Halberstadt Cathedral
Sachsen-Anhalt
Halberstadt Cathedral, also known as the Church of St Stephen and St Sixtus, is a stunning Gothic church located in Halberstadt, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Constructed between 1236 and 1491, it replaced an earlier Romanesque structure and is inspired by French Gothic cathedrals, notably resembling the Cathedral of Reims. The cathedral served as the episcopal see of the Bishopric of Halberstadt, established in the early 9th century by Charlemagne. It has been a Protestant church since 1591 after its bishop adopted the Reformation. Despite severe damage during World War II, the cathedral was meticulously restored. Its interior preserves much medieval decoration, including impressive stained glass windows. The cathedral treasury is one of the largest medieval church treasuries outside the Vatican, housing over 600 art objects from the 5th to 18th centuries, including notable Byzantine pieces brought after the Fourth Crusade. The cathedral also features an organ installed in 1361, considered the first with a modern chromatic keyboard. The cathedral remains an active place of worship within the Evangelical Church in Central Germany and is a significant cultural and historical landmark.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM and 4 PM for a quieter experience. Consider downloading the cathedral's official app for a personalized audio guide. Tickets for the cathedral treasury and special exhibitions are recommended to be purchased in advance to avoid queues. Sundays and holidays offer services starting at 11 AM, with the cathedral open to visitors outside service times. Check the official website for special events and temporary exhibitions. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and students.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral treasury holds the largest medieval church treasure collection outside the Vatican, with over 600 art objects.
- •The organ installed in 1361 is believed to be the first with a modern chromatic keyboard.
- •Bishop Konrad von Krosigk brought valuable Byzantine artworks to Halberstadt after participating in the Fourth Crusade's sack of Constantinople in 1205.
- •A unique performance of John Cage's "As Slow as Possible" began in 2001 on an organ in nearby St. Burchardi church and will last 639 years, ending in 2640.
- •The cathedral's architecture is one of the few examples of French Gothic cathedral style in Germany, particularly inspired by the Cathedral of Reims.
History
The Bishopric of Halberstadt was founded around 804 as a mission and administrative center in newly conquered Saxon lands.
The original Carolingian cathedral was consecrated in 859 but collapsed in 965.
It was replaced by an Ottonian cathedral consecrated in 992, which suffered damage in 1179 during the city's destruction by Henry the Lion but was restored by 1220.
Construction of the current Gothic cathedral began in 1236, initially focusing on the west façade to allow continued use of the old cathedral.
The nave and choir were built over the following centuries, with the entire cathedral consecrated in 1491.
In 1591, Bishop Heinrich Julius introduced Protestantism to the cathedral, leading to a shared use by Protestant and Catholic clergy until secularization in 1810, when it became an exclusively Protestant parish church.
The cathedral sustained heavy damage in World War II but was restored in the post-war decades, preserving its medieval character.
Place Guide
West Façade and Towers13th-19th century
The west façade combines late Romanesque building traditions with early Gothic influences, featuring an open flying buttress system inspired by French cathedrals. The upper parts of the towers date mostly from the 19th century, designed by Otto Kilburger.
Nave and Choir13th-15th century
The high Gothic nave reaches an impressive height of 27 meters, with side aisles at 14 meters. Construction began around 1260 and was influenced by French Gothic cathedrals, especially Reims. The choir was built mid-14th century and consecrated in 1401, followed by the transept and eastern nave sections, completed in 1491.
Cathedral Treasury (Domschatz)
The treasury houses over 600 precious objects including textiles, ivory carvings, and medieval altars, many of Byzantine origin brought after the Fourth Crusade. It is considered the largest medieval church treasure outside the Vatican and offers visitors a unique insight into medieval ecclesiastical art.
Medieval Organ and John Cage Performance1361
Installed in 1361, the cathedral's organ is believed to be the first with a modern chromatic keyboard. Inspired by this, a performance of John Cage's "As Slow as Possible" began in 2001 in the nearby St. Burchardi church and is planned to last 639 years.
Contact
Phone: 03941 24237
