Germany: Backpack ban brought into force for Cologne cathedral visitors

Security measures were strengthened outside Cologne cathedral, Wednesday, in a bid to ensure safety inside the building. Cologne cathedral prevost and prelate Gerd Bachner stated that, from March 1, 2017, security officials and cathedral staff will be carrying out security controls at the cathedral's entrance, and that large luggage is no longer admitted inside the building. "Like with planes, handbags are allowed [inside the cathedral], but [people] with larger backpacks or suitcases must deposit them," said Bachner. "These are the regulations that are now in force so that people can enter the cathedral as tourists or as pilgrims without any worries," he continued.