Worms Cathedral is a church located in Germany in the city of Worms. It was built in honor of St. Peter in the Romanesque style in the XII century. The architecture of the cathedral, its history and unusual facts will be described in this essay.
Church history
The cathedral was built at the end of the XII century on the site of the demolished XI century basilica, made in the Romanesque style, when the main religion of Germany was Catholicism. It is located on a hill, which is the highest point in the city. Previously, in these places there were settlements of the Romans and Celts, since on the hill people were protected from floods.
Around the VI century, the first church was built in this place, which, in fact, is the forerunner of the Worms Cathedral. The lower tiers of the towers of this basilica became the basis of the Worms Church. The cathedral is a building in the Romanesque classical style with Gothic elements.
Church erection
St. Peter's Cathedral in Worms began to be built at the initiative of Bishop Burchard I. But large-scale work began only during the administration of the diocese by Bishop Burchard II. However, the construction of the cathedral was carried out for a long time and was completed in 1181 under Bishop Conrad II. The church was built on donations and funds of the diocese. However, funding was constantly lacking, and at that time construction technologies were limited, and this explains the duration of the construction of the Worms Cathedral: from 1130 to 1181.
Church architecture
As stated earlier, the Worms church is a mixture of two styles, classic Romanesque and Gothic. The eastern part of Worms Cathedral with a choir (upper open-type gallery) and transverse naves (an elongated part of the room, which looks like a ship), as well as a tower, were built in the first place. Later, the lateral and central naves were attached.
The facade of the church and the towers in the western part were built at the very end. Immediately after the construction was completed in 1181, the cathedral in Worms (Germany) was consecrated. However, in fact, the church was completed and expanded later. Completely construction was completed in 1234.
The entrance to the cathedral is located on the south side of the building, it is decorated with a majestic stone portal, which is made in the Gothic style. It was created in the 15th century. All plots depicted on the portal are taken from the Gospel and the Bible.
The chapel erected in honor of St. Nicholas adjoins it, it is his figure that adorns it. The saint is depicted holding a boat in his hand, as you know, he is considered the patron saint of sailors and sailors.
Interior decoration
Catholicism was the main religion in Germany at that time. This is displayed in the interior of the cathedral. The main shrine of the church is the altar, which was created by the famous master who worked in the Baroque style, I. Balthazar Neumann.
In the crypt (covered secret underground passage) of the cathedral, right under the altar, there are 8 tombstones of the first bishops of the church. The temple impresses not only with its skillfully executed stucco molding, scale, but also with the organ, which was installed in the middle of the 20th century.
It is amazing that in the Middle Ages, architects managed to erect such a magnificent cathedral. Inside the scale of the building is literally mesmerizing. The interior is fascinating, it has its own unusual and unique style. The statues of the saints and the stucco work, made in the Baroque style, are perfectly combined with the massive columns that hold the arch of the cathedral. The arches themselves resemble the naves of the temple, visually repeating them. The statues and decorative elements are gilded, and when the rays of the sun penetrate the cathedral, falling on the gilding, they illuminate the church with their radiance.
In the western part of the cathedral are stained glass windows that delight with the variety of glass colors. These mosaic windows are made in classic and gothic style. Surprising is the fact that all the elements of the interior are perfectly combined with each other, despite the fact that they are made in different styles.
The church belongs to the diocese of Mainz, being one of the three imperial cathedrals. Once in Worms and seeing its sights, you should definitely visit this temple. It is truly unique in its history and architecture. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists visit it.
Seeing the cathedral, you will be amazed at its beauty and monumentality. Its majesty is immediately noticeable, this temple, in addition to all its amazing characteristics, has an extraordinary energy. Seeing him, you will remember for a lifetime, because it is simply impossible to forget such beauty.