Cologne Cathedral

The origins of Cologne Cathedral stretch back a long way. Beneath the current structure, remains of Roman residential houses as well as early Christian and early medieval church buildings were discovered, including a baptistery. In the 9th century, the so-called Old Cathedral was consecrated, serving as a predecessor and existing until its fire in 1248. The decision to build the current Gothic cathedral was made around 1225, motivated by the influx of pilgrims to the relics of the Three Kings, which arrived in Cologne in 1164. The foundation stone was laid in 1248. Intensive construction continued until the early 16th century, with the choir being consecrated in 1322. Afterwards, construction ceased for over 300 years. It was only in the 19th century, inspired by the rediscovery of old building plans and Romanticism, that construction resumed. In 1842, the foundation stone for the second construction period was laid, and the cathedral was finally completed in 1880.

Cologne Cathedral is located in Cologne, in the district of Cologne, in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It stands at an elevation of approximately 47 meters above sea level.

Today, Cologne Cathedral is an active sacred building that is accessible to visitors and can be toured. Its impressive size and rich history make it a significant cultural and religious center.

• Fort X (Cologne) (fortress), approx. 1.8 km away
• Fort V (Cologne) (fortress), approx. 2.2 km away
• Fort IV (Cologne) (fortress), approx. 2.3 km away
• Fort I (Cologne) (fortress), approx. 2.7 km away