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Germany's Iconic Cologne Cathedral to Charge Visitors
6 Mar
Summary
- Cologne Cathedral will soon implement an entry fee for visitors.
- Rising maintenance costs necessitate the new tourist charge.
- Those attending services will still be able to enter for free.
Cologne Cathedral, a significant Gothic architectural achievement dating back to the 13th century, will introduce an entry fee for tourists later this year. The nearly 800-year-old landmark, which received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, draws approximately six million visitors annually.
Officials announced the decision on Thursday, stating that escalating maintenance expenses for the cathedral are the primary driver behind the new charge. The annual upkeep for the building is estimated at around 16 million euros. The final cost for visitors has not yet been revealed.
While tourists will soon face a fee to explore the cathedral's interiors, individuals attending religious services will continue to have free access. This measure is also influenced by increased staff costs and the lingering economic effects of the pandemic, contributing to the financial pressures on the iconic structure.
The cathedral, famed for its striking twin spires, commenced construction in August 1248 and was completed in 1880 after 632 years. Notable interior features include the 300kg Shrine of the Three Kings and 14th-century choir stalls.
