Visiting the Cologne Cathedral Treasury
The Cologne Cathedral Treasury sits in medieval vaults beneath the sacristy. It is a separate visit from the church itself and has its own ticket. Inside you find reliquaries, liturgical vessels and textiles, archbishops' insignia, finds from Frankish graves and sculpture. The objects span the 4th to the 20th century.
One thing trips up many visitors: the Shrine of the Three Kings is not in the treasury. It stands in the cathedral, behind the high altar, and you see it as part of the interior visit.
Our pick: a walk from the cathedral
This walk starts at the cathedral; the treasury ticket is bought separately.
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What is in the treasury
A collection that runs from late antiquity to the 20th century.
Reliquaries and shrines
Cologne has a long tradition of goldsmiths' work, and the treasury shows it. One named piece is the Shrine of St Engelbert from 1633. Other pieces include the Petrus staff, the Petrus chain and cross relic triptychs.
Liturgical vessels and textiles
Vessels and textiles used in services over many centuries. They show how worship at the cathedral looked at different times.
Archbishops' insignia
Signs of office of the archbishops of Cologne belong to the collection.
Frankish grave finds and sculpture
Finds from Frankish graves tie the building to the early history of the site. The sculpture ranges across several periods.
Not every piece is on display on every day. Displays change, so treat the pieces above as examples, not a checklist.
Treasury tickets and prices
Adult and reduced prices in 2026. Children up to and including 13 years pay nothing.
| Ticket | Adult | Reduced | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasury | €8 | €4 | Open daily, last entry 17:30 |
| Treasury and tower combo | €12 | €6 | Tower has 533 steps and no lift |
| Tower only | €8 | €4 | Separate entrance outside |
| Cathedral interior | €12 | €6 | Paid since 1 July 2026 for tourist visits |
| Children up to 13 | – | – | Free for the interior, tower and treasury |
The interior ticket does not include the treasury. Prayer and services stay free of charge. A KölnCard gives a discount in the treasury, but not for the interior or the tower. For most visitors who also want the view, the combo ticket for treasury and tower is the cheapest way to see both. If you only have time for one, pick the treasury for objects and the tower for the view. Our Cologne Cathedral tickets page covers the interior ticket in detail.
Opening hours and closed days
The treasury follows its own calendar, not the church's.
Daily 10:00 to 18:00
The last entry is at 17:30. The treasury opens every day except the closed days below.
Closed days
New Year's Day, Weiberfastnacht, Carnival Saturday, Carnival Sunday, Rosenmontag, 11 November, 24 December, 25 December and 31 December. In 2027 Weiberfastnacht is 4 February and Rosenmontag is 8 February.
Church hours differ
The church and the tourist visit have other hours. See the opening hours page for Mass times, Sunday access and the tower season.
Practical tips for the treasury
Short, concrete points before you queue.
Security checks
Visitors to the cathedral, the treasury and the tower go through a security check. Large suitcases and hiking backpacks are not allowed and cannot be stored, so travel light.
Guided visits
Guided visits of the treasury need the treasury ticket on top of the guide fee.
Access
The treasury and the cathedral interior are step-free. The tower is not.
Plan the order
A simple order is the interior first, then the treasury, then the tower. The treasury has its own entrance hours, so check them against your plan.
Buying treasury tickets
The interior, the treasury and the tower are offered as separate visits.
You can book online, or buy at the central ticket desk in the Kurienhaus at Roncalliplatz 2, which is open daily from 09:00 to 17:30. Bookings can be made up to three months ahead, with up to nine tickets per order. Larger groups use a group request. Bring proof if you buy a reduced ticket: pupils from 14, trainees, students and holders of the NRW social pass qualify. Severely disabled visitors from a degree of disability of 50 and a companion with the B mark also qualify for the reduced or free ticket.
Cologne Cathedral Treasury: frequently asked questions
How much does the Cologne Cathedral Treasury cost?
An adult ticket costs €8 and a reduced ticket €4 in 2026. A combo ticket for treasury and tower costs €12, or €6 reduced. Children up to and including 13 years go in free.
When is the treasury open?
Daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last entry at 17:30. It is closed on New Year's Day, Weiberfastnacht, Carnival Saturday and Sunday, Rosenmontag, 11 November, 24 December, 25 December and 31 December.
Is the Shrine of the Three Kings in the treasury?
No. The shrine stands inside the cathedral, behind the high altar, and is part of the interior visit.
Does the interior ticket include the treasury?
No. The interior, the treasury and the tower are separate visits, although a combo ticket covers the treasury and the tower.
Does the KölnCard help?
It gives a discount in the treasury. It does not reduce the price of the interior ticket or the tower.
Is this the official website of the cathedral?
No. This is an independent visitor guide. It is not run by the cathedral, the cathedral chapter or any tour operator. Check the day's notices at the entrance before you go.