A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral is one of the finest church buildings in the Christian world. Gargantuan proportions and craftsmanship of unparalled quality have made the cathedral a defining example of the Gothic style.

The pinnacle of Gothic architecture
Cologne's mighty cathedral towers just a stone's throw from the banks of the Rhine. Modelled on a French design and built entirely in a high-Gothic style, it is Cologne's most famous landmark and one of the largest cathedrals in Germany. Its steep, vaulted ceilings are supported by more than one hundred pillars and light streams in through a multitude of stained-glass windows. The cathedral's most sacred treasure and the most important reliquary in the western world is the Shrine of the Three Magi, a magnificent gilded sarcophagus thought to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. More than 500 steps lead up the south tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

With a fascinating range of museums and the ART COLOGNE art fair, Cologne's international reputation as a centre of art and culture is well-deserved. The most important museums include the Ludwig Museum and the Wallraf Richartz Museum/Fondation Corboud, one of Germany's largest collections of paintings. The Romano-Germanic Museum presents Cologne's archaeological heritage, and the Museum Schnütgen houses one of the world's most important collections of art from the Middle Ages.

Cologne's art exhibitions and music events are internationally renowned. Be it opera, musicals or rock concerts, Cologne's music scene is innovative and multi-faceted. The Cologne Philharmonic is one of Europe's foremost concert venues with numerous events every year. The Cologne Arena is Germany's largest entertainment venue, while the Tanzbrunnen is one of the loveliest outdoor venues on the Rhine.