High above Regensburg’s rooftops the towers of Saint Peter’s Cathedral pierce the sky. This magnificent cathedral is not just a building. It is a testament to faith perseverance and artistic brilliance. For centuries it has stood as a beacon in the heart of Regensburg. Its history is woven into the very fabric of the city.
Construction began around 700 AD. A bishop’s church stood on this site then. By 739 Saint Boniface had established the bishop’s seat near the Porta Praetoria. The cathedral’s location remained unchanged. The building underwent numerous transformations. It was rebuilt in Carolingian times and expanded in the 11th century. Fires in 1156 and 1172 destroyed much of the structure. Reconstruction began in 1273. This time in the High Gothic style. The three choirs were completed by 1320. The old cathedral was demolished. Work continued until around 1520. The cloister followed between 1514 and 1538.
Notice the unusual separation of the cathedral from the older cloister. This happened when the church was rebuilt southwest of the Romanesque cathedral. The 17th century brought Baroque renovations. The cupola and other areas were updated. King Ludwig I of Bavaria commissioned a neo-Gothic restoration between 1828 and 1841. Baroque frescoes were relocated. The cupola was demolished and replaced with a quadripartite rib vault. The towers and spires were added between 1859 and 1869. Finally the cathedral was finished in 1872. That concluded nearly 600 years of construction.
Look closely at the western pillars at the crossing. There you’ll see an Annunciation group. The figures of Mary and Gabriel date to around 1280. The Erminold Maria is a remarkable element. Notice Mary’s slightly raised hand greeting the angel. In her other hand she holds a book. On the eastern pillars are stone figures of Saints Peter and Paul. These were installed in 1320 and between 1360 and 1370 respectively.
The All Saints’ Chapel in the cloister is also noteworthy. Built in 1164 it was a burial chapel for Bishop Hartwig II. Master builders from Como Italy constructed it. Its triconchos interior features frescoes from that era. The stained glass windows are priceless. Most were installed between 1220-1230 and 1320-1370. The west facade windows were completed in the 19th century. Those in the left chancel date to 1967-1968. Professor Oberberger created them. He also made the Pentecost window and clerestory windows.
Marvel at the silver high altar. Augsburg artists created it between 1695 and 1785. It has five Gothic altars of reservation. Saint Peter Canisius even preached from the stone pulpit in 1556-1557. The cathedral is also a burial place for important bishops. Among them are Johann Michael von Sailer Georg Michael Wittmann and Archbishop Michael Buchberger. A bronze memorial to Prince-Bishop Cardinal Philipp Wilhelm stands in the western nave.
Saint Peter’s Cathedral is more than just a building. It is a living testament to history faith and artistic achievement. It’s a journey through time a treasure trove of art and a place of quiet reflection. This impressive structure is certainly a highlight of any visit to Regensburg.