Great St. Martin Church

Overview

Great St. Martin is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, distinguished by its massive crossing tower topped with four corner turrets. Standing on the Rhine waterfront, its silhouette defines the Altstadt skyline alongside the cathedral.

Highlights

• Crossing Tower: The imposing trefoil-plan tower from the 12th century dominates the Fish Market square.
• Roman Foundations: The archaeological zone below reveals a 1st-century Roman warehouse and swimming pool.
• Restored Interior: Simple Romanesque lines rebuilt after near-total wartime destruction.

History

Founded as a Benedictine monastery church around 960 AD on a small Rhine island, the current structure dates mostly to 1150–1250. It was almost completely destroyed in WWII and painstakingly reconstructed between 1948 and 1985.

Visitor Tips

• Free admission; small fee for the archaeological zone below.
• Combine with a walk around the adjacent Fish Market (Fischmarkt) for photos of colorful gabled houses.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.