Public guided tours

Cathedral Interior

Our guided tours aim at opening up the history of the architecture, art and faith of our cathedral for you. Building work began in 1248, but it was not until 1880 that the completion could be celebrated. The reason for building a massive new cathedral was the transference of the Magi’s relics from Milan to Cologne in 1164, thus establishing Cologne as one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Europe. At first a golden shrine, still present in the cathedral, was created as precious frame for the relics.

The major part of the preserved objects dates from the years before and after the dedication of the choir in 1322 – amongst them numerous mediaeval altars, windows and sculptures. After building work had come to a standstill in the early 16th century, the unfinished nave and the steeples were eventually completed between 1842 and 1880.

In 1996, Cologne cathedral was recognized as world heritage monument.

For this tour a registration is not required. The tour lasts 60 minutes approx.

 
Adults: € 8,00  Children and Students: € 6,00

Tickets for public guided tours (max. 40) may be purchased in advance at the DOMFORUM at Roncalliplatz at until 15 minutes prior to the preferred tour.

At the meeting point remaining tickets will be available 10 minutes before the tour starts.

For participants of the open guided tour, the charge for the tour guide system (wireless communication system) is included in the price. 

Please note: Services and religious ceremonies always take precedence. Therefore guided tours are sometimes liable to be cancelled at short notice. Maintenance concerning the cathedral or the organ may cause acoustic disturbance with no advance notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Meeting Point: Main portal, inside

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