632 Years of Construction | 1248 - 1880
From a Roman church in the 4th century to one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals - discover the extraordinary history of the Kölner Dom.
Last Updated: March 2026
1248
Foundation Laid
1880
Completed
632
Years to Build
157m
Height (515 ft)
The height of Cologne Cathedral is 157.38 meters (515 feet), making it the third-tallest church in the world.
A Roman-era Christian church is built in Cologne, one of the oldest in Germany. Christianity had spread to the Rhineland during Roman occupation.
Archbishop Hildebald builds a new Carolingian cathedral, which serves as Cologne's main church for nearly 400 years.
A pivotal moment. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa transfers the relics of the Three Wise Men from Milan to Cologne. This transforms Cologne into a major pilgrimage destination and creates demand for a grander cathedral.
Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden lays the foundation stone for the new Gothic cathedral. The design is based on French Gothic cathedrals like Amiens. Construction of the choir begins.
The choir (eastern end) is completed and consecrated after 74 years of construction. The Shrine of the Three Kings is placed behind the high altar.
After 225 years, work stops. The south tower reaches 59 meters but remains unfinished. A large wooden crane sits atop the tower for the next 400 years, becoming a symbol of the city.
King Frederick William IV of Prussia provides funding to complete the cathedral. Romantic nationalism and the discovery of original medieval plans fuel enthusiasm to finish the Gothic masterpiece.
After 632 years, the cathedral is finally completed. Emperor Wilhelm I attends the ceremony. At 157 meters, the twin towers are the world's tallest structures (briefly).
The cathedral is hit by 14 aerial bombs. Despite extensive damage to the roof and windows, the main structure survives. Cologne's old town is 90% destroyed, but the cathedral stands.
Cologne Cathedral is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbol of Christian faith.
Restoration work never stops. A permanent team of stonemasons, called the Dombauhütte, works continuously to maintain the sandstone structure. Over 6 million visitors come annually.
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Cologne Cathedral was built over 632 years. Construction began on August 15, 1248 and was completed on October 15, 1880. Work was halted from 1473-1842, explaining the long duration.
Construction halted for nearly 400 years (1473-1842) due to lack of funding and changing priorities. The half-finished cathedral sat with a crane on top for centuries. Work only resumed when King Frederick William IV provided funding in 1842.
Yes, Cologne Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It was recognized as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Yes, it was hit by 14 bombs, causing significant damage to the roof and windows. Remarkably, the main Gothic structure survived. Restoration continued for decades after the war.