What to See Inside the Kölner Dom — Complete Interior Guide
Free Entry to the main interior | Tower & Treasury require tickets
Cologne Cathedral Tours
Stepping inside Cologne Cathedral is a breathtaking experience. The Gothic nave stretches 144 meters — the longest in Germany — with vaults soaring 43 meters overhead. Every surface tells a story spanning 800 years of art and faith.
The interior of Cologne Cathedral houses some of Europe's most important artworks: the legendary Shrine of the Three Kings, the Gero Crucifix from 970 AD, and over 10,000 square meters of stained glass windows. Best of all — entry is completely FREE.
Nave Length
Vault Height
Stained Glass
Entry Price
The largest reliquary in the Western world. This magnificent golden shrine, created between 1180 and 1225, contains the supposed relics of the Three Wise Men. Decorated with over 1,000 precious stones and pearls.
Located behind the High Altar, in the choir
The oldest monumental crucifix north of the Alps. Carved in oak around 970 AD, this 1.87m-tall masterpiece is one of the most significant works of Ottonian art ever created.
Located in the Kreuzkapelle (Cross Chapel)
Over 10,000 square meters of stained glass spanning 800 years. Highlights include the medieval Bible Windows (1260), the Bavarian Windows (1848), and Gerhard Richter's famous modern window (2007) with 11,500 colored squares.
The Richter Window is in the south transept
A massive black limestone altar from 1322, adorned with white marble statues depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. It is the largest medieval altar in Europe, measuring 4.6m long.
Center of the choir, in front of the Shrine
104 intricately carved oak seats, the largest set of medieval choir stalls in Germany. Look underneath the seats for humorous and grotesque carvings — medieval craftsmen had a sense of humor!
On both sides of the choir
A stunning wooden sculpture from around 1290, showing the Virgin Mary with the Christ child. The original medieval polychrome paint is remarkably well-preserved — a rarity for a piece of this age.
In the Lady Chapel (Marienkapelle)
Walking through the main entrance, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the nave. At 144 meters long and 43 meters high, it is the longest cathedral nave in Germany. The five-aisle basilica plan creates a sense of infinite space, with rows of slender columns drawing your eyes toward the distant choir.
The light filtering through the massive stained glass windows creates an ever-changing kaleidoscope of color across the stone floor. On a sunny day, the interior glows in shades of red, blue, and gold — a truly magical experience.
Visit between 6:00–9:00 AM for the most atmospheric experience. The early morning light streaming through the east windows is unforgettable, and you'll practically have the place to yourself.
The cathedral contains multiple chapels radiating from the ambulatory, each housing unique artworks:
Home to the Gero Crucifix, the oldest monumental crucifix in the Western world (970 AD). The chapel also features a beautiful Gothic altarpiece.
Contains the Milan Madonna (c.1290) and the Altar of the City Patrons by Stefan Lochner (1442) — one of the masterpieces of German late-Gothic painting.
Features the oldest surviving stained glass in the cathedral (c.1260), depicting scenes from the Bible in vivid medieval colors.
Dedicated to the Three Magi whose relics rest in the golden shrine behind the High Altar.
Inside you'll find the Shrine of the Three Kings, the Gero Crucifix (970 AD), 10,000 sq meters of stained glass, the High Altar (1322), medieval choir stalls, the Milan Madonna, and numerous chapels with priceless artworks spanning 800 years.
Yes! Entry to the main cathedral interior is completely FREE. You only need tickets for the Tower Climb (€8 adults) and the Treasury (€8 adults).
Yes, personal photography is allowed inside the cathedral without flash. No photography in the Treasury or during services.
A basic interior visit takes 30-45 minutes. Add 1 hour for the tower climb and 45 minutes for the treasury. A complete visit takes 2.5-3 hours.
Explore the treasures of Cologne Cathedral — entry is FREE