Statue of St. Christophorus in Cologne Cathedral

The Statue of St. Christophorus in Cologne Cathedral is a medieval sculpture carved from volcanic tuff stone, standing about 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) tall near the former cathedral entrance. The work depicts the saint bearing the Christ child on his shoulders and commands attention through its scale within the space.

A master sculptor created this statue from volcanic tuff in the 15th century while Cologne Cathedral was still under construction. The work survived wars and environmental pressures that repeatedly threatened the cathedral building itself.

The statue shows St. Christophorus carrying the Christ child across a river, a scene that connected with travelers who came seeking protection for their journeys.

You will find the statue along the cathedral's main pathway where it is easy to locate and view. Local guides offer explanations about the religious and artistic details if you want to learn more during your visit.

The tuff stone used to carve the statue came from quarries near Cologne and was prized for its durability over time. This local material connected craftsmen's tradition with practical resilience against the elements.

Inception: 1470s

Creator: Tilman Burch

Made from material: tuff

GPS coordinates: 50.94122,6.95822

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42