Located in the vibrant Ehrenfeld neighbourhood of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Cologne Central Mosque stands as Germany's largest mosque. Designed by renowned church-architecture specialist Paul Böhm alongside Gottfried Böhm, this modern complex blends German Postmodern style with traditional Neo-Ottoman inspiration. Commissioned by DİTİB, the striking structure was completed in 2017 and features flat-like wall screens forming a central dome, accompanied by two soaring 55-meter-high minarets.
As you approach, an inviting staircase leads you up from the street into a 4,500-square-metre space designed with transparency in mind. The building's expansive glass walls are intentionally crafted to offer you a welcoming sense of openness. Inside, you can discover a massive upper-floor prayer area capable of accommodating up to 4,000 worshippers, a peaceful central well connecting the building's levels, a dedicated Muslim library, and basement lecture halls.
The mosque was purposefully planned with inclusive secular areas—including a ground-floor bazaar, a restaurant, event halls, and stores—that actively welcome visitors of all faiths to explore, shop, and engage in interfaith interaction.
What to see at Cologne Central Mosque
- Striking German Postmodern design inspired by Neo-Ottoman architecture
- Expansive glass walls designed to create a welcoming feeling of openness
- Two prominent 55-meter-high minarets defining the modern skyline
- Ground-floor bazaar and secular spaces open to people of all religions
- Spacious main prayer hall with room for thousands of worshippers
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit the ground-floor secular areas, such as the bazaar, restaurant, and stores, which are specifically open to visitors of all religious backgrounds.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Cologne Central Mosque is easy to reach on Cologne’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Wallraf–Richartz Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Cologne travel guide.
See the full Cologne travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.