St. Gereon's Basilica, Cologne

Name: St. Gereon's Basilica
Address: Gereonshof 2, Cologne, 50670, Germany
Telephone: +49 221 4745070

#32 among attractions in Cologne

Church, Romanesque architecture, Architecture, Sacred and religious sites, More...

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Raimond Spekking / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / Copyrighted free use / Wdwdbot / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Com / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Com / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Raimond Spekking / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pedelecs by Wikivoyage and Wikipedia / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Edgar El / URL

Facts and practical information

St. Gereon's Basilica is a historical architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Cologne, Germany. This ancient church, with its origins tracing back to the 4th century, stands as a testament to the endurance and evolution of Christian sacred architecture through the ages. It is particularly renowned for its unique decagonal dome, one of the oldest large-scale domes north of the Alps.

The basilica is dedicated to St. Gereon, a Roman soldier who, according to tradition, was martyred for his faith. The site has gone through numerous transformations, with the current structure predominantly reflecting Romanesque style from the 11th and 12th centuries. It is part of the twelve Romanesque churches that are scattered throughout Cologne, each with its distinct history and design.

St. Gereon's Basilica stands out not only for its age but also for its architectural significance. The complex geometry of its design, including an oval-shaped choir and an ambulatory with radiating chapels, captures the transition from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages. The interior is adorned with ancient mosaics and frescoes, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the period.

As a place of worship, the basilica continues to hold regular services and has become a spiritual haven for locals and visitors alike. For those interested in history and architecture, St. Gereon's offers a unique glimpse into the past, with guided tours available to provide insights into its storied history and architectural details.

Local name: St. Gereon Architectural style: Romanesque architectureCoordinates: 50°56'35"N, 6°56'48"E

Address

Gereonshof 2Innenstadt (Altstadt-Nord)Cologne 50670 Germany

Contact

+49 221 4745070

Website

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Day trips

St. Gereon's Basilica – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Käthe Kollwitz Museum, Minoritenkirche, St. Andrew's Church, August Sander Archive.

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Museum, Art museum
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Deutsches Tanzarchiv Köln, Cologne
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is St. Gereon's Basilica open?

St. Gereon's Basilica is open:

Monday 9:30 am - 12 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am - 12 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 12 pm
Thursday 2:30 pm - 5 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 12 pm
Saturday closed
Sunday closed

Which popular attractions are close to St. Gereon's Basilica?

Nearby attractions include Kölnisches Stadtmuseum, Cologne (5 min walk), Hl. Konstantin u. Helena, Cologne (6 min walk), EL-DE-Haus, Cologne (6 min walk), Sartory-Saal, Cologne (6 min walk).

How to get to St. Gereon's Basilica by public transport?

The nearest stations to St. Gereon's Basilica:

Tram

Appellhofplatz • Lines: 16, 18, 3, 4, 5 (8 min walk)
Christophstraße/Mediapark • Lines: 12, 15 (6 min walk)

Bus

Neumarkt • Lines: 136, 146 (13 min walk)
Rudolfplatz • Lines: 136, 146 (15 min walk)

Train

Köln Hansaring (13 min walk)
Cologne central station (14 min walk)

Light rail

Rathaus • Lines: 5 (17 min walk)