Access to the famous Cologne Cathedral outside religious services will be available for a fee, starting in July. The decision to charge entry to the UNESCO World Heritage site has raised eyebrows in Germany.
One of the most famous churches in Europe, Cologne Cathedral, will introduce an entrance fee for visitors from July 1. Thus, adults who want to enter the monument that is part of the UNESCO world heritage outside the hours reserved for religious services will pay 12 euros.
The move was met with displeasure by many Germans, but representatives of the cathedral’s chapter, the institution that manages the edifice, claim that the decision was made because of the increasing expenses related to the preservation and operation of the building.
“The new visitation fee is not intended to generate profit, but to ensure the very survival of the cathedral,” said treasurer Clemens van de Ven, explaining that, in addition to current expenses, there is also a need to create “reserves” to cover future costs. According to the administrators, the maintenance of the cathedral will cost approximately 16 million euros this year. The amount is considerable even after the staff reduction, the number of employees falling from 100 to 85, notes Agerpres.
The announcement regarding the introduction of the 12 euro tax was made as early as March and generated negative reactions among Germans. Critics of the move included the monument’s former chief architect, who warned that charging a fee risks changing the cathedral’s purpose, turning a missionary building into a “museum” accessible mainly to those who can afford to pay.
Children will be exempt from payment
In this context, the administrators say that they took into account the reactions that arose after the initial announcement, the institution “carefully followed the public debate” and took into account the many requests for free access for children.
Thus, children under 13 and people with disabilities will not pay to visit the cathedral. Teenagers, schoolchildren and students will benefit from a reduced rate of 6 euros, in exchange for which they will have access to the nave, treasury and tower, areas which, by the way, already had a paid visit regime.
The new rule will not affect the faithful’s access to religious services. Participation in services and major Catholic holidays will continue to be free, and the faithful will also be able to enter the northern transept outside the liturgical program. Also, the cathedral will be free to visit on two important days for Germany: May 1, International Labor Day, and October 3, German Reunification Day.
Built over nearly six centuries, between the 13th and 19th centuries, Cologne Cathedral is considered one of the most important achievements of European Gothic architecture.
The monument, included in the UNESCO world heritage list since 1996, attracts around six million visitors annually and is among the most visited tourist attractions in Germany.
The introduction of an access fee for important monuments is not new in Europe. Visitors already pay to enter Duomo di Milano or St Paul’s Cathedral. However, access still remains free to other landmark places of worship such as Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
