Cologne is a cozy city in western Germany, located on the banks of the Rhine River. Thanks to the rich cultural heritage of the past, Cologne attracts about 350 thousand tourists every month. The main attractions - churches, cathedrals and mosques of Cologne - attract travelers with their history and unique architecture.
A little about Cologne
The life of modern Cologne is inextricably linked with the historical past. Founded about 2 thousand years ago, it rightfully occupies an honorable place in the list of the oldest cities in Germany. And the University of Cologne, formed in the XIV century, is today the largest and oldest German educational institution, where more than 45 thousand students study.
The city is rich in museums, churches and other attractions. In addition to the Old Town, a modern part with high-rise buildings, exhibition halls and shopping centers awaits tourists in Cologne. Animal lovers can visit the Cologne Zoo, home to tigers, bears, meerkats, hippos, elephants, leopards, anteaters and other exotic animals.
Catholicism in Cologne
Catholics in Germany make up approximately 30% of the population. All Catholic churches in Germany are divided into seven ecclesiastical provinces, one of which is Cologne.
The main shrine of Catholics in Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral, built in the Gothic style. The cathedral was built for over 600 years, its majestic building is the first thing that can be seen when leaving the railway station. Since 1996, the attraction has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the lobby of the cathedral, weekly services are held, accompanied by organ music. The entrance to the Cologne Cathedral is free, but you will have to pay 3 euros to climb the bell tower. You can also book a guided tour with a professional guide for an additional fee.
Opening hours of Cologne Cathedral in 2021
| November-April | 6.00-19.30 |
|---|---|
| May-October | 6.00-21.00 |
| Sundays and public holidays | 13.00-16.30 |
Main Catholic churches in Cologne
Another popular church monument in Cologne is the Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1689. During the war years, the church stopped working: during the Second World War, the facade of the building was almost completely destroyed. It took 30 years to restore and decorate it according to the old model.
The Church of the Apostles in Cologne was built in the Romanesque style. The 67-meter-high tower makes the church the third tallest religious building in the city. The church has been operating since 2021 and bewitches parishioners with elegant stained glass patterns made in the Byzantine style.
The Church of St. Ursula stands in the northern part of the city on the square of the same name - Ursulaplatz. Known from the Christian legends of the Middle Ages, Saint Ursula - a young girl - died at the hands of the Huns along with 11,000 virgins and was numbered among the martyrs.
The Church of St. Panteleimon is located in the southern part of the city. The building was built in 960. In the same period, the relics of St. Panteleimon were transported here, which are still preserved within the walls of the temple. The Church of St. Panteleimon is active, so each guest has the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of spirituality during the service. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI came here.
The Church of St. Andrew is located in the central part of the old town. The Romanesque basilica, erected in 974, was rebuilt and reconstructed many times over its long history until it regained its original appearance in the 19th century.
The main relic of the Church of St. Andrew is a part of the sacred cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Also in the temple is an image of St. Bruno the Great, who made a significant contribution to the development of Cologne.
Orthodoxy in Cologne
Germany has about 1.5 million Orthodox population, so Cologne, one of the central cities of the country, is full of shrines of the Orthodox faith. A popular destination for tourists and pilgrims is the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, where you can pray, lean against the icons and join the service. The Orthodox Church has been operating since the 70s of the last century thanks to monetary donations from the community and believers.
It is worth remembering that when visiting Christian monasteries, temples and churches, you must follow some rules:
- Men should take off their hats. Women in the Orthodox Church need to cover their heads with a headscarf, in a Catholic church this is not necessary.
- It is customary to be baptized at the entrance to the shrine. Catholics cross from the left shoulder, Orthodox Christians from the right.
- Maintain silence and turn off the sound on your mobile phone.
- You cannot enter the temple in open clothing, such as short skirts, dresses, shorts, or T-shirts.
Islam in Cologne
According to statistics, in Germany about 4.7 million inhabitants (approximately 5.7%) are Muslims. The main religious shrine of Islam in Cologne is the Central Mosque. This is a modern structure, the construction of which lasted from 2009 to 2021. Inside the mosque, up to 4,000 parishioners can simultaneously be.
The main architectural features of the mosque are two 55-meter high minarets and a glass dome. Such a design solution, according to the architect Paul Böhm, contributes to the creation of an atmosphere of openness and hospitality. The complex also houses a library, a prayer room and an Islamic cultural center.
Judaism in Cologne
Due to the long-term persecution of Jews by the authorities, especially during the Second World War, few synagogues have survived in Cologne.
The Cologne synagogue, located on Roonstrasse street, deserves special attention.
The synagogue was built in 1861 and completely destroyed by the Nazis in 1938. Even after the war, the synagogue was going through hard times: people continued to desecrate the walls of the shrine. Today, the Cologne synagogue is very popular among former immigrants from the USSR, many of whom profess Judaism.
Other religious destinations in Cologne
18% of the population of Cologne adhere to Protestantism, so evangelical churches and temples can be visited on the territory of the city. The Church of the Resurrection of Christ belongs to the Buchforst district.
The building of the evangelical church was erected in 1968 by architects Georg Rasch and Winfried Wolski.
Outwardly, the church looks quite extraordinary and even gloomy: a concrete building with elements of timber formwork. But once you go inside, a breathtaking sight will open up. The hall of services is tapered and tapers upwards, and the ribbon windows create the effect of the play of light and shadow, which is definitely worth seeing.
Conclusion
Cologne amazes tourists not only with the spirit of antiquity, but also with an amazing religious diversity. It is a city where supporters of various religions are respected: Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Jews. Historical heritage can tell contemporaries about the events of the past, and faith can strengthen hope for a brighter future.
