Guided Tour of the

Bells

As far back as the Middle Ages, the peal of Cologne Cathedral was renowned for its harmonious sound and its size, as the ‘Pretiosa’ was the largest free-swinging church bell of the 15th century. It still hangs today in the belfry of the south tower – and the site where it was cast has been identified during excavations beneath the cathedral floor.

You begin your tour in the excavation area, where you will learn about the technical aspects and history of bell casting. You then ascend to the first floor of the south tower, whose impressive tower hall housed the belfry from the Middle Ages until the 19th century. Here you can marvel at the mechanical clockwork of the cathedral clock, whilst 25 metres higher up one of the world’s oldest electrically operated bell-ringing mechanisms has been preserved. As the final highlight of the tour, you will experience – naturally with ear protection – the chiming of the bells up close.

Even if the mighty St Peter’s Bell, the legendary ‘Decke Pitter’, does not ring every time, it is an experience for many of the senses when the bronze of the bells is set chiming and the belfry is made to vibrate.

Important information: You will climb approximately 270 steps. We nevertheless recommend that you have a head for heights and do not suffer from vertigo. Bell tours always start at 6.30 pm.