Council of ConstanceA historic medieval warehouse

600 years of history: the Council of Constance building was erected between 1388 and 1391 as a grain store and warehouse and hosted the Constance canvas fair for a time. From 1414 to 1418, it was the venue for the only election of a pope north of the Alps. The conclave convened from 8 to 11 November 1417 on the first floor of the building and elected Cardinal Otto Colonna, under the name Martin V, as the sole Pope.

In the 19th century, the upper hall was used for an exhibition of commemorative artefacts on the Council of Constance, and as a result, the building became known as the ‘Konzil’ (Council). Altered several times since that time, this historical building has been used as a venue for concerts and events since the beginning of the 20th century.

Cathedral
Hus Stone
Imperia statue
Island Mainau
Kaiserbrunnen fountain
Lenk fountain
Niederburg
Rheintor- und Pulverturm tower
Schnetztor tower
Town hall
Frescoes in Constance

Cathedral of our lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady was part of the Diocese of Constance until its dissolution in 1821, and features a variety of building styles due to the many alterations it has undergone over time. Six centuries ago, the synod would make life or death decisions regarding the accused, such as the theologian Jan Hus. You can find out more about the cathedral here. Tip: The building and its square also provide the historical backdrop to a wide range of events, including concerts and the memorable open-air-theatre...
Details anzeigen
A weighty monument
The 350-hundredweight Hus Stone lies at the place where Bohemian reformers Jan Hus and Jerome of Prague were burned at the stake for heresy during the Council of Constance. Now, a commemoration ceremony for the two men is held here every year on 6 July, the day of Hus’ death. Further information on the Hus stone is available here, or why not try our digital sightseeing walk ...
Details anzeigen
A courtesan as a landmark
Standing nine metres tall and weighing in at 18 tonnes, the Imperia statue has been the focus of discussion ever since it was erected, in particular the figures she holds in her hands. You can find out here what these figures are, why they are so special, on whom Imperia is modelled and what the Council of Constance was all about.
Details anzeigen
Flower Island of Mainau
Magnificent flowers, romantic walks, breathtaking nature and a flower island: the Mainau offers in every season fascinating experiences for all the family. Tip: The calendar of events fascinates with numerous offers!
Details anzeigen
A sight to behold on Marktstätte square
The Kaiserbrunnen fountain was built in 1897, and the figures decorating it were replaced in the 1990s. Since then, the fountain in the centre of the old quarter on Marktstätte square has featured caricatures such as a three-headed peacock with three papal tiaras. These commemorate the Council of Constance held from 1414 to 1418. Further information on the meaning of these figures and on the fountain in general is available here, or why not join the guided tour "the precence of the past" ...
Details anzeigen
A real eye-catcher
Striking and peculiar, the Lenk fountain entertains passers-by and drivers on one of Constance’s main thoroughfares. The fountain features caricatures of more than 30 notable personalities by local artist Peter Lenk. You can find out more about the fountain here. Tip: The Lenk fountain is only a short walk from St.-Stephans-Platz, the venue for one of the two popular weekly markets and the annual Constance wine festival at the end of July...
Details anzeigen
The oldest part of Constance
The picturesque alleys and facades, cosy taverns and restaurants in Constance’s oldest quarter provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll or a fun shopping spree. In addition to the Zoffingen Convent and Spitalkellerei winery, there are also several frescoes and charming patrician town houses to admire. Tip: Further information on Niederburg is available here.
Details anzeigen
The town's two tower
Rheintor tower was built in around 1200 as a prison and northern gateway to the town. In the early 14th century, Pulverturm tower was added to reinforce the town’s defences. For a time, it also served as the local prison, for example to hold a number of Jews imprisoned after the Council of Constance. Tip: Further information on Pulverturm tower and the Jewish population in Constance is available here.
Details anzeigen
A gateway into another world
Along with the Pulverturm and Rheintor towers, this 14th century edifice is the only defensive structure from medieval Constance that is still in existence. The half-timbered exterior of this southernmost extension of the town’s defences is a real eye-catcher. Whether on a stroll, on a guided tour or on a shopping spree , visitors to the old quarter will find Schnetztor tower a constant companion...
Details anzeigen
The many facets of the town hall
There are many treasures to be found among the buildings of the town council offices, from the Italian Renaissance-style courtyard and the former linen weavers’ guildhall to murals and the Haus Zum Thurgau. And there is as much to admire inside as there is outside, for example the artworks on show in the town hall gallery. Tip: Further information on the relics that can be seen in and around the town hall building is available here, or at events such as the open-air-chamber opera held in the courtyard in summer...
Details anzeigen
Wall paintings
The Hohe Haus (Tall House) features prime examples of the colourful frescoes that were painted on the facades of buildings in the old quarter during the Middle Ages. Constance has more frescoes than any other town or city in the German-speaking countries. Further information on Constance’s frescoes can be found here.
Details anzeigen

Council of ConstanceA historic medieval warehouse

Share Constance:

Subscribe to the Constance newsletter here: