Oh, how I wish I hadn’t slept through those World History lectures in that huge auditorium my freshman year of college. Who in their right mind schedules World History at eight in the morning?
I was hoping to dazzle you today with dates and details about the Holy Roman Empire, the German monk Martin Luther, the Thirty Years Wars, the Reformation and Calvinism. Instead all I have are dazzling images of one of Bavaria’s renowned churches, one that weathered all the aforementioned turmoil quite beautifully.
I hope my top ten photos of Dom St. Peter in Regensburg, Germany will suffice.
I was hoping to dazzle you today with dates and details about the Holy Roman Empire, the German monk Martin Luther, the Thirty Years Wars, the Reformation and Calvinism. Instead all I have are dazzling images of one of Bavaria’s renowned churches, one that weathered all the aforementioned turmoil quite beautifully.
I hope my top ten photos of Dom St. Peter in Regensburg, Germany will suffice.
1. The Cathedral of St. Peter in Regensburg is considered the most important Gothic building in all of Bavaria. Considering there’s been a church on this site (fire claimed some of the early churches) as far back as 700 AD, today's Cathedral of St. Peter was destined for greatness. During the 19th century, King Ludwig I ordered a reversal of the Baroque additions originally done during the thirty-six year period beginning in 1613. From 1828-41, the Baroque dome typical of the period was replaced with the distinctive twin towers in a Gothic-style ribbed vault. In 1859-69 the transept gable and crossing spire were added, bringing the present day cathedral to completion.
2. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Regensburg and as such has been the center of the diocese since the 12th century. Considering the town council voted to become Lutheran during the Reformation period, today’s predominately Catholic town of Regensburg wasn’t about to abandon the 600 years of proud heritage (1260–1860) that went into the construction of their historic church. The town also boasts a connection to the current Pope, Pope Benedict XVI, given der Papst (Joseph Ratzinger) was once a Professor of Theology at Regensburg University and his brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, was the Kapellmeister (choirmaster) at the cathedral.
3. A large number of saints, kings and creatures where there, just above the front door, to greet Jimmy and me the day we visited the Dom with friends Joan and Jerry Avery. I’ve never been one for the spotlight, but I rather enjoyed the Gothic red carpet treatment. It certainly helped to have a clear conscience when entering the cathedral under such scrutiny.
4. Heavenly is what came to mind as we made our way into the cathedral. It’s amazing what high ceilings (105 feet) can do for lifting one’s spirits, much less the ample space (280 feet long, 114 feet wide). Think in terms of football fields and you’ll get a feel for the enormous size.
5. St. Peter has quite the presence in this cathedral that bears his name. He shows up nearly 100 times, from statues such as this one in the south aisle to depictions of his likeness in the stained glass windows. All medieval images of St. Peter include the oversized “key” to heaven.
6. This “Smiling Angel” on the southwest pillar has apparently been all smiles since she was
sculpted in about 1280 by the artist known as the Master of St. Erminold. The brochure published by the Diocese describes her as “the visible expression of the Gospel – the good news of the love of God became man.”
sculpted in about 1280 by the artist known as the Master of St. Erminold. The brochure published by the Diocese describes her as “the visible expression of the Gospel – the good news of the love of God became man.”
7. Many of the beautifully colorful stained glass windows in the cathedral date from the 14th century, including these in the south aisle depicting the lives of apostles and saints.
8. To the right of the high alter adjacent to the chancel is Sailer Chapel, an area set aside for private prayer. The chapel was erected by King Ludwig I in 1837 in memory of the Regensburg Bishop Johann Michael von Sailer (1751-1832), a former tutor to the King. The canopied Nativity Alter in the chapel dates from 1415-20.
9. The cathedral houses the largest free-hanging organ in the world with 80 registers. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the renowned boys’ choir (Domspatzen – "Cathedral Sparrows”), originally formed in 975. Their world-wide performances have earned the choir status as "the singing ambassadors of the city”. Their soft and natural ‘sound of Regensburg’ covers everything from 16th century chorale to contemporary music.
10. The Cathedral is the burial place of several important bishops as well as the site of a mass grave that includes the skeletals remains of 257 people exhumed during an archaeological excavation in the nave late in the 20th century.
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