Photo: architectural monuments, The Paderborn Cathedral , North Rhine-Westphalia

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Three hares in the Paderborn Cathedral

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The foundation of the Paderborn cathedral was laid by Karl the Great himself in 777 for the “Assembly of the Reich”. All church leaders, earls and princes arrived to participate in it. The first cathedral was built from wood and did not last long, however it served as a basis for spreading Christianity further to the north. The modern cathedral is the fifth in succession. It was constructed in the 13th century during the transfer period from Roman style to Gothic.

The three-pace Paderborn cathedral can boast of a 100-metres-long hall and a 92-metres-tall spire of the western tower. The main treasure of the church is a vault with the relics of the city patron St. Liborius. Due to its size (32x12 m) it is considered one of the largest vaults in Germany. In Medieval Ages the relics of the saint were stolen but later returned.

Inside the cathedral you should see the 13th century Heavenly Gates, 14th century Pieta sculpture, late 15th century high Gothic altar and double image of Madonna, monumental burial of bishop Dietrich IV and the 17th century Regency style cathedra. From the courtyard you can see the 16th century window with three hares running in a circle. In Christianity this emblem is interpreted as the symbol of the Trinity. Interestingly, only three hare ears are drawn in the picture, yet it feels like each animal has two ears. This image is considered one of the symbols of Paderborn.

Three hares in the Paderborn Cathedral

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