France is rightfully considered the birthplace of the Gothic architectural style, because it was here, in French Saint-Denis, that the first Gothic basilica was consecrated on July 11, 1144. But the architects of Germany made a significant contribution to the development and improvement of the style of architecture, and many Gothic cathedrals in Germany became real masterpieces of architecture. Gothic architecture of Germany adopted a lot from the French, but, along with this, had its own distinctive features and directions of development.
1
Strasbourg Cathedral
The city of Strasbourg, whose name is translated from German as “fortress by the road”, is located on the border of France and Germany.
The Lutheran Cathedral built here combines French and German cultural traditions, becoming the largest temple in the history of world architecture. In addition, it is the tallest and largest cathedral in the world, built of sandstone.
The construction began at the end of the XII century, and today hundreds of thousands of tourists come to see the splendor of the Gothic temple.
2
Cologne Cathedral
One of the most famous and highest religious buildings in Europe, Cologne Cathedral was built in two stages. The foundation stone was laid back in 1248, but construction was completed at the end of the 19th century.
The Gothic cathedral in Cologne of St. Peter and Mary, especially revered in Germany, amazes with its magnificence and monumentality. For many years, this urban pearl and a masterpiece of architecture has been the pride of the townspeople, and experts and tourists alike have noted the delicacy of its forms, directed upward by the spiers of towers.
By design, it is a huge five-nave basilica, with a total area of 8.5 thousand m² and a spire height of 157 m.
According to many people, both architects and ordinary tourists, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world.
3
Freiburg Cathedral
Most of this cathedral is built in the Gothic style, which perfectly combines in a unique architectural monument with elements of the Romanesque style.
In the XIII century, the main facade of the temple took shape and a Gothic tower was built. Today it is the only religious building of Germany of this type, the construction of which was completed during the Middle Ages, in 1330.
The saints seemed to be guarding the church during the bombing, and it remained intact, although all the buildings around were completely destroyed.
4
St. Mary's Church in Lubeck
The most famous church in the German town of Lübeck is a striking example of brick Gothic architecture and a real masterpiece of medieval architecture.
They began to build it in 1250 on the site of an old wooden church and a Romanesque church. The decision to build a new symbol of prosperity was made by the merchants of the Hansa, so that it becomes the embodiment of power and welfare of the Hanseatic city.
During the Second World War, the building was almost destroyed during an air raid. The main shrines of the church were also lost. By the beginning of the 50s of the twentieth century, the temple was completely restored by the efforts of builders and architects.
5
Elizabeth Church in Marburg
The construction of the church over the grave of St. Elizabeth ended at the beginning of the XIII century, and it became the first building in Germany, built in a purely Gothic style.
The temple was laid on the banks of the Lannes River, and today it is one of the main attractions of the city of Marburg, to which hundreds of thousands of tourists come annually. Inside preserved unique Gothic frescoes.
Beautiful Gothic towers have been rising above the city for over 800 years and amaze with their splendor. They built the church with funds from the Teutonic Order, and consecrated it in honor of St. Mary, but the church went down in history under a different name.
6
Ulm Cathedral
A beautiful Gothic building in the heart of Ulm is not a cathedral in its essence, as the bishop chose the city of Stuttgart as his residence.
The cathedral was founded in 1377, and 15 years later its construction began under the personal control of Bishop Ulrich von Enzingen. The building was rebuilt several times and acquired its final form already during the reign of Bismarck, in the second half of the 19th century, becoming a symbol of a united Germany.
Today this cathedral is the tallest in the world, since the spire of the magnificent structure rises above the earth at an altitude of 161.7 m.
7
Regensburg Cathedral
The pride of the Bavarian land, the Gothic cathedral in the city of Regensburg was built almost 4 centuries, from 1275 to 1634. Only now the tower was completed in 1869.
Throughout its history, the cathedral burned twice, but was quickly restored, preserving its wonderful original appearance and architectural elements. In addition to the external decoration, the interior of the Lutheran church is striking in its splendor.
