

The Cologne Cathedral's sheer interior and exterior size and its skyscraping twin spires astound all but the jaded traveler.
Work began in 1248, but the cathedral was not completed until 1880, a span of 632 years.
They are the star attraction of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. They rise as high as a modern 50-story building.
You can climb up one of the towers for a panoramic view of Cologne, but be forewarned that the spiral staircase is steep and narrow - and has 509 steps.
Magi
Gero crossUnfortunately, the Cologne Cathedral exterior is seriously blemished with black soot, a byproduct of extensive coal burning in homes and factories in previous centuries in this part of Germany.

Germany wonders - Top 10 rankings
Basic German phrases for travelers
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