St. Ursula: Cologne's Bone Church
Discover Cologne's captivating Basilica of St. Ursula, a Romanesque church famed for its Golden Chamber, housing the bones of St. Ursula and her legendary 11,000 virgin companions.
The Basilica of St. Ursula in Cologne is far more than just another Romanesque church; it's a captivating, if slightly macabre, journey into local legend and history. Built upon the site of a Roman cemetery, the church is famous for housing the Golden Chamber, a reliquary filled with the bones of St. Ursula and her legendary 11,000 virgin companions. Whether the story is historical fact or pious fiction, the sheer volume of bones arranged in artistic patterns is a sight to behold. Beyond the Golden Chamber, the basilica boasts stunning architecture, valuable furnishings, and a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation. Located near the city center, it's an easily accessible and unforgettable stop for any visitor to Cologne.
A brief summary to Church of St. Ursula
- Ursulapl. 24, Cologne, Innenstadt, 50668, DE
- +492217880750
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit the Golden Chamber: The walls are lined with bones arranged in patterns, a unique and slightly macabre sight.
- Check Opening Hours: The church has specific opening times, especially for the Golden Chamber, so plan accordingly.
- Explore the Art: Don't miss the Baroque marble tomb of Saint Ursula and the Ursula cycle of 1456.
- Combine with Other Sites: St. Ursula is close to Cologne Cathedral and other Romanesque churches, making it easy to see multiple attractions.
- Consider a Guided Tour: Learn more about the history and legends of St. Ursula with a guided tour.
Getting There
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Walking
From Cologne Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), St. Ursula is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Exit the station towards the city center and follow Ursulastraße north. The church will be on your left, set back from the street on Ursulaplatz. This is a straightforward and well-signed route.
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Public Transport
If arriving by public transport, the closest major stop is 'Köln, Breslauer Platz/Hbf', served by multiple tram and bus lines. From there, walk northwest along Ursulastraße for about 5 minutes until you reach Ursulaplatz and the church. A single public transport ticket within Cologne costs approximately €3.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Cologne Central Station to St. Ursula will take about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €9-€12 for the ride. Simply provide the driver with the address: Ursulaplatz 24, 50668 Köln.
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Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of St. Ursula is limited and can be expensive. Several parking garages are available nearby, such as the Maternushaus car park (Tunisstraße / Auf dem Hunnenrücken). Expect to pay around €2.00 per hour or €24.00 for a full day of parking. Navigate to Ursulaplatz, but be prepared to park a short walk away.
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