Germany: Cologne – Cologne Cathedral

The magnificent Cologne Cathedral is the most visited tourist site in Germany. Built between 13th and 15th centuries, it’s a spectacular Gothic building of insane for that time proportions – 145 m (474 ft) long, 87 m (283 ft) wide and towers are 157 m (515 ft) tall. When towers where completed to the original design in 1840, it was the tallest building in the world for 4 years. Its facade still remains the largest of any church on the planet. It is possible to climb to the top of the spires, no elevators, just a grueling spiral ascent. On the opposite – you could go underground for a collection of religious treasures. And just nearby is the Cologne Rathaus which is also spectacular.