Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral took more than six centuries to build: work began in 1248 and was finally completed in 1880. Its twin spires, 157 metres high, dominate the city, and inside, the soaring nave is lit by vast stained-glass windows.

Behind the high altar, the golden Shrine of the Three Kings is said to hold relics of the Magi. Climb the spiral staircase of the south tower for a view over the Rhine, or walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge, hung with love padlocks, for the classic view back to the cathedral.

The cathedral stands right beside Cologne's main railway station, so it is an easy stop between Amsterdam or Brussels and the Rhine Valley. Services are held daily, so visitors are asked to dress modestly and keep their voices low.