This is the only church in Germany, which was built entirely on the French model. Therefore, it is distinguished by its sophistication of forms and beautifully decorated facades.
8
Meissen Cathedral
The temple in the German town of Meissen is a pure example of German Gothic collateral with a beautiful facade and luxurious interior.
It was built in the period from 1260 to 1410, and consecrated in honor of St. John and St. Donatus. For a long time was the residence of the bishop. Itself is low. Just a little over 17 m, but the tower rises above the city square to a height of 81 m.
In architectural terms, the cleanest cathedral in the Gothic architectural style without impurities and structural elements of other styles.
9
Altenburg Cathedral
In the middle of a beautiful green field stands a magnificent cathedral, which over the long years of its existence has managed to preserve all the elements of its magnificent decoration.
Due to the large stained-glass windows, the church seems transparent, and the people have such an architectural composition called “Kirchenschiff”, which means “church ship”. A unique classic monument of Gothic architecture has a number of design features.
For example, its stained glass window on the west side, rising above the main entrance, is the largest in Europe. At sunset, it seems that it consists of precious stones, and not of simple colored glass.
10
Church of the Virgin in Nuremberg
For ten years, from 1352 to 1362, a beautiful Gothic church was erected in the ancient city of Nuremberg, near the market square.
For a long time it served as the imperial court chapel, in which the organ of the famous master Heinrich Traxdorf was installed. After the bombing, the church was restored for a long time, and in 2003 a major restoration was carried out.
Surprisingly, a clock was installed on the church in 1509, which to this day shows the exact time.
11
Lenin Monastery
The Cistercian monastery in southwest Potsdam, founded in 1180, was built of bricks by the monks, and it became a traditional example of German brick Gothic.
The severe image of Cistercian monks was also reflected in architecture. Strict lines, a minimum of external decorations are a hallmark of this architectural monument.
The large windows on the western facade were colorless, without crosses and scenes of biblical subjects. There was rigor in everything, and even the Gothic turret became a symbol of the asceticism of medieval abbey.
12
Abbey of St. Michael
On one of the slopes of Mount Michelsberg in Upper Franconia, a Benedictine monastery was founded in 1015. At the beginning of the XIX century it became the property of the state, and now it houses a center for the elderly.
The main buildings and the temple of the monastery were built in the Romanesque style, but over time, elements in the Gothic style began to be attached to them. So in Germany a special architectural style appeared.
It was this abbey of St. Michael that became the model of the beginning of the emergence of German Gothic, as a harmonious synthesis of Romanesque structures with Gothic elements.
Interesting facts of German Gothic
In conclusion, we present some interesting facts related to the Gothic buildings of Germany, and the history of the formation of this style in a European country.
- German Gothic appeared as a result of the fact that new elements in the Gothic style began to be attached to Romanesque churches. So in the history of architecture there was a transitional, Romano-Gothic style.
- Due to the lack of local stone, many German temples were built of sandstone or brick. That is why Germany became the founder of brick Gothic.
- In Russia, the Gothic style did not take root, but in the construction of some buildings in the Baroque style, Gothic elements were used. That's why we got such a pseudo-Gothic style.
- Much of German Gothic is taken from France, the ancestor of exquisite architectural style.
- Unlike the French, German architects avoided the large presence of external decorations, preferring strict lines. The western facade of medieval Gothic temples in Germany is completely devoid of decoration.
- In the Gothic buildings of Germany, in most cases there is no entrance on the main facade, and a side entrance is made, which, according to architects, helps to enjoy the integrity of beautiful buildings.
- Moscow skyscrapers remotely resemble the Gothic style. The same high-span buildings, soaring upwards, can rightfully be described as Stalinist Gothic.
So we presented a photo of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals of medieval Germany and other structures, briefly telling their stories, and pointing out the main structural architectural features. We can say that German Gothic is a vivid example of this amazing architectural style, which is still actively used by modern architects in the design and construction of new buildings.
Article author: Valery Skiba