Cologne Cathedral to Charge an Entry Fee
"The Cathedral needs a lot of money."
Photo: Juliane Sonntag/Photothek via Getty Images
From July 1, entry to Cologne Cathedral for tourists will become paid. A visit will cost 12 euros, Cathedral Provost Guido Assmann announced, writes Bild.
Until now, it was possible to enter one of Germany's most famous churches for free: around 6 million people visit it every year.
The Cathedral notes that this is not just a ticket, but a "viewing fee" required for the maintenance, security, and operation of the building. For schoolchildren, students, trainees accompanying school groups, and holders of a social pass, the cost will be 6 euros.
Children under 13, people with severe disabilities and their companions will be able to visit the Cathedral for free. Access to church services will also remain free.
"The Cathedral costs money, the Cathedral needs a lot of money," said Clemens van de Ven, the Cathedral's head of financial matters.
According to him, maintaining the UNESCO World Heritage site costs 44 thousand euros per day.