Cathedralof our lady
From the ruins of the late Roman fort that stood on the same site, a first cathedral church emerged by no later than the 7th century. The Romanesque columned basilica, inaugurated in 1089 as part of the Diocese of Constance until its dissolution in 1821, underwent numerous alterations and renovations after the Reformation. The last of these was the addition of the neo-Gothic spire in 1853. The cathedral was granted the title of ‘minor basilica’ in 1955.
Decisions of historic importance were made here, for example during the Council of Constance 600 years ago. This was where the synod convened that condemned the Prague church reformer Jan Hus to death for heresy on 6 July 1415.
TIP: Popular event locations: Constance cathedral and the cathedral square
The building and its square provide the historical backdrop to a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals and the open-air-theatre...
Sights worth seeing inside the cathedral
- Crypt: Dating from the 9th/10th century with the four original gilded medallions from the outer wall of the chancel. The largest in this store of treasure, unique in the Christian world, is the "Majestas Domini" that dates from around the year 1000.
- St Maurice's Rotunda: A circular structure built in around 940 as a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. In its centre lies the Holy Sepulchre, restored in the 13th century. The Rotunda was the starting and finishing point for great medieval pilgrimages, for example on the Swabian Route to Santiago de Compostela. The decorative figures and frescoes date from the Gothic and Renaissance periods.
- Cloister: Some parts date back to the 13th to 15th century. Late-Gothic frescoes can be seen in the St Sylvester's Chapel.
- St Conrad's Chapel: Dating from the 13th century, with the Crucifixion altar of Bishop Hugo von Hohenlandenberg (16th century).
- St Thomas Chancel: The late-medieval staircase known as the 'Schnegg' is richly decorated with figures and particulary striking.
- East chancel: Gothic pews with ornate woodcarvings and a Romanesque Madonna from the 13th century.
- Central nave: Romanesque monolithic columns from the 11th century, pulpit from 1680.
- Welser Chapel: A masterpiece of a late-Gothic sculpture.
- Westwerk: An early 16th century Renaissance organ and frescoes dating from various periods are located here...
- Entrance hall: Late-Gothic double doors and the "Great Christ of Constance".
Tip: Guided tours of the cathedral
There are many more fascinating features inside the cathedral, some of which can only be seen on one of the regular guided tours in the summer months. Accompanied tours are also possible at other times, by prior arrangement. If you are interested in a tour of the cathedral, please contact Konrad Schatz:
Tel: +49 (0)7531 369 2415 or +49 (0)174 757 6750.
| Price | Per person |
|---|---|
| Children up to the age of 6 | Free admission |
| Children up to 14 years of age | 1,00 Euro |
| Adults (ages 14+) | 2,00 Euro |
| Groups of 10 or more | 50 % discount |
