Germany's Cologne Cathedral rolls out controversial €12 admission fee

Cologne Cathedral began charging a controversial admission fee of €12 ($14) on Wednesday, as the iconic western German landmark seeks to cover its increased costs.

A dpa reporter said the first visitors bought their entrance tickets on site on Wednesday morning, although only a handful of people were at the ticket office when it opened.

The Gothic cathedral announced its decision to charge an admission fee for the previously free-of-charge monument back in March, sparking outrage from many locals and tourists. 

The cathedral said the proceeds would be used for upkeep and protection of the twin-spired building, which dates back to the 13th century.

The World Heritage Site is to remain free for everyone on certain days of the year, including in the period from Epiphany on January 6 until the following Sunday, on May Day and on October 3, when Germany marks reunification.

Worshippers entering the church via the northern gate can pray in a designated area without having to pay the fee, which is charged at the western gate, according to the cathedral. Children under the age of 13 and people with severe disabilities are also exempt from the new ticket prices.

"The free-access prayer area is an important part of the new visitor concept. Cologne Cathedral will remain a place of worship that is open to people for prayer and personal reflection," Markus Frädrich from the cathedral chapter emphasized.

The Catholic cathedral in central Cologne, located right next to the Rhine river and the main train station, is one of the most visited landmarks in Germany, attracting 6 million visitors every year.