Schleswig Cathedral, known locally as Schleswiger Dom, stands as a majestic testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This grand structure, dedicated to Saint Peter, is not just a religious beacon but also a symbol of the region's cultural and historical heritage.
The origins of Schleswig Cathedral trace back to a humble mission church established in 850 in the nearby Viking settlement of Haithabu. By 947, King Otto I had founded three bishoprics on the Jutland Peninsula, including the Diocese of Schleswig. The first cathedral in Schleswig was constructed soon after, though its exact location and dimensions remain a mystery.
The first documented mention of the cathedral we see today dates back to 1134 when the citizens of Schleswig killed the Danish King Niels, who had refused to seek refuge in St. Peter’s Church. The initial structure at this site was a three-aisled Romanesque basilica with flat ceilings. The last recorded Romanesque construction was the completion of the transept around 1200. This early cathedral featured walls of rubble masonry with fieldstone cores, tuff stone facades from the Middle Rhine region, and granite details. By 1180, the primary building material had shifted to brick.
Significant Gothic expansions began in 1275 and continued until 1300, resulting in the high Gothic choir and the Schwahl. The Romanesque basilica was gradually transformed into a late Gothic hall church by 1408, with final touches added in the 16th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century, with Schleswig becoming a Prussian provincial capital, that the cathedral attained its current form. In 1888, construction commenced on the neo-Gothic west tower, designed by Friedrich Adler and funded by French reparations to the German Empire. Completed in 1894, this 112-meter tower, though somewhat disproportionate to the rest of the cathedral, offers a viewing platform at 65 meters, providing panoramic views of Schleswig, the Schlei, and the historic Holm fishing village.
Schleswig Cathedral is a treasure trove of artistic and architectural marvels. Notable among these is the Gothic Three Kings Altar, dating back to around 1300, located in the southern side choir. Another highlight is the bronze baptismal font in the high choir, created in 1480 by Hinrich Klinghe. However, the cathedral's pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the Bordesholm Altar, an intricate wooden masterpiece carved by Hans Brüggemann between 1514 and 1521. This towering, over four-meter-high altarpiece is a stunning example of late Gothic craftsmanship.
Visitors enter the cathedral through the Romanesque Petri-Portal, constructed around 1180. This portal features a mix of building materials, including granite, red sandstone from Scania, limestone from Gotland, and tuff from the Rhineland. The tympanum above the portal depicts Christ flanked by evangelists and saints, with Simon Peter receiving the keys and Paul the mission mandate. Adjacent to the portal stands a weathered lion sculpture, with another embedded in the exterior wall of the canon's sacristy.
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Schleswig Cathedral has also been a stage for significant historical events. In the summer of 1218, during a grand festival attended by 15 bishops and three dukes, the nine-year-old Valdemar, son of the Danish king, was anointed and crowned as junior king of Denmark within its walls. This event possibly coincided with the consecration of the newly built Romanesque basilica in the presence of its patron, King Valdemar II.
The cathedral played a pivotal role during the Reformation. Initially resistant to Martin Luther's teachings, the cathedral eventually embraced Protestantism. In 1527, King Frederick I appointed Marquard Schuldorp as the first evangelical pastor of the cathedral, marking the beginning of its transition to a Protestant church. By 1542, following the adoption of Johannes Bugenhagen's church ordinance, the cathedral had become the main evangelical parish church of Schleswig, with a new Protestant bishop overseeing the entire Duchy of Schleswig.
The Schwahl, a cloister-like corridor surrounding the cathedral’s choir, has a history as rich as the cathedral itself. Initially used for the cathedral market, which dates back to the early medieval period, the Schwahl now hosts the annual Christmas market, continuing a centuries-old tradition. The proceeds from this market support the preservation of endangered artworks within the cathedral.
Today, Schleswig Cathedral stands as a beacon of history, art, and spirituality. Its towering spire, visible from afar, invites visitors to explore its storied halls, marvel at its architectural beauty, and reflect on its historical significance. Whether you're an aficionado of Gothic architecture, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Schleswig Cathedral offers a captivating journey through time, making it a must-visit landmark in Schleswig-Holstein.
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