Cathedral Interior Directory

The interior of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is as magnificent as its exterior. At 144 meters, the slender nave is the longest church nave in Germany, creating an awe-inspiring sense of space and height. The cathedral's interior is adorned with invaluable treasures, stunning stained glass windows, and remarkable architectural features that have captivated visitors for centuries.

This comprehensive directory will guide you through the most significant features and treasures inside this UNESCO World Heritage site, including the famous Shrine of the Three Kings, the impressive high altar, and the Cathedral Treasury's collection of religious artifacts dating back to the 4th century.

Notable Interior Features

The Shrine of the Three Kings

The most celebrated work of art in the cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a masterpiece of Medieval goldsmith work believed to contain the remains of the Three Wise Men. Created between 1181 and 1230, this gilded sarcophagus is the largest reliquary in the Western world and has made Cologne a major pilgrimage destination since 1164 when the relics were brought to the city from Milan.

Location: Choir area, behind the high altar

The High Altar

One of the treasures of the cathedral is the high altar, which was installed in 1322. The enormous block of black limestone is adorned with niches and baldachins along the sides, with the figures of Christ, Mary, and the 12 Apostles. The surface of the altar is a single slab of black limestone, dating from the 9th century.

Location: Central choir

Stained Glass Windows

The Cathedral's colourful glass windows are especially impressive, bringing vibrant intensity of color into the interior. The windows span different periods, from medieval masterpieces to modern creations. The most famous is the 13th-century Biblical Scenes window and the spectacular 113m² Gerhard Richter window in the south transept, composed of 11,500 squares of glass in 72 colors.

Location: Throughout the cathedral

Cathedral Floor Plan & Directory

Interior Layout

1

Main Nave

The central aisle stretches 144 meters long with a height of 43.5 meters, creating an overwhelming sense of space. The nave is divided by massive pillars that draw the eye upward.
2

Choir Area

Completed in 1322, the choir is surrounded by a stone screen intricately decorated with statues. Behind the high altar is the Shrine of the Three Kings.
3

Transept

The north and south transepts create the cross shape of the cathedral. The south transept features the Richter window, while the north transept contains the Treasury entrance.
4

Chapel of the Three Kings

Located behind the high altar, this ornate chapel houses the famous shrine and is the spiritual center of the cathedral.
5

Treasury Chamber

Located on the east side of the north transept, containing the cathedral's valuable collection of religious artifacts.

Notable Artworks

A

Gero Crucifix

The oldest large crucifix north of the Alps, dating from around 970 AD. This monumental oak carving stands nearly 2 meters tall and is located in the Crucifix Chapel.
B

Choir Stalls

Carved between 1308 and 1311, these ornate wooden stalls feature intricate carvings depicting biblical scenes and saints.
C

Milan Madonna

A beautiful 13th-century painted wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, located in the Sacrament Chapel.
D

Altar of the City Patrons

Created by Stephan Lochner around 1440, this triptych shows the Adoration of the Magi, St. Ursula, and St. Gereon, the patron saints of Cologne.
E

Baptismal Font

A magnificent black marble font from 1200, decorated with intricate relief carvings depicting the Apostles.

The Cathedral Treasury

The Cologne Cathedral Treasury (Domschatzkammer) houses one of Europe's most important collections of ecclesiastical artifacts, spanning more than a millennium of religious art and history. Located on the east side of the north transept, the treasury contains precious reliquaries, liturgical equipment, manuscripts, vestments, and other valuable objects.

Among the oldest treasures are early Christian artifacts dating back to the 4th century. The collection includes some of the earliest examples of Christian art in Europe, providing a fascinating glimpse into the development of religious iconography and craftsmanship over the centuries.

Treasury Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 daily

Admission Fee: Adults €6, Reduced €3, Family Card €12

Combo Ticket (Tower + Treasury): Adults €10, Reduced €5

Note: Photography is not permitted inside the Treasury.

Treasury Highlights

Relics of the Three Kings

The treasury houses various precious items associated with the relics of the Three Kings, including silk materials, elegant textiles, and ceremonial objects used in processions related to these important relics.

Medieval Manuscripts

The collection includes illuminated manuscripts dating from the 9th to the 16th centuries, with richly decorated pages showing the development of book art and religious texts through the Middle Ages.

Ceremonial Chalices

A stunning collection of ornate chalices made from precious metals and adorned with gemstones, demonstrating the highest level of craftsmanship from different historical periods.

Archbishop's Insignia

The regalia and insignia of the archbishops of Cologne, including ceremonial staffs, crosses, rings, and elaborate vestments that signified their religious and political authority.

Monstrances

Ornate vessels designed to display the consecrated Eucharistic host, including the spectacular "Three Kings Monstrance" dating from the 18th century, crafted from gold and silver with precious stones.

Ancient Reliquaries

A collection of ornate containers designed to hold sacred relics, including the arm reliquary of St. Nicholas and other beautifully crafted pieces from various periods.

Mass Times & Cathedral Access

Mass Times

Weekdays (Monday-Saturday):

6:30, 7:15, 8:00, 9:00 and 18:30

Sundays:

7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 12:00, 17:00 and 19:00

Devotion:

Monday-Friday at 18:00

Special Feature:

On the first Sunday of each month, High Mass at 10:00 is celebrated in Latin.

Cathedral Opening Hours

Daily Cathedral Access: 6:00 - 20:00

Tourist Visits:
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 13:00 - 16:00

Tower Climb:
March-October: 9:00 - 18:00
November-February: 9:00 - 16:00

Note: During services, access for tourists may be restricted to certain areas of the cathedral.

Guided Tours & Additional Information

Guided Tours

The DOMFORUM organizes guided tours of the interior of the cathedral in multiple languages. These tours provide in-depth information about the cathedral's art, architecture, and history.

Regular guided tours: Daily at 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, and 15:30
Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian (other languages available on request)
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Group size: Maximum 25 persons per group

Booking Information:

For tour bookings and inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +49 (0)221 1794 0530

Location & Contact

Address:
Domkloster 4
50667 Köln
Germany

Cathedral Office:
Phone: +49 (0)221 1794 0100
Email: [email protected]

Getting There:
The cathedral is located directly next to Cologne Main Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) and is easily accessible by public transportation. Nearby parking is available at Dom Parkhaus, Brückenstraße, and Philharmonie.

Visitor Tip

For the best experience with fewer crowds, visit the cathedral early in the morning (8:00-10:00) on weekdays. Avoid peak hours between 11:00 and 15:00, especially during high season.