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The cities of Mainz and Worms host two very special witnesses to the glorious history of Rheinhessen - the Romanesque imperial cathedrals St. Martin in Mainz and St. Peter in Worms!
These two architectural masterpieces not only symbolize the identity of their respective cities like few others but also have a unique connection to the imperial history of the Holy Roman Empire. Erected on the orders of the Roman-German emperors, these imposing cathedrals served as symbols of power and legitimacy, reflecting the complex history and close intertwining of religious and political power during that time.
Throughout Germany, there are a total of 7 imperial cathedrals, which can be discovered not only in Mainz and Worms but also in cities like Speyer, Frankfurt, Bamberg, or Aachen. The Kaiser- und Mariendom in Speyer holds a special place among them. In addition to the two structures in Rheinhessen, it is considered the third so-called "Rhenish" imperial cathedral and can also be attributed to the Romanesque style.
The cornerstone for the Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin was laid around the year 975 under Archbishop Willigis (975-1011). However, the building did not survive the day of its consecration (1009) due to a fire, which meant that Willigis did not witness its official consecration in 1036. Built after the model of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the cathedral aimed to unmistakably demonstrate the city's claim as the "Second Rome" through its enormous dimensions. To this day, the Diocese of Mainz, as the only diocese outside of Rome, holds the honorary title of the "Holy See," indicating the cathedral's significant position in the Catholic Church.
More interesting facts about the cathedral and its varied history can be experienced either through a separate cathedral tour organized by the Cathedral Museum or during one of the numerous city tours regularly offered by guides in Mainz. If you want to explore the cathedral and its secrets on your own, you can do so with a self-guided tour using the MAINZ app. Outside of worship services, the cathedral is open to visitors. Please inquire before your visit to check if there are any deviations in opening hours!
The Mainz Cathedral is an impressive building both from the outside and the inside, experiencing a varied construction history since its foundation in 975. Here, you can get a glimpse into the imposing church, which serves as both a landmark and a piece of identity for the city of Mainz!