Great St. Martin Church: A Romanesque Masterpiece
Discover Cologne's resilient spirit at Great St. Martin Church, a Romanesque masterpiece rising from Roman ruins, offering a serene escape in the heart of the Old Town.
Great St. Martin Church, or Groß St. Martin, is a stunning Romanesque Catholic church gracing Cologne's Old Town. Its origins trace back to the 1st century AD, with the current structure built between 1150 and 1250. The iconic crossing tower, adorned with four turrets, dominates the skyline and serves as a powerful reminder of the city's rich history. Severely damaged during World War II, the church has been meticulously restored, revealing a seamless blend of Roman foundations and Rhenish architecture. Visitors can explore the minimalist interior, admire the cloverleaf-shaped ground plan, and even descend to the basement to view the ancient Roman ruins upon which the church was built. Located near the Rhine River and other landmarks, Great St. Martin offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Cologne's captivating past.
A brief summary to Great St. Martin Church
- An Groß St. Martin, Cologne, Innenstadt, 50667, DE
- +4922127794747
- Visit website
Local tips
- Descend into the church's basement to explore the fascinating Roman ruins that lie beneath the structure, offering a glimpse into Cologne's ancient past.
- Visit the Fischmarkt near the church for picturesque views of Great St. Martin's iconic tower and a taste of Cologne's charming Old Town atmosphere.
- Check the schedule for services by the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem, as the church may be closed to tourists during these times.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Rhine River and explore other nearby landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral and the Historic Town Hall.
- Look for the slightly hidden entrance at the rear of the church to begin your exploration of this architectural gem.
Getting There
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Walking
From Heumarkt, a central square and transport hub in Cologne's Old Town, Great St. Martin Church is a short walk. Head north, keeping the Rhine River roughly to your east. You'll see the distinctive tower of the church rising above the surrounding buildings. Walk along the narrow streets towards the tower, passing the Rathaus (Town Hall) on your left. The church is located on An Groß St. Martin. Note that the entrance is slightly hidden at the rear of the building.
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Public Transport
If arriving at Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station), take the subway (U-Bahn) line 5 to Rathaus station. From there, exit the station and walk north towards the Rhine River. The Great St. Martin Church will be visible, a short walk away. Alternatively, take tram line 5, 16, or 18 to Heumarkt station. From Heumarkt, follow the walking directions above. A single public transport fare within Cologne is approximately €3.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Cologne. Simply request a ride to An Groß St. Martin. From Cologne Central Station, a taxi ride will take approximately 5-10 minutes, costing around €8-€12, depending on traffic. Be aware that traffic in the Old Town can be congested, especially during peak tourist season.
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Driving
Driving directly to Great St. Martin Church is possible, but parking in the immediate vicinity is limited and can be expensive. Consider parking at Gross St. Martin parking garage (Am Hof 28, 50667 Köln, Germany). Hourly rates range from €1-3, and a daily rate is around €18. Alternatively, use the ParkMe app to find parking nearby. Be aware of the narrow streets and pedestrian zones in the Old Town.
Discover more about Great St. Martin Church
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