Cologne Central Mosque
Zentralmoschee Köln • Köln Merkez Camii • DİTİB Central Mosque
Germany’s largest mosque — a modern architectural landmark of faith, dialogue, and integration.
At a Glance
Capacity
Up to 4,000 worshippers
Main prayer hall: ~1,200 in 2,000 m²
Location
Venloer Straße 160
50823 Köln-Ehrenfeld
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Timeline
Construction: 2009–2017
First prayers: June 2017
Inauguration: 29 September 2018
Dimensions
Two 55 m minarets
Dome ~30 m high (flower-bud design)
Total area: ~8,000+ m²
Architect
Paul Böhm (lead architect)
Influence: Gottfried Böhm
Managed by
DİTİB (Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs)
Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | DİTİB-Zentralmoschee Köln |
| Architectural Style | Modern with Neo-Ottoman elements (flower-bud dome) |
| Materials | Concrete shells, large glass panels for transparency |
| Prayer Hall | Approx. 2,000 m² with natural light |
| Facilities | Library, classrooms, community halls, shops, restaurants |
Architecture & Design
Unique Features
- Glass and concrete dome shaped like an opening flower bud
- Two 55-meter slender minarets
- Four curved concrete shells protecting the prayer hall
- Extensive use of glass for openness and natural light
- Modern European design blended with Islamic tradition
Symbolism
The transparent architecture symbolizes dialogue and integration between Muslim communities and German society.
History & Background
Timeline
- Project initiated in early 2000s
- 2005: Paul Böhm wins design competition
- 2009: Construction begins
- 2017: Completed and first prayers held
- 29 September 2018: Official inauguration
Significance
The largest mosque in Germany and a prominent symbol of modern Islamic architecture in Europe. It serves as a community hub and promotes interfaith dialogue.
Location & Access
Address: Venloer Straße 160, 50823 Köln (Ehrenfeld), Germany.
Easily reachable by public transport — Tram lines 3 & 4 stop at “Piusstraße” (2-minute walk).
Prayer Times & Jummah
Prayer times follow the local Cologne schedule (DİTİB/Diyanet method). Times change daily.
For accurate daily times:
- Official DİTİB Website
- Mawaqit app (DİTİB-Zentralmoschee Köln)
| Prayer | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Fajr | ~04:30 – 05:30 AM |
| Dhuhr | ~12:30 – 13:45 PM |
| Asr | ~16:30 – 18:00 PM |
| Maghrib | ~20:00 – 21:00 PM |
| Isha | ~21:45 – 23:00 PM |
Jummah (Friday Prayer)
Khutbah usually begins around 13:30–14:00. Women’s section available.
Visitor Information
Contact Details
Address: Venloer Straße 160, 50823 Köln
Phone: +49 221 50800 0
Website: www.ditib.de
Visiting Guidelines
- Open to visitors outside prayer times
- Guided tours available (advance booking recommended)
- Modest dress required in prayer areas
- Respectful behavior expected
- Shops and cafés on ground level open to everyone
