From July, Cologne Cathedral will charge visitors an entrance fee of 12 euros. The fee is intended to cover increased costs for maintenance, security and the daily operation of the cathedral.
Journalist at HLN
Source: Belga
About 6 million people visit the famous Cathedral every year. However, losses have been incurred in the last six years. That is why money is now being requested.
Entrance to the cathedral in the West German metropolis remains free for worshipers and members of the Central Cathedral Construction Association. Anyone who wants to light a candle does not have to pay anything extra.
On certain days the cathedral is open to everyone free of charge: from January 6 (Epiphany) to the following Sunday in January, on May 1 (Labor Day), on October 3 (Day of German Unity) and during the Epiphany pilgrimage.
“99 percent are tourists”
It remains possible to enter a small part of the cathedral for prayers for free via the northern entrance. There will be no check whether prayers are being prayed effectively. You must purchase a ticket to enter via the west main entrance.
According to Rector Guido Assmann, approximately 99 percent of visitors to the Cathedral are tourists. Until now, most of the interior of Cologne Cathedral was free to enter. You only had to pay an entrance fee for the treasury and the climb to the viewing platform.