Speyer Cathedral
Speyer, Germany
02.04.2017
The Speyerer Dom, also known as Speyer Cathedral, is a magnificent Romanesque church located in the historic city of Speyer in Germany. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest and most important Romanesque buildings in Europe and is a must-see for any visitor to Speyer.
The construction of the Speyerer Dom began in 1030 under the direction of Emperor Conrad II and was completed in 1061. It was built to serve as the final resting place for German emperors and has since become a symbol of imperial power and prestige. The cathedral's impressive size, measuring at 134 meters long and 33 meters wide, is a testament to the wealth and influence of the Holy Roman Empire.
Visitors to the Speyerer Dom will be awestruck by its grandeur and architectural beauty. The exterior boasts intricate Romanesque detailing and features five imposing towers, including the tallest Romanesque bell tower in the world. The interior is equally impressive, with a stunning nave supported by massive columns and adorned with colorful frescoes and intricate stonework.
One of the most notable features of the Speyerer Dom is the Imperial Crypt, which houses the tombs of eight German emperors and kings, as well as their family members. This is the largest preserved crypt in Europe and is a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Holy Roman Empire.
In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Speyerer Dom also plays an important role in the religious life of the city. It is still an active place of worship and hosts regular masses and services.
Visitors to the Speyerer Dom can also explore the nearby Bishop's Palace, which houses a museum with a collection of religious art and artifacts from the cathedral's history.
Overall, the Speyerer Dom is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religious art. Its grandeur and significance make it a true gem in the city of Speyer and a must-see for any traveler to Germany.
Speyer Cathedral, a basilica with four towers and two domes, was founded by Conrad II in 1030 and remodelled at the end of the 11th century. It is one of the most important Romanesque monuments from the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The cathedral was the burial place of the German emperors for almost 300 years.
Speyer Cathedral, officially the Imperial Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and St Stephen, in Latin: Domus sanctae Mariae Spirae (German: Dom zu Unserer lieben Frau in Speyer) in Speyer, Germany, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Speyer and is suffragan to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bamberg. The cathedral, which is dedicated to St. Mary, patron saint of Speyer ("Patrona Spirensis") and St. Stephen is generally known as the Kaiserdom zu Speyer (Imperial Cathedral of Speyer). Pope Pius XI raised Speyer Cathedral to the rank of a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church in 1925.
Begun in 1030 under Conrad II, with the east end and high vault of 1090–1103, the imposing triple-aisled vaulted basilica of red sandstone is the "culmination of a design which was extremely influential in the subsequent development of Romanesque architecture during the 11th and 12th centuries". As the burial site for Salian, Staufer and Habsburg emperors and kings the cathedral is regarded as a symbol of imperial power. With the Abbey of Cluny in ruins, it is the largest remaining Romanesque church and building. It is considered to be "a turning point in European architecture",
one of the most important architectural monuments of its time and one of the finest Romanesque monuments.In 1981, the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites as "a major monument of Romanesque art in the German Empire".
