Attractions in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, making it a 632-year building project. With twin spires reaching 157 meters, it was the world's tallest structure upon completion.

The Church of St. Ursula is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, famous for its Goldene Kammer (Golden Chamber) — a Baroque chapel whose walls are entirely covered with bones and relics of the legendary 11,000 virgin martyrs.

The Severinstor (Severins Gate) is a 13th-century tower gate at the southern entry to Cologne's Altstadt. Together with Hahnentor and Eigelsteintor, it is one of three surviving gates from the medieval city wall.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is a steel arch railway bridge spanning the Rhine directly adjacent to Cologne Cathedral. Rebuilt after WWII destruction, it carries more train traffic than any other bridge in Germany and has become famous for the thousands of love locks attached to its pedestrian railings.

Great St. Martin is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, distinguished by its massive crossing tower topped with four corner turrets. Standing on the Rhine waterfront, its silhouette defines the Altstadt skyline alongside the cathedral.

St. Gereon's Basilica features one of the most unusual domes in medieval architecture — a decagonal (ten-sided) structure completed in 1227 that was the largest free-standing dome north of the Alps until modern times.

St. Maria im Kapitol is one of the largest and oldest of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, built directly atop the foundations of a Roman Capitoline temple. Its unique trefoil apse plan influenced church architecture across the Rhineland.

The Hahnentor (Rooster Gate) is the best-preserved of Cologne's three surviving medieval gate towers. This massive 13th-century fortification anchors the western end of Rudolfplatz and serves as a reminder of the city's once-formidable ring wall.

St. Pantaleon is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, notable for its powerful Ottonian Westwerk (west front) built in the 10th century. It houses the tomb of Byzantine Empress Theophanu, wife of Emperor Otto II.

The Alter Markt (Old Market) is Cologne's historic central square, surrounded by reconstructed gabled buildings in the Altstadt. It sits between the City Hall and the Rhine, serving as a hub for Carnival celebrations and seasonal events.

Cologne's Rathaus (City Hall) is Germany's oldest, with records dating to 1135. It combines a 61-meter Gothic tower, a Renaissance loggia known as the Laube, and a modern postwar wing, reflecting eight centuries of civic architecture.

Neumarkt is Cologne's largest inner-city square, a transportation hub and shopping intersection anchored by the Romanesque St. Aposteln church. The Weltstadthaus by Renzo Piano and the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum flank its edges.

The 4711 flagship store and exhibition at Glockengasse is a free walk-through experience dedicated to the 230-year history of the 4711 brand, one of two famous Eau de Cologne producers. The neo-Gothic facade conceals a small exhibition with a working fragrance fountain.