Story from OnTheRoofs urban exploration journey across Europe.

The Cologne Cathedral impressed us in all kinds of ways. It was constructed from 1248 until 1880 or so. By the time it was finished the 157-meters high cathedral was the highest building in the world, and held that record for several years.

During the World War II, when the Allied bombing destroyed almost the entire city, the Cologne Cathedral was the only monument that didn’t get damaged. By unwritten agreement of the pilots, the Cathedral was cherished as a geographical landmark.

On one of the towers there is a public observation deck, but it was almost impossible to take pictures there because of the enclosing grid. Actually, it was the worst viewing platform I’ve ever seen. So we took a chance and sneaked to the other tower, where access is closed to tourists. We got lucky again, a small part of the building was in scaffolding.

Photo made by Vitaliy Raskalov in 2013.