Tourists have been banned from visiting the Cologne Cathedral in Germany for an unknown period. The reason is the increased terrorist threat.
Cologne Cathedral was closed to tourists
The press service of the Cologne Cathedral reported that the cathedral will be open only for church services due to the current security situation.
Please be prepared for an ID check upon entry. Arrive a little earlier than usual and, if possible, don't bring bags.
Outside services, the cathedral will be closed to visitors. The tower climb and the cathedral treasury will remain closed until further notice.
Also, all tours of particular cathedral areas, such as the cathedral's excavations and roof, will not occur.
Since tourists cannot light a candle in the cathedral, they are offered to do it in a special kiosk at the Christmas market.
Anyone who lights a candle in front of Cologne Cathedral these days also sets an example of peace. May this sign of peace grow, spread and shine throughout the world as a sign of reconciliation, the cathedral's rector Guido Assmann said.
Up to 100,000 tourists usually visit Cologne Cathedral during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Explosives were searched for in Cologne Cathedral
On the night of December 24, the police searched for explosives in the Cologne Cathedral for several hours due to the increased threat level.
However, Christmas services were held in the cathedral without incident, but with the observance of security measures.
On December 24, it became known that the Islamist terrorist group may want to carry out several attacks in Europe on the eve of the New Year or Christmas.
Targets may have included Christmas services in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid. In particular, the mention of Cologne is related to the New Year.
Several Islamists were arrested in Vienna and Germany.
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