 157 metres, making the cathedral unmistakable on the skyline and especially striking when you emerge from Cologne Hauptbahnhof onto the square.
Construction began in 1248 but stopped for centuries before the cathedral was completed in 1880. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains an active place of worship as well as Cologne’s defining landmark. Inside, medieval stained glass and the richly decorated choir lead the eye towards the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded reliquary traditionally believed to hold the remains of the Biblical Magi.
Allow time to look beyond the vast nave. The south tower climb involves 533 steps and rewards the effort with views over Cologne and the Rhine; the treasury displays centuries of sacred objects and goldsmithing. Cathedral entry is free, while the tower and treasury require separate tickets. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience, and be respectful of services, when sightseeing access may be restricted.