Must-See World Heritage Site: Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom, Cathedral Church of Saint Peter) in Germany by Elisa Schmitz

If you take a walk in downtown Cologne, Germany, you will likely see the indescribably beautiful Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom, Cathedral Church of Saint Peter). At 515 feet, it’s the tallest twin-spired church in the world. It can be seen from nearly every point in the city center, making it an easy point of orientation (and an enormous source of pride for those who live here).

Located in the city center, adjacent to the high-speed rail (ICE) train station, the cathedral is not only a revered monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture, but also a World Heritage Site that is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting about 20,000 people every day. And it only took 300 years to build! Although badly damaged because of bombing during World War II, the cathedral (and even its beautiful stained glass windows) survived and remained a beacon of faith and hope.

The cathedral is open to everyone. Whether you attend services or simply take a tour, you won't want to miss this breathtaking treasure. The cathedral is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (November through April), from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (May through October) and from 1 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

If you're looking for a lovely hotel to stay at in Cologne next to the cathedral, you can't get any closer (or lovelier) than the Excelsior Hotel Ernst. It is literally right across the street, in the middle of this thriving community on the Rhine River. This grand luxury boutique hotel has been family owned since 1863 and, despite its rich history, has updated rooms and modern amenities. Quiet and comfortable, its elegance matches its excellence in service, food and comfort.

Cologne is located on both sides of the Rhine River, and has a bustling hospitality industry with many quaint hotels and water-side restaurants. It's a magical getaway for couples looking for old-world romance, or a fantastic family trip filled with historic sights to see.

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