Photo: architectural monuments, St. Mary cathedral and church of St. Severinus, Thuringia

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Two great neighbours – St. Mary cathedral and church of St. Severinus

Architectural Monuments

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Domplatz is one of the most beautiful and largest squares in Germany. Its main attractions are the St. Mary cathedral and church of St. Severinus, located next to each other on a small hill. The cathedral that used to accommodate the bishop, was initially a Roman basilica. In the middle of the 14th century it was supplemented by a gothic choir gallery. After the collapse of the old basilica in 1452 the entire cathedral was reconstructed in gothic style.

Since 1497 a huge bell Maria Gloriosa was mounted on the central tower. This is the largest of the functioning medieval bells in the world, famous for its melodious sound. The ancient bell is taken care of and is used only 8 times a year. There is a saying in the city: “If Gloriosa tolls, it is a celebration day”.

Entrance into the cathedral represents a triangle with two portals. One of them is decorated by a sculptural group, depicting St. Mary and 12 apostles. On the second portal there are statues of wise an injudicious maidens, with the figure of Archangel Michael defeating a dragon in the middle. The cathedral is very beautiful both on the exterior and interior. You will be attracted to the 15th century stained-glass windows decorating high windows on the gallery. One of the oldest treasures of the cathedral is a bronze chandelier Wolfram cast around 1160 in the shape of a man holding candles in his raised hands.

Standing next to the cathedral is gothic church of St. Severinus. It was built in 1280-1400. Its interior has not changed much since the construction. A sarcophagus with relics of St. Severinus is located in the aisle, with the depiction of the saint, his wife and daughter on it. There is a 14th century wide staircase with 70 stairs leading to the Cathedral Hill. Every summer theatre festival DomStufen-Festspiele takes place on the stairs and is included in the list of the most important cultural events in Germany.

Two great neighbours – St. Mary cathedral and church of St. Severinus

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