“Halt the winds,” an angel commands. We stand before the Allerheiligenkapelle. It is a small building attached to the Regensburg Cathedral’s cloister. Imagine Bishop Hartwig II of Spanheim choosing this spot for his mausoleum. He was the first Regensburg bishop to break tradition. Before him, bishops were buried at Sankt Emmeram Monastery. Hartwig died in 1164 so we date the chapel to the mid-12th century.
The Allerheiligenkapelle retains its original 12th-century design. Unlike many others, it avoided later additions. The paintings depict the Allerheiligenoffizium. Early inscriptions hinted at this. Today, only fragments remain. These “blind” script bands connect the chapel’s spaces.
Notice the chapel’s structure. It divides into heavenly and earthly realms. The octagonal tambour and dome represent heaven. The base and conches symbolize earth. Paint and architecture interact in every part. The painting is an integral part of the architecture.
Look up to the dome. Christ reigns as ruler of the world. But the typical apocalyptic lamb is missing. Instead, Christ is surrounded by eight angels like spokes on a wheel.
Below the windows, heart-shaped palmettes form ornamental stripes. The eastern tambour window shows three martyrdoms. Sadly, their poor condition makes identification difficult. Other windows feature groups of three saints. They represent faith, hope, and charity. These are conditions for achieving blessedness.
Below the windows are medallion portraits. They lack haloes. They hold scepter-like objects. These objects resemble those in local book illustrations of rulers. They likely represent earthly power.
In the eastern conch, the angel of the Last Judgment stands on a sun disc. He orders the wind angels to wait. They must hold back the winds from the earth’s four corners. This continues until God’s servants are marked. These servants are the twelve tribes of Israel. Two scrolls extend from the great sun angel. They quote Revelation 7.3 in Latin. Below the angels are wavy lines. They symbolize the winds. The four wind angels float between heaven and earth. They mediate between these realms.
See the painted curtain in the base area. Its folds appear almost three-dimensional. The hem looks pinned with nails. Above it runs a meander frieze.
In the side conches, two crowned women sit enthroned above the windows. Standing figures surround them. Both women have haloes. They are larger than the figures beside them. Behind their heads, scrolls split. A dove representing the Holy Spirit appears above the north conch. A portrait of Christ appears above the south conch. The other figures wear cloaks and tunics. They represent secular power. The Allerheiligenkapelle is a unique treasure. It offers a glimpse into the medieval mind. Bishop Hartwig’s vision lives on in these walls.