Trip Planner: Europe / Germany / Hesse / Wetzlar / Wetzlar Cathedral

Wetzlar Cathedral, Wetzlar

4.4

#1 of 16 in Things to do in Wetzlar

Wetzlar Cathedral is a large church in the town of Wetzlar, located on the Lahn river some 50 km north of Frankfurt (Hesse, Germany). Construction began in 1230 and is still unfinished, since the western front is still missing its northern belfry. Because of its long period of construction, the church combines romanesque, gothic and baroque architecture.The church has never been a bishop's seat, and therefore is not a cathedral in the English sense. The German term for "cathedral", Dom, often includes churches that lack a cathedra (a bishop's throne) and instead refers to any large medieval church. In Wetzlar, the main church has been called a Dom since the 17th century.In 897, Rudolf I, Bishop of Würzburg consecrated a Salvator Church replacing an older church on the same location. In early 10th century it became an Collegiate church devoted to St. Mary. Around 1170 the church was rebuilt into a romanesque basilica with two western spires. Parts of the western portal are still visible in the contemporary building.After 1230, the cathedral was rebuilt and extended again. Construction lasted until 1490 and remained unfinished. The church became a Hall church with two towers. Construction of the northern spire was started but abandoned long before completion (see image). The southern tower's steep pinnacle was made of wood and was destroyed by a fire in 1561. It was replaced by the baroque tower roof still extant today.

Plan your Wetzlar Cathedral visit and explore what else you can see and do in Wetzlar using our Wetzlar online trip itinerary maker .
Source

Create an itinerary including Wetzlar Cathedral

Places to stay near Wetzlar Cathedral

Wetzlar Cathedral Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

113 reviews

Google

4.5

facebook

4.3

53 likes

By Hocico On March 1, 2018

Die Kirche in Wetzlar wird sowohl von einer katholischen und einer evangelischen Gemeinde genutzt, was schon außergewöhnlich ist. Die verschiedenen Stilelemente passen irgendwie ganz gut zusammen - ei... more »

The Church in Wetzlar is used by both a Catholic and a Protestant community, which is already exceptional. The various style elements fit together somehow quite well — another reason to look at this church.

View original
By Parapandolo P On February 27, 2018

Al centro di una piccola piazza c’è questa chiesa caratteristica e molto particolare. Spiccano gli esterni Rossi ed il grande campanile. Merita una visita more »

In the center of a small square is this church feature and very particular. Stand out the exterior red and large Bell. Worth a visit

View original
By Yala66 On December 22, 2017

Da der Dom nun seit über 1000 Jahre gebaut wird und immer noch nicht fertig gestellt ist. Ist er Einzigartig in der Welt. Viele Baustile befinden sich am Gebäude. Romanisch Spätromansch Byzantinisch S... more »

Since the DOM now since is built over 1000 years and is still not finished. Is he unique in the world. Many architectural styles are located in the building. Romanesque Spätromansch Byzantine Gothic neo-Gothic expressionist still is the dome of one of the oldest churches in Germany, home to both denominations.

View original

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

By Sindy Powell On December 19, 2017

A must see. This is an impressive place full of history and charm

more less
By Micha Anderson On November 4, 2017

top

more less
By Clayton Conway On July 18, 2016

The outside is unfinished but the inside is beautiful.

more less
By David Lutkin On June 17, 2016

Nice to see, but sadly unfinished

more less
By Xaver Xassnytz On December 16, 2017

ein Dom mit nicht fertiggestelltem Anbau - da ist den Wetzlarer Bürgern um 1300 das Geld ausgegangen - heute sowohl evangelische als auch katholische Kirche - der Weihnachtsmarkt direkt um den Dom aufgebaut gliedert sich phantastisch in die gut erhaltene Altstadt mit vielen Fachwerk-Häusern ein - J.W.Goethe hat hier seine Lotte kennengelernt bei der er dann abgeblitzt ist - die Schüler lesen das dann in Werthers Leiden - und Leica Fototechnik kann mir anschauen - die Stadt ein lohnenswertes Ausflugsziel ☺

more less
a DOM with not the complete cultivation - since is run out of money around 1300 the Wetzlarer citizens - now Protestant as well as Catholic Church - the Christmas market around the Cathedral built fantastic divided into the well-preserved old town with many Timber-frame houses the city a - J.W.Goethe met here his Lotte in which he is then flashed - students read this then in Werther's suffering - and Leica cameras can look at me - a worthwhile destination ☺

View original

View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Wetzlar

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.