St. Ursula Church

Overview

The Church of St. Ursula is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, famous for its Goldene Kammer (Golden Chamber) — a Baroque chapel whose walls are entirely covered with bones and relics of the legendary 11,000 virgin martyrs.

Highlights

• Golden Chamber: Walls decorated with human bones arranged in geometric patterns and inscriptions.
• Romanesque Tower: A distinctive 12th-century bell tower visible across the northern Altstadt.
• Legend of St. Ursula: The patron saint of Cologne whose legend inspired the city's coat of arms.

History

Built over a late-Roman cemetery church, the Romanesque structure dates to the 12th century. The Golden Chamber was created in the 17th century to display relics from mass graves found during medieval construction.

Visitor Tips

• The Golden Chamber requires a small admission fee — don't skip it, it's unlike anything else in Cologne.
• Quiet church — far less visited than the cathedral.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.