Guided Tour of the Treasury

There is evidence of a precious church treasure at Cologne Cathedral dating back as far as the 9th century. Initially kept in the ‘Golden Chamber’ – mentioned as early as 1212 – and occasionally displayed to the public, the cathedral treasure was first exhibited in a museum setting in the mid-19th century in rooms within the northern transept. Since autumn 2000, it has been on display in the refurbished historic 13th-century vaulted cellars on the north side of the cathedral.

Covering an exhibition area of approximately 500 square metres, the display features precious reliquaries, liturgical vessels and vestments, as well as the insignia of archbishops and cathedral clergy from the 4th to the 20th century, medieval sculptures and Frankish grave finds. For conservation reasons, manuscripts are only displayed temporarily and in smaller special exhibitions.