Germany
Cologne Cathedral
Welcome to Germany! Cologne Cathedral towers over the city with two enormous matching spires, so huge that it took over 600 years, on and off, to finally finish building it.
Why is it famous?
It's the tallest twin-spired cathedral in the world and one of Germany's most-visited landmarks.
For four years after it was finished in 1880, it was the tallest building on Earth.
How was it formed?
Construction started in 1248 to hold sacred relics, but work stopped for centuries, leaving a giant crane on one unfinished tower for 300 years.
Builders finally finished it in 1880 by following the original medieval plans almost exactly.
Amazing facts
Its two spires each reach over 515 feet — taller than a 40-story skyscraper.
The cathedral survived World War II bombing raids that destroyed much of the city around it.
Quick facts
- Its two spires each reach over 515 feet — taller than a 40-story skyscraper.
- The cathedral survived World War II bombing raids that destroyed much of the city around it.
- Climbing to the top means walking up 533 spiral stone steps.
- It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions of people every year.