Photo: architectural monuments, Ulm Cathedral, Baden-Wuerttemberg

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Ulm Cathedral - the World’s Tallest Church

Architectural Monuments

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The Gothic Ulm Cathedral with the tallest spire in the world (161.53 m)long ago became not only an architectural dominant, but also a symbol of thecity. You can assess the structure’s height overcoming the 768 steps up thenarrow spiral staircase. The 141m-high observation deck offers panoramic viewsof Ulm and Neu-Ulm. In good weather you can even see the peaks of the Alps-from Mount Säntis in Switzerland up to the highest point in Germany, theZugspitze.

Interestingly,the highest church was built literally by the whole world and not for the stateor the church funds, but on donations from citizens. Not surprisingly, the constructionlasted for a total of 613 years. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laidin 1377. The construction involved the best architects of the time- Parler andvon Ensingen, Matthias Böblinger and Burkhart Engelberg. Jörg Syrlin the Eldercreated the choir stalls, the pulpit and the altar, and Jörg Syrlin the Youngercreated the stained glass windows. At the entrance visitors are welcomed by thesculpture Man of Sorrows by Hans Multscher. In 1543 the construction of UlmCathedral had to be suspended due to lack of funds to resume it only in themiddle of the XIX century. In 1890, the construction was finally completed withthe installation of the main spire. The cathedral can accommodate up to 20,000people.

Ulm Cathedral - the World’s Tallest Church

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