Starting today, visitors to the iconic Cologne Cathedral must pay up to €12 to help fund its costly preservation.

The Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, has introduced an entry fee of up to €12 starting today. This decision comes as the cathedral faces mounting costs for its upkeep and restoration, which amount to €44,000 per day. The cathedral, often viewed as flawless from afar, reveals significant wear and damage upon closer inspection, including weathered stone, missing sculptures, and even bullet marks from wartime.

Peter Füssenich, the cathedral’s master builder, highlighted the immense effort and expense involved in maintaining the structure. Individual sculptures can cost between €50,000 and €100,000 to restore, with some requiring over a year of meticulous craftsmanship. Füssenich emphasized the commitment to authenticity, rejecting cheaper alternatives like plastic replicas. Even seemingly minor repairs, such as restoring stone baldachins above statues, demand extensive handwork, taking up to 18 months to complete.

The cathedral’s financial strain is evident in its annual reports. In 2025, restoration costs reached €16 million, with a daily average of €44,000. Despite donations and reserve funds, the cathedral faced a €240,000 shortfall in 2024. The Dombauhütte, the workshop responsible for the cathedral’s upkeep, continues to tackle ambitious projects, including the recently completed Helena Window. This intricate stained-glass masterpiece, costing €500,000 to €600,000, took over three years to craft and was entirely funded by donations.

Beyond the cathedral itself, the surrounding Domplatte also requires ongoing maintenance, adding to the financial burden. Füssenich stressed the importance of public support, noting that many visitors underestimate the craftsmanship and resources required to preserve the cathedral. The introduction of the entry fee aims to bridge funding gaps and ensure the cathedral remains a symbol of cultural heritage for generations to come.