St. Andreas - Andriyivskyy Descent and St. Andrew's Church
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St. Andreas

4.5
·370 reviews·Köln, Germany

A historic Romanesque Catholic church in Cologne, featuring a crypt with notable figures and a blend of Gothic furnishings and Christian art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St. Andreas - Andriyivskyy Descent and St. Andrew's Church

St. Andreas

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Romanesque Catholic church in Cologne, featuring a crypt with notable figures and a blend of Gothic furnishings and Christian art.

4.5
(370 reviews)

"Probably one of the most impressive in Köln, with a crypt, amazing sculptures, artefacts, fresque and stained glass!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the Crypt

Don't miss the crypt with St. Albertus Magnus's remains and the Maccabee shrine. :scroll:

🎨 Admire the Art

Enjoy the mix of contemporary and traditional stained glass and art depicting St. Andrew. :frame_photo:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Crypt of St. Albertus Magnus

The Crypt of St. Albertus Magnus

Underneath the church

Discover the final resting place of the 13th-century theologian and philosopher, St. Albertus Magnus, in a stone sarcophagus.

Maccabee Shrine

Maccabee Shrine

Crypt

See the gilded reliquary said to contain relics of the seven holy Maccabee brothers and their mother.

Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Interior

Admire a captivating blend of contemporary and traditional stained glass, illuminating the church's interior.

Art Depicting St. Andrew

Art Depicting St. Andrew

Interior

Explore sculptures and paintings that tell the story of Saint Andrew, including his crucifixion.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to St. Andreas

While St. Andreas is less crowded than the nearby Dom, consider visiting on weekday afternoons for a more serene experience. Some tours of the art and stained glass are offered on specific afternoons, so check local listings.

Exploring St. Andreas's Treasures

Don't miss the crypt, which houses the remains of St. Albertus Magnus and the Maccabee shrine. The church also features a mix of contemporary and traditional stained glass, and art depicting St. Andrew.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons with art tours
Why
Learn about art and glass
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here’s a guide to planning your first trip to Japan! 🇯🇵 📌Save this guide for when you visit Japan! ✨Which tip was the most helpful? ✨ Hi, I’m Andrea, and I share travel guides, tips, and inspiration! Follow @dearandrea_ on my adventures in Sydney and abroad! 🤍 • • • • • #traveltips #japantravelguide #tokyo #japan #tokyojapan #myjapan #traveljapan #explorejapan #discoverjapan #japantravel #japantri...
@dearandrea_
53.6K likes • 866.7K views

🎯 Explore the Crypt

Don't miss the crypt with St. Albertus Magnus's remains and the Maccabee shrine. :scroll:

🎨 Admire the Art

Enjoy the mix of contemporary and traditional stained glass and art depicting St. Andrew. :frame_photo:

Replying to @jordy_camm Here’s how you should plan your Kyoto trip! ⛩️ 📌Save these tips for when you visit Japan! ✨Which tip was the most helpful? ✨ Hi, I’m Andrea, and I share travel guides, tips, and inspiration! Follow @dearandrea_ on my adventures in Sydney and abroad! 🤍 • • • • • #traveltips #japantravelguide #kyoto #kyototrip #japan #kyotojapan #traveljapan #explorejapan #discoverjapan #japa...
@dearandrea_
14.2K likes • 310K views
Herzliche Einladung zu unserem ersten Choral Evensong am 30.1.25 um 18h in der Kirche St. Andreas in Köln. Im Schatten des Doms werden wir während des ca. einstündigen Abendgebets Werke von Lloyd, Radcliffe, Noble und Ireland aus der englischen Chortradition aufführen.
atheobald100
164 likes • 0 views

🆓 Free Art Tours

Check for free afternoon tours of art and stained glass; guides are often knowledgeable. :microphone:

📍 Proximity to Dom

St. Andreas is just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral, making it easy to visit both. :church:

Die Hauptorgel in der Basilika St.Andreas in Köln wurde im Jahr 1995 von Gert Weyland erbaut. Sie verfügt über 45 Register, verteilt auf 3 Manuale und Pedal. #orgel#organ#organo#orgelbau #orgelbau#orgue#kirchenorgel #kirchenorgeln #churchorgans #churchorgan #churchphotography #pipeorgan #pipeorgansofinstagram #pipeorgans #orgelreise #pfeifenorgel #pfeifenorgeln
weiluwe
132 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Crypt

Don't miss the crypt with St. Albertus Magnus's remains and the Maccabee shrine. :scroll:

🎨 Admire the Art

Enjoy the mix of contemporary and traditional stained glass and art depicting St. Andrew. :frame_photo:

🆓 Free Art Tours

Check for free afternoon tours of art and stained glass; guides are often knowledgeable. :microphone:

📍 Proximity to Dom

St. Andreas is just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral, making it easy to visit both. :church:

🤫 Respectful Visits

Be mindful of ongoing services; some visitors have reported feeling unwelcome during mass. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(370 reviews)

Reviews Summary

St. Andreas is praised for its beautiful Christian art, impressive stained glass, and significant crypt, offering a less crowded alternative to the nearby Dom. While some visitors find it a must-see for its historical and artistic value, a few have noted less welcoming experiences during services.

"Quite amazing that there are so many large churches in close proximity to each other. St Andrew is just a few hundred meters from the dome and much less visited. It’s a beautiful building and has a quaint crypt downstairs."

Thomas Meyer

"Beautiful Christian art! There is a free tour of the art pieces and stained glass some afternoons at 4pm. The lady that showed on a Fri afternoon was very well versed and speaks excellent English. Highly recommended church just metres outside of the Köln Dom!"

Maya lim

"Fantastic Church with a crypt, amazing sculptures, artefacts, fresque and stained glass! Probably one of the most impressive in Köln"

Jeronimas

What People Like

Beautiful Christian art
Impressive stained glass
Quaint crypt

What People Dislike

Can feel unwelcoming during services

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Andreas is conveniently located in Cologne's old town, very close to the Cologne Cathedral (Dom). You can easily reach it by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is also a pleasant option, taking about 10-15 minutes. Instagram

Yes, St. Andreas is situated just a few hundred meters from the iconic Cologne Cathedral, making it quite easy to locate. Its proximity to major landmarks ensures you won't have trouble finding it. Reddit

For a day trip, arriving by train to Cologne Hauptbahnhof is ideal. From there, St. Andreas is a short walk. If you're coming from within the city, trams and buses are efficient options. TikTok

Parking in the immediate vicinity of St. Andreas can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a multi-story car park a short walk away if you are driving. Instagram

Absolutely! St. Andreas is perfectly situated to be combined with visits to the Cologne Cathedral, the Roman-Germanic Museum, and other historical sites in the old town. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to St. Andreas church itself is generally free. However, access to specific areas like the crypt or special exhibitions might incur a small fee or be part of a guided tour. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but churches like St. Andreas are typically open during daylight hours for visitors. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information, especially around holidays or special events. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are sometimes available, particularly for the art and stained glass. These tours often take place on specific afternoons and can provide valuable insights. Reddit

While the church is free to enter, there might be a small fee or donation requested for access to the crypt to help with its upkeep. Reddit

For specific events like concerts (e.g., Choral Evensong or organ recitals), tickets may be available for purchase online or at the venue. Check event listings for details. Instagram+1

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Inside St. Andreas, you'll find beautiful Christian art, a mix of contemporary and traditional stained glass windows, and sculptures depicting St. Andrew. The crypt is a significant highlight. Reddit

The crypt contains the remains of St. Albertus Magnus in a stone sarcophagus and the Maccabee shrine, a gilded reliquary believed to hold relics of the seven holy Maccabee brothers. Reddit

Yes, St. Andreas offers many opportunities for photography, especially with its stained glass and artistic elements. However, always be respectful of ongoing services and any posted photography restrictions. Instagram

While generally quieter than the Dom, St. Andreas can experience periods of quiet reflection. However, some visitors have noted that during services, the atmosphere can be more active, and it's important to be mindful of worshippers. Reddit

St. Andreas is primarily Romanesque in style, with some Gothic furnishings. It was first built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the 12th century. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no restaurants located directly inside St. Andreas church. However, being in the heart of Cologne's old town, you'll find numerous dining options just a short walk away. Instagram

The area around St. Andreas offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, from traditional German pubs and cafes to international cuisine. You'll find something to suit every taste and budget. Instagram

Yes, numerous cafes are located in the vicinity of St. Andreas, perfect for a coffee break or a light snack while exploring the area. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy lunch at the restaurants near St. Andreas before or after attending events like the 'lunch concerts' held there. Instagram

Absolutely. While there are upscale dining options, you can also find more affordable eateries, bakeries, and Imbiss (snack stands) in the surrounding streets. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The stained glass windows, the intricate details of the sculptures, the altar, and the crypt are all excellent subjects for photography inside St. Andreas. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside St. Andreas, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Avoid using flash if it might disturb others. Instagram

Late afternoon can be ideal, as the light filtering through the stained glass can create beautiful effects. However, the church is also atmospheric at other times. Instagram

While not always explicitly stated, it's courteous to avoid intrusive photography, especially during religious services. Some specific exhibits or areas might have signage regarding photography. Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted in urban areas like Cologne, especially around historical buildings and churches, due to privacy and safety regulations. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Andreas can be a good stop for families, especially if you can catch one of the afternoon art tours. The stories behind the stained glass and the art depicting St. Andrew can be engaging for older children. The crypt, with its historical figures and relics, might also spark curiosity. Reddit

Keep in mind that St. Andreas is an active place of worship. While generally welcoming, it's important to ensure children are respectful during services. The church is not a playground, so managing expectations for very young children is key. Consider a shorter visit focused on the main nave and perhaps a quick peek into the crypt. Reddit

⛪ Religious & History Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in religious history and art, St. Andreas is a must-visit. Its Romanesque architecture, combined with Gothic furnishings, offers a rich historical narrative. The presence of St. Albertus Magnus's tomb and the Maccabee shrine are significant draws for pilgrims and history buffs. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the crypt and examine the various artworks and stained glass windows, which tell stories of faith and local history. If possible, attending a service or a concert can provide a deeper spiritual and cultural connection to the site. Instagram+1

🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples

Solo travelers and couples will appreciate St. Andreas for its relatively peaceful atmosphere, especially compared to the nearby Dom. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection, appreciating art, and soaking in centuries of history. The proximity to other attractions makes it easy to incorporate into a walking tour of Cologne's old town. Reddit

Consider timing your visit for an afternoon art tour to gain more context, or simply wander through the nave and crypt at your own pace. The church offers a moment of calm and beauty amidst the city's bustle. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of St. Andreas

St. Andreas in Cologne boasts a history stretching back to the 10th century, with its current Romanesque structure largely dating from the 12th century. This ancient church has witnessed centuries of Cologne's development and has been a significant religious and cultural site. Its resilience through various historical periods is a testament to its enduring importance. Reddit

The church's interior showcases a fascinating blend of historical periods, incorporating Gothic furnishings alongside its Romanesque architecture. This layering of styles reflects its long and evolving history. Visitors can explore the remnants of its past, offering a glimpse into medieval religious life and art. Reddit

Key historical figures are associated with St. Andreas, most notably St. Albertus Magnus, a renowned 13th-century theologian and philosopher whose remains are interred in the church's crypt. This connection adds a layer of intellectual and spiritual significance to the site, drawing those interested in historical figures and religious heritage. Reddit

Artistic Treasures of St. Andreas

St. Andreas is a treasure trove of Christian art, featuring a diverse collection that appeals to art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The church is particularly noted for its impressive stained glass windows, which range from traditional designs to more contemporary creations, bathing the interior in colorful light. InstagramReddit

Beyond the stained glass, the church houses various sculptures and paintings, many of which depict its patron saint, Saint Andrew, and key moments from his life, including his crucifixion. These artworks provide visual narratives and add to the spiritual ambiance of the space. Reddit

Special attention is given to the crypt, which not only holds the remains of St. Albertus Magnus but also the Maccabee shrine. This gilded reliquary is a significant artifact, traditionally believed to contain relics of the seven holy Maccabee brothers and their mother Salome, adding a layer of historical and religious intrigue. Reddit

Experiencing St. Andreas: Beyond the Tourist Trail

While St. Andreas is located near the bustling Cologne Cathedral, it offers a more tranquil and less crowded experience, allowing for deeper contemplation. Many visitors find it a welcome respite from the larger tourist attractions, appreciating its unique atmosphere and historical depth. Reddit

Attending a service or a concert at St. Andreas can be a particularly enriching experience. The church hosts events like Choral Evensong and 'lunch concerts,' providing an opportunity to hear beautiful music in a sacred setting. These events offer a chance to connect with the living community of the church. Instagram+2

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding, guided tours are sometimes available, focusing on the church's art and history. These tours, often led by knowledgeable individuals, can significantly enhance the visitor's appreciation of the site's artistic and historical significance. Reddit

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