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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 St. Peter's Cathedral in Worms is considered the smallest and most slender of the three Romanesque imperial cathedrals along the Rhine. In its present form, it was built between the years 1130 and 1181, with its origins reaching even further back into the early Christian period of late Roman times. The first Bishop of Worms, Berthulf (614), is already recorded from the Frankish era, although his cathedral was significantly smaller than the present one. In its over 1000-year history, the cathedral witnessed important historically shaping events, such as the papal election in 1048 or the Diet of Worms, where Martin Luther had to answer to Emperor Charles V.
The Worms Cathedral St. Peter is open for visits outside of worship service hours. Please inquire in advance about any possible deviations in opening hours!
You can learn even more information and interesting facts about the Worms Cathedral during one of the numerous cathedral tours regularly conducted by Worms tour guides. You can also explore the cathedral on your own using the official audio guide of the cathedral or with the app "Worms erleben".
The Worms Cathedral St. Peter has been the scene of numerous historical events throughout its over 1000-year history and serves as a atmospheric venue for the Nibelungen Festival every summer. Here, you can get initial insights into the cathedral and its eventful history!