St. Peter’s Cathedral – Bremen : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 9 Jul, 2023
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Welcome to the St. Peter’s Cathedral in Bremen, Germany! This majestic cathedral stands majestically at the heart of Bremen and is one of the main attractions of the city. Built between 1041 and 1065, St. Peter’s Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the world and is known for its unique architecture and history. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the cathedral and explore some interesting facts and information about this incredible landmark. We will also provide a travel guide, including the best tips and advice for visiting this breathtaking cathedral. So if you’re planning on traveling to Bremen, make sure to add St. Peter’s Cathedral to your list of places to see!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About St. Peter’s Cathedral – Bremen
1. St. Peter’s Cathedral in Bremen is the only German cathedral to feature both Romanesque and Gothic features.
2. St. Peter’s Cathedral was first built in 1040 and served as a main cultural and spiritual center for nearly 900 years.
3. The current-day cathedral is built on the ruins of the old church, as the cathedral was destroyed by fires in 1586 and 1612.
4. During WWII, the original organ was destroyed, but a new one made of plastic was created in 1960.
5. St. Peter’s Cathedral houses the Bremen Cathedral Treasury, a stunning collection of artifacts dating back to the 1190s, including gold-plated chalices, crosses, and reliquaries.
6. In 2004, St. Peter’s Cathedral underwent a ten-year restoration project, which converted the sanctuary to an organ hall and provided full access to the tower and the Rococo chapel.
7. There are two mummified cats located in the St. Peter’s Cathedral belfry, which were placed there by a previous caretaker who wanted to ward off evil spirits.
8. The organist’s pulpit at the church is designated as an “Organist’s Monument” by the church authorities.
9. The largest bell at the Bremen Cathedral, named “Emma”, weighs close to 8 tons and is one of the largest church bells in Germany.
10. St. Peter’s Cathedral is the second highest building in Bremen after the town hall.
History & Information About St. Peter’s Cathedral – Bremen
St. Peter’s Cathedral is the main church of the city of Bremen in Germany and is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany. It is located in the historical centre of the city, in the area around the Marktplatz. It is one of the most important sacred monuments of the Christian faith in the north-western part of Germany and is in the process of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The church was built in the Gothic style in the late 11th century and is regarded as one of the most significant Romanesque churches north of the Alps. The structure consists of an older church, which is 39 meters tall, with a newer and somewhat lower transept. It is characterized by its Romanesque towers, a five-story bell tower, and by its seven-meter nave. The church is surrounded by a beautiful old cemetery, as well as a cloister.
For centuries, it was part of the diocese of Bremen and was the traditional seat of the bishop in Bremen. In 1566, the bishop moved to the New Town and the church lost its status as a cathedral. However, it remains the religious center of the city and is the main monument of the old city. It is also the burial site of famous Bremen figures including the legendary chronicler, Ludwig Laeseke.
The church is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visiting the church, especially during service times to experience the singing, is a unique and beautiful way to immerse oneself in the culture and community of Bremen.
Travel Guide For Visiting St. Peter’s Cathedral – Bremen
Welcome to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Bremen! As one of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in Germany, this is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area. Read on for more information and tips on visiting this incredible destination.
Location: St. Peter’s Cathedral is located in the center of Bremen, in northwestern Germany. It is the city’s main Catholic church and a popular tourist attraction.
When to Visit: St. Peter’s is open to visitors from April to October, daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. From November to March, the cathedral is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Guided tours are available throughout the year.
What to See: Inside the cathedral you can find many awe-inspiring works of art and religious artifacts, including a Gothic polychrome sculpture of the crucifixion from the Middle Ages and other beautiful stained glass windows. The exterior of the building is also impressive, decorated with gargoyles and other intricate carvings.
Admission: Admission to the cathedral is free. However, you may want to consider purchasing a ticket for a guided tour, which will cost approximately €4-€6, depending on the number of people in your party.
Transportation: The easiest way to get to St. Peter’s Cathedral is to take a tram or bus from the main train station. Alternatively, you can walk or take a taxi.
Additional Tips: St. Peter’s Cathedral is just a short walk away from many other popular attractions in Bremen, including the town hall, the historic Schnoor quarter and other churches. If you plan to visit multiple sites on the same day, consider purchasing a tourist pass which will provide you with discounted entrance fees and access to all of the main attractions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Peter’s Cathedral – Bremen
Q. When was St. Peter’s Cathedral constructed?
A. The foundation of Bremen’s city and cathedral parish church of St. Peter was laid in the year 789, making it one of the oldest churches in Germany. Construction of the current, gothic revival building was completed in 1888.
Q. What is the main purpose of St. Peter’s Cathedral?
A. St. Peter’s Cathedral is both a religious and cultural centre, as an active parish church and home to the Bremen Cathedral Choir. It serves as a venue for worship, prayer, concerts, and community events.
Q. What is the seating capacity of St. Peter’s Cathedral?
A. St. Peter’s Cathedral can seat up to 1,000 people.