Cologne Cathedral at a glance
Cologne Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral of the archbishop of Cologne and a high Gothic basilica with five aisles. Building began in 1248 and the cathedral was completed in 1880. It has stood on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996. Its address is Domkloster 4, right next to the main station.
The two west towers give the building its outline. If you want to climb one, read our Cologne Cathedral tower climb guide. The numbers below cover height, length, bells and dates.
How tall is Cologne Cathedral? Height and dimensions
The key measurements of the building.
| Measurement | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| South tower | 157.22 m | The taller of the two |
| North tower | 157.18 m | Four centimetres lower |
| Outer length | 144.58 m | Exterior measurement |
| Outer width | 86.25 m | Exterior measurement |
| Nave, interior height | 43.35 to 43.58 m | The figure varies slightly |
| South tower platform | 97.25 m | Roughly 100 m, reached by 533 steps |
For most visitors the numbers matter less than the experience: the towers are visible from far across the city, and the platform offers a view over the roofs and the Rhine.
Our pick: an evening walk
This torchlight tour starts right next to the cathedral.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cologne Cathedral tours and tickets
Guided visits and tickets near the cathedral, with live prices and availability.
Cologne Cathedral build time: 1248 to 1880
The foundation stone was laid on 15 August 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden. Master Gerhard was the first master builder, and the choir was consecrated in 1322. Work then slowed. It was halted after 1520, although other parts of the building had been continued earlier.
The cathedral workshop was re-established between 1822 and 1824 and started with restoration. A new foundation stone followed in 1842, the building was extended through the 19th century and completed in 1880. From start to finish that is 632 years, but not 632 years of building: there was a long interruption. Care of the stonework and the windows continues today.
Cologne Cathedral bells
Twelve bells hang in the cathedral.
The best known is the Petersglocke, nicknamed Decker Pitter, which hangs in the south tower. It weighs about 24 tonnes, measures 3.22 m across and was cast on 5 May 1923 by Heinrich Ulrich in Apolda. The bell chamber is closed on Sundays and holidays until 14:00, so plan a tower visit for a weekday or an afternoon if you want that part.
World Heritage, war and later work
Four more facts that help to read the building.
UNESCO World Heritage
The cathedral was inscribed in 1996. From 2004 to 2006 it was on the endangered list because of a conflict over high-rise buildings and sight lines.
Not a pure medieval building
Large parts come from the 19th century. The iron roof structures over the nave and transept date from 1860 and 1861. See the architecture page.
The Second World War
The cathedral did not come through undamaged. It took 14 heavy bombs and more than 70 incendiary hits, and vaults, windows and furnishings were badly damaged. The choir and transept were restored by 1948 and the nave by 1956. Read the history
Windows from two eras
The Bavarian windows date from 1848. The Richter window from 2007 measures 106 m². See the interior
Visitor facts for 2026
The numbers that matter when you plan.
Interior
€12 for adults and €6 reduced since 1 July 2026. Children up to and including 13 years go in free, and prayer and services stay free of charge.
Tower
€8 or €4 reduced, 533 steps, no lift. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Children climb without an adult from the age of 12.
Treasury
€8 or €4 reduced, open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. A combo ticket for tower and treasury costs €12, or €6 reduced. Treasury details
Go deeper
Pages that expand on the numbers.
Cologne Cathedral facts: frequently asked questions
How tall is Cologne Cathedral?
The south tower is 157.22 m and the north tower 157.18 m.
How long did it take to build Cologne Cathedral?
Work began in 1248 and ended in 1880, which is 632 years between the start and the completion. Construction was interrupted for a long time, so it was not 632 years of continuous building.
How many steps does the tower have?
533 steps to the platform of the south tower, which is roughly 100 m up. There is no lift.
How many bells are there?
Twelve. The Petersglocke, also called Decker Pitter, weighs about 24 tonnes.
Which tower is taller?
The south tower, at 157.22 m. The north tower is four centimetres lower at 157.18 m.
Is this the official website of Cologne Cathedral?
No. This is an independent visitor guide and is not run by the cathedral, the chapter or the cathedral workshop.