Which Churches/Cathedrals Should You Visit While in Germany?

Christianity played a big role in the development of the society of both Germany and other European countries. Accordingly, today we have preserved a large number of cathedrals that were built with the aim of demonstrating the power and wealth of the church. Whether you support it, that is, whether you are a believer or not, the monumentality of these buildings will not leave you indifferent. Therefore, in the extension you will find 5, in my opinion, the most beautiful cathedrals in Germany that you must visit.

1. Frauenkirche Dresden

The original Church dedicated to Mary, the Virgin, was built between 1726 and 1743. It was designed by the famous Dresden architect Georg Baehr, who is the main representative of the German Baroque style in architecture. The imposing domed building was the symbol of the city for the next two centuries, until it was destroyed just before the end of the Second World War. Fortunately, a reconstruction project was carried out in 1993, and since 2005 the Frauenkirche has been in use again, symbolizing not only faith but also rebirth.

2. Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral it is a true example of the harmony that was striven for in medieval-Gothic architecture. Today it is under the protection of UNESCO (it was declared a world heritage site in 1996) and is the main tourist attraction of the city of Cologne.

The construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248, but it was finally completed only after seven centuries, that is, in 1880. Although many builders changed during the long construction period, fidelity to the original plans was maintained.

Today, the Cologne Cathedral, which is the second tallest in Europe and the third in the world (fun fact), symbolises the true strength and power of European Christianity.

3. Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral as we see it today, it was designed in the 1890s by Julius Rushford in the Neo-Renaissance style. It was actually a project of Wilhelm II whose goal was to create the primary cathedral of the new German Empire. Protestantism was to replace Catholicism as the dominant world religion. During the Second World War, a large part of the cathedral was destroyed, and the reconstruction began only in 1975. Today, Berlin Cathedral is the largest Protestant church in Germany as well as one of the most important dynastic tombs in Europe.

4. Cathedral in Aachen

Achen Cathedral is one of the best-preserved buildings from the Carolingian period. It represents a masterpiece that perfectly combines Western and Eastern Roman construction characteristics. Construction began between 790-800 under Emperor Charlemagne, and to this day it has a rich historical tradition - in the period from 936 to 1531, 30 German kings and 12 queens were crowned, it is a place of pilgrimage as well as the cathedral of the Aachen diocese. In 1978, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the first German monument to be declared a World Heritage Site.

5. Frauenkirche Munich

Frauenkirche Munich it was built in 1488 after only 20 years, and the main material was brick, in order to save money due to the lack of quarries in that region. It was designed by the builder from Munich, Jorg von Halsbach, and is located in the very center of the city. An interesting thing related to the Cathedral in Munich is the "Teufelstritt" or in literal translation the devil's footprint (devil's step) which is located at the very entrance. Legend has it that the devil stood in front and mocked the newly built church and the windows that were being installed. Of course there are more varied stories, and if you are interested in the details, quickly go to google search where you will find many interesting information.