The Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most famous churches, will start charging admission fees to tourists from July onward. Although charging for entry to a church is not commonplace in Brazil, it has become a common practice in European tourist sites. The exact prices for the tickets will be announced in early June, according to the cathedral's administration.

The decision to implement an entrance fee comes after six years of operating at a loss, despite receiving funding from both the city of Cologne and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The maintenance costs for the cathedral are substantial, amounting to approximately 44,000 euros per day. This financial burden has prompted the church to take steps to secure its future and ensure that it can continue to provide services and preserve its historic significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cologne Cathedral, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and towering height of nearly 160 meters, attracts around 6 million visitors each year. The funds raised through the ticket sales will be utilized for the cathedral’s upkeep, supporting not just the building's maintenance but also its role in hosting religious services and cultural events. As this shift occurs, it raises questions about the accessibility of historic religious sites and the intersection of tourism with sacred spaces